The Cline Library MakerLab offers two self-service 3D printers for any advanced users wishing to explore the potential of our 3D printing technologies. These self-service 3D printers are free to use and are available to all NAU/CCC students, staff, and faculty - as well as any Flagstaff area community members - during MakerLab hours. Please note that users must provide their own 3D printing filament (1.75mm PLA) in order to use this service.
For more information about the capabilities of our two MakerBot Replicator v5 self-service 3D printers, please read the printing specifications section below. Ready to start 3D printing? Use the guide below to learn more about how to prepare, process, and print your 3D model using the MakerLab's self-service 3D printers.
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Printer Model
The MakerLab has two MakerBot Replicator v5 FDM printers available for self-service 3D printing on a first-come, first-served basis.
3D printing filament is not provided for the MakerLab's self-service 3D printing - users will need to provide their own material. The self-service printers are compatible with 1.75mm rolls of PLA (Polylactic Acid) 3D printing filament. Please note that unless you purchase MakerBot brand filament you will need to re-roll your filament on one of our MakerBot-compatible filament spools. Spools and rolling tools are available.
The maximum print size that the MakerLab's self-service 3D printers can accommodate is 9.92" x 7.83" x 5.9”.
For 3D printing, resolution is measured by the thickness of the layers being printed. Thinner layers will result in cleaner and more precise final models. When 3D printing using the MakerLab our recommended resolution is 0.2 mm with a maximum resolution of 0.1 mm.
For 3D printing, the density of your model is determined by the infill percentage. When 3D printing using the MakerLab our recommended infill percentage is 10%, however this can be increased up to 95%.
The time required to print a 3D model varies widely and depends on the size and complexity of the design, as well as your requested print settings such as resolution and infill. Users must monitor their 3D prints when using the library's self-service printers. Self-service 3D printing is not available when the Cline Library is closed.
The MakerLab does not charge for the use of our two self-service 3D printers. Please note that you must provide your own filament material.
In order to properly process and print your 3D model you will need to use the MakerBot Print software interface. MakerBot Print can be downloaded for free.
Step 1: Load Your Model in MakerBot Print
Step 1: Loading Your Printing Material
Step 2: Printing Your Model
Step 3: Harvesting Your Print
Step 4: Unloading Your Material
Common 3D Printing Failures
If a 3D print job fails, do the following: