Fant Memorial Library provides access to 3D printing services free of charge to MUW and MSMS faculty, staff, and students. In compliance with university policies, all print jobs must be for curricular or co-curricular use. 3D print requests can be submitted through the 3D print request form and will be printed on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more on our software and 3D printing capabilities, see our use guide. For help or questions about 3D printing, contact us!

The library will print 3D objects that:

• Are submitted by MUW students, faculty, or staff for curricular or co-curricular use.
• Do not exceed 120 grams of material weight or 100 milliliters of resin (limits may be waived for curricular use).
• Are in available colors only.
• Are linked or attached with acceptable file formats: .stl, .obj, or compressed .zip files of these formats.

The library will NOT print 3D objects that:

• Are prohibited by local, state, or federal law, or may result in legal action against the university.
• Violate university or library policies outlined in the MUW student handbook.
• Could be unsafe, harmful, or pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others, as in the production or facsimiles of weapons (e.g. parts of weapons, ammunition, toys, mounts, holders, accessories, etc.)
• Infringe on intellectual property rights.

Library Responsibilities

• Review all 3D print requests for compliance with university and library policies.
• Print at a pace sustainable by library staff.
• Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff on special 3D printing projects when requested.
• Communicate with the patron about the status of the print and follow up with questions about the print when necessary

Definitions of Curricular and Co-Curricular Use

• Curricular: A student is working on a project directly related to a course.
• Co-Curricular: A student is learning about the 3D printing equipment and its operation, though the project is not tied to a course.

Policies for Different 3D Printers

There are two kinds of printers in the FabLab: filament and resin printers. The filament printer is ideal for creating large models, prototypes, and functional parts. It’s more versatile and durable. The resin printer creates more precise and intricate designs, but less durable and usually smaller in size.

• Filament Printers (AnkerMake and Elegoo): Available for both curricular and co-curricular use.
• Resin Printer: Due to the cost, toxicity, and complexity of the printing process, only trained staff can handle the resin printer for curricular use only.

3D Printing Request Process

Curricular Use

Students must complete the 3D print request form, providing:

• Course name and professor.
• Due date (print requests must be submitted at least 7 days in advance).
• Option to schedule an appointment with trained library staff/faculty if they wish to be present at the print job start.
• Uploaded file or link for printing.

Co-Curricular Use

Students interested in 3D printing without a class assignment must complete the 3D print request form including:

• Indication that the print request is not for a class.
• Schedule appointment with trained library staff/faculty.
• Print request within a 120-gram material weight limit.
• Uploaded file or link for printing.

Faculty Requests

Faculty should contact the library if they:

• Plan to assign a 3D printing project as part of their course.
• Want a 3D printing demonstration for their class.
• Need a 3D-printed object for classroom use.

For further inquiries, please contact the Fant Memorial Library staff.