3D Printing Studio Services

The IDEA Lab Process: You Design It & We Print It

Faculty, students, and staff are welcome to submit a print request to the IDEA Lab 3D Printing Studio. Learn more about this technology in the Lab’s 3D Printing Guide.

If you have any questions about our services, please contact idealab@library.illinois.edu.

Getting Started

• Anyone affiliated with the University of Illinois can submit a print request. If someone not affiliated with the University directly would like to use our printing services, email us at idealab@library.illinois.edu.
• The IDEA Lab adheres to the regulations stated in the campus-wide University’s Student Code and the Library User Policies. We reserve the right to refuse print jobs that infringe on these policies and guidelines.
• There are multiple places around Urbana-Champaign for 3D printing. See the list of campus and community locations.

Submitting A Request

• All requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • After a request is submitted, you will be contacted by email within three business days to discuss next steps.
• Print requests must be submitted in .stl or .obj files to be compatible with our printers.
• If you need to submit more than one file, please archive into a .ZIP file.
  • Please limit total attachment size to no more than 20 megabytes. If files in total are larger than 20 megabytes, please email us at idealab@library.illinois.edu. 
• Available filament includes UV-curable resin, PLA, PETg, ABS, and polycarbonate.
• For safety reasons, only trained IDEA Lab staff can operate the equipment.
• Due to the nature of 3D printing, we cannot give firm completion times at the start of the print process. 

Payment

• Print price is calculated by a $4.00 base cost per print + $0.10 per gram of print material
  • Ex: a 63-g print would be $10.30.
• Before the print is initiated, you will be emailed an estimated cost for the job.
  • The IDEA Lab requires email acceptance of the estimated cost before we begin your print.
• Cash is not accepted. Requests must specify a CFOAP or a general campus account for billing.

Completed Prints

• We will hold the printed job until the end of the semester in which it was submitted.
• You will receive an email notification when your print is complete.
• Pick up finished prints at the IDEA Lab Help Desk during open hours.
  • You will need to present your i-Card or Illinois app to retrieve your print.
• If there are issues with your print, a staff member will communicate you on your project’s status.
• Looking to paint your print? We recommend coating your parts in a plastic-compatible primer for the best painting results before applying top and finishing coats.
  • Rust-Oleum High-Performance Enamel Primer Spray is a primer that works well.

 

 

FAQs