MakerLab

Maker Lab Open by Appointment

The MakerLab is currently open by appointment. To request a consultation appointment, visit the Maker Lab Consult Request. For any inquiries, email Ted Quiballo, tquiballo@northwestern.edu.

Use the MakerLab

A consultation is recommended before using the MakerLab independently. Complete the consultation form to submit your project details. If you would like to submit a 3D Printing Project for library staff to print, use the 3D Printing Project Request form.

Mudd Library offers mediated 3D printing and 3D scanning services to current Northwestern University students, faculty, and staff. A consultation with library staff is required before using the MakerLab. You may also submit a 3D printing project request for library staff to print.

Printing and scanning are done on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for students completing course work. During the consultation, an estimate of turnaround time will be provided within the context of workload across the service.

Request a consultation

Cost

There is currently no charge for 3D scanning, 3D printing, or the filament used for printing. The filament is supplied by the library. Cost is subject to change. This service is in a trial period.

Any output of a print job not picked up in 14 days becomes the property of University Library and will be disposed of accordingly.

Equipment

3D Printers

2 – MakerBot Replicator+

Build Volume: 29.5 L X 19.5 W X 16.5 H CM [11.6 X 7.6 X 6.5 IN]
Supported File Types: STL, OBJ

1 – MakerBot Replicator Z18

Build Volume: 30.0 L x 30.5 W x 45.7 H CM [11.8 L x 12.0 W x 18.0 H IN]
Supported File Types: STL, OBJ

1 – LulzBot TAZ Pro

Build Volume: 280 L x 280 W x 285 H MM [11.02 L x 11.02 W x 11.22 H IN]
Supported File Types: STL, OBJ

Software

Simplify3D (on computers in MakerLab)
SketchUp Pro (on 20 concurrent public workstations)
MakerBot Print
MeshLab
MeshMixer
Solidworks (free with campus license)

Terms of use and copyright

The library’s 3D printers and scanners must be used for lawful purposes. Users must abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws as well as University and Library policies while respecting the University community. It is not permitted to use library 3D printers to create material which is:

Prohibited by local, state or federal law;
Prohibited by University and Library policies;
Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or considered by library staff to pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others;
Considered by library staff to be obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment;
In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

Read full MakerLab Use Policy.

Contact us

We are interested in adding and changing MakerLab services to meet the needs of the Northwestern community. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.