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MakerLab and 3D Printing

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 independently. You may also submit a 3D printing project request and pick up the project from Mudd Library.

Using the MakerLab by Appointment

An appointment with Ted Quiballo, Instructional Technologies Librarian, is required prior to independent use of the MakerLab equipment.

Limits

  • A consultation with library staff is required before using the MakerLab
  • All 3D printers and scanners must be used in accordance to the terms of use and within copyright restrictions 

Turnaround Time

An estimate can be given at a consultation. Printing and scanning are done on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for students completing course work.

Requesting a 3D Printing Project

MakerLab staff will print your project on your behalf and you can pick it up from Mudd Library.

Cost

Free

Eligible Patrons

Northwestern University students, faculty and staff

Limits

  • All 3D printers and scanners must be used in accordance to the terms of use and within copyright restrictions

Turnaround Time

A due date can be provided at least two weeks from the date of request. MakerLab staff will reach out if unable to accommodate.

MakerLab Equipment

3D Printers

  • 2 – Bambu Lab P1P Series 
    Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm (10 x 10 x 10 inches) 
    Supported File Types: STL, OBJ, STEP 
  • 2 – Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 
    Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm (10 x 10 x 10 inches) 
    Supported File Types: STL, OBJ, STEP 
  • 2 – Elegoo Neptune 3 Max 
    Build Volume: 420 x 420 x 500 mm (16.5 x16.5 x 19.7 inches) 
    Supported File Types: STL 
  • 1 - Creality CR-30
    Build Volume: 200 x 170 x ∞ mm (~78.5 x 66.9 x ∞ inches)
    Rolling Conveyor Belt

Software

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

Terms of Use and Copyright Restrictions

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

Further Resources

For questions and further assistance, contact muddmaker@northwestern.edu.

Other campus resources for fabrication services can be found on MAKE Northwestern.