Skip to Main Content Library | Kent State University

3D Printer: Procedures

Procedures for Using the 3D Printer and Scanner

Procedures for 3D Printing and Scanning in the
Stark Campus Library

The following procedures describe the process for requesting the printing and scanning of 3D objects using the library’s Makerbot Replicator and Makerbot Digitizer. Please review the policy for printing and scanning before submitting a request.

  1. All submissions will be initiated by filling out the online 3D Printing or Scanning Request form (http://libguides.stark.kent.edu/3Dprinter)
    1. Personal information
    2. Whether or not the submission is course-relate/academic in nature/non-academic
    3. Course/faculty information, if course-related
    4. Devices needed (printer, scanner, or both)
    5. Source (file or 3D object) and description
    6. If it is a file, the type of file (stl, obj, thing)
    7. Origin of the source (to determine copyright implications)
    8. Approximate size of the object or resulting object (if a file submission)
  2. The form submission is emailed to library staff.
  3. Library staff review the submission for initial acceptance.
  4. If the submission is denied (the object is too large, the file type is not compatible, etc.) library staff will inform the submitter.
  5. If the submission is provisionally approved, the submitter will be informed and asked to bring the object or file in for evaluation by library staff.
  6. Library staff will evaluate the physical object or file submission (using the Makerbot software)
    1. If the submission is a physical object, an attempt will be made to scan the object with the submitter present (about 10 minutes). If the submitter approves the scan, depending on other print jobs already queued, it will either be printed or scheduled for printing. If the submission is a file, library staff will attempt to load the file into the Makerbot software. The file will be reviewed with the submitter present. If the submitter approves the print job, depending on other print jobs already queued, it will either be printed or scheduled for printing.
    2. If the submission is non-academic an estimate of costs will be provided to the submitter (at a rate of $1.00 per hour, to the nearest hour, for the duration of the printing).
  7. If the print job fails due to a printer malfunction, the print job will be resubmitted (no additional costs will be incurred and only completed print jobs will be charged a fee).
  8. After completion of the print job, the object will be stored at the circulation desk. The submitter will be notified that the object is ready to pick up and be given the final costs (if applicable). If the print job included a fee, the fee will be collected at the time the object is picked up at the circulation desk.
  9. Any objects not picked up within 14 days of notification may be discarded by the library.