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Library - MakerSpace: 3D Printing

A creative space where people with ideas can get together with people who have the technical ability to make these ideas a reality

What is 3D Printing

3D printers build a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design model. This is usually done by adding successive layers of printable material and constructing the model. This is why it is also called additive manufacturing. (Wikipedia)

A STL file stores information about 3D models. This format describes only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object without any representation of colour, texture, or other common model attributes. All3DP.

These files are usually generated by a computer-aided design (CAD) program, as an end product of the 3D modeling process. "STL" is the file extension of the STL file format

Filament: PLA (R2.00 per gram)

3D Printers: Creality CR10 MAX, Creality CR6 MAX, Creality Ender 5, Creality Ender 3 V2 (Creality Resin)

3D Models Resources

Thingiverse

Yeggi

YouMagazine

STLFinder

The British Museum on Sketchfab

Lincoln 3D Scans

NIH 3D Print Exchange

embodi3D

Steps to follow for 3D Printing

Step 1

Find a 3D model from a repository or make a 3D model using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. You can also find user-submitted designs at sites like Thingiverse, more sites are available under 3D Model Resources on the left. The 3D model must be in an STL Format.

For 3D scanning, make a booking of the 3D scanner if you want to scan a physical object.

You may make your own file using the provided CAD software and MakerSpace tools. 

Step 2

Submitting your STL formatted file via e-mail or on a memory stick.

The file submitted must be without errors. Should there be any errors UJ Library or MakerSpace staff may not be held responsible for errors in the printing.

Step 3

Please provide the following information when submitting a 3D print Request: 

  • Student / Staff Number
  • E-Mail Address
  • Print Quality (Specify: High / Normal / Draft)
  • Infill density (Specify %: 10% - 90%); Shell or Solid; Infill patter (Specify: Normal, Honeycomb or Octagonal)
  • Dimensions of object (if possible)

Any special instructions in the Notes section

The submitted file will be inspected to confirm that it is in the correct format

Step 4

A quote will be provided by e-mail, and payment can be made via EFT

(FNB - Branch Main Street 051 - Branch code 251705 - Account number 62615873149 - Swift code FIRNZAJJ). 

The user must state that it is for "Library MakerSpace  Printing".

Proof of payment must please be e-mailed to Rudie Strauss (rudies@uj.ac.za). 

Step 5

The MakerSpace staff will communicate the collection date. 

Prints are usually completed in less than a week, depending on the volume of requests.

In-person sessions (one-on-one)  can be scheduled for more information on equipment, tools, or design support.

 

Victor Lebelo - vlebelo@uj.ac.za & Rudie Strauss - rudies@uj.ac.za