Research Guides: Using the 3-D Printer: Getting Started

What is 3D printing?

The creation of a three-dimensional model from a digital file. It is also known as Additive Manufacturing (AD).
The model is formed by the thin layering of material.
- The material is usually ABS, PLA, or resin.

MGA's printer is a Creality K1

Software: C reality Print
- Creality Print is available for Windows, Mac (Intel chip), Mac (Apple chip), and Linux.
Material: PLA
File Types: STL and OBJ

The left figure is a print with supports, the right figure is the same print with the supports removed.

Your print could take several hours to days to finish.

Plan ahead.

Your file may need editing to print correctly.

Some files need fine tuning.

Your print will need some clean up after printing.

Prints with overhands will require supports which need removal.

Your print may structurally fail during printing.

Library staff may use discretion to cancel a failing print.

The left figure is a print with supports, the right figure is the same print with the supports removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to use the makerspace's 3-D printer?
What filetypes can I use with the Creality K1?
Can I use the Creality K1 through my phone or tablet?
How do I know if my 3-D model needs supports?
What is 3-D printing?
What kind of 3-D printer do we have?
What material does it use?
How long does it take to 3-D print?
What is the maximum size for a 3-D print?

How much does it cost to use the makerspace's 3-D printer?

Students can 3-D print five things per semester. We may reevaluate this policy at the end of the semester. If your print structurally fails, it may be cancelled.

What filetypes can I use with the Creality K1?

STL or OBJ

Can I use the Creality K1 through my phone or tablet?

How do I know if my 3-D model needs supports?

If your file has any overhanging elements, you'll need supports.

What is 3-D Printing?

The creation of a three-dimensional model from a digital file. It is also known as Additive Manufacturing (AD).
The model is formed by the thin layering of material.

What kind of 3-D printer to we have?

Creality K1

What kind of material does it use?

PLA (Polylactic Acid).Plastic

How long does it take to 3-D print?

It can take anywhere from several hours to several days for an object to 3-D print, depending on the complexity and size of your object.

What is the maximum size for a 3-D print?

For a Creality K1, the maximum dimensions for a single print are 8.57 in long x 9.1 in deep x 10.4 in high (21.8 cm long x 23.1 cm deep by 26.4 cm high).

Using the 3-D Printer