What is 3-D printing?

3-D printing is the process of making a physical object from a digital model file. Used widely for prototyping and design projects, 3-D printing allows for low-cost, rapid ideation before arriving at a final finished product. 3-D printing can be used for fun, for research and for creative purposes.

UCC library supports students and staff in building capabilities in digital literacy, as well as emerging technologies by unveiling a 3-D printing service located in the Boole Library.

Find a free 3-D Model Design

Thingiverse

Browse, download and remix thousands of 3-D model designs for free.

Create your own!

Tinkercad

Create your own 3-D model designs using Tinkercad, a free, easy-to-learn 3D modeling software. Any other CAD software will work too.

REMEMBER TO EXPORT YOUR DESIGNS AS AN STL FILE.

The library provides a 3-D printing service to all registered UCC students and staff. The service is operated by library staff who process 3-D files requested by users.

Cost: Currently free (but charges may be introduced in the future). The 3-D printing service is intended to be an occasional printing service, and excessive volumes of printing requests from a single user may not be offered for free. 

Product: 3-D files will be printed in polylactide (PLA), which is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester made from renewable resources such as sugarcane. The library has a limited range of PLA colours available, and the 3-D model will be printed using the filament loaded in the printer at time of printing.

Preparation: Only files submitted as .STL will be printed. Model files will be printed without modification - you are responsible for ensuring the object is sized correctly and that all design elements are as required. Library staff will only check the submitted file for obvious technical issues that may impact the printing process. Where such issues will impact the printing process, a member of staff will contact you to review your design/file issues.

Print size: The library currently operates a Makerbot Replicator 5th Generation 3-D printer. The maximum volume for printed objects is 250mm x 199mm x 150mm. Objects with smaller dimensions tend to have a more reliable print experience.

Print Colour: Objects are printed using one solid colour. Your object will be printed in whichever colour filament is in the printer at the time of printing. We're not able to accommodate specific colour requests.

Post-processing: All objects require support mesh material to be printed with them. These materials can be easily removed, but you are responsible for their removal. The library will not be responsible for any smoothing or finishing requirements needed with your object.

• UCC Library reserves the right to decline any print request for any reason.
• The library will only process one file submission per user at any one time - multiple submissions from a single user will not be approved for printing.
• By submitting a 3-D print request, it is understood that you have ensured the model is not subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection - the library accepts no responsibility for this.
• The use of the library's 3-D printer is for lawful and non-commercial purposes.
• Users of this service must abide by all applicable laws, University and library policies.
• The 3-D printing service cannot be used to print items that fall into any of the following criteria:
  • Prohibited by law, including but not limited to weapons and models of weapons.
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or immediate threat to the well-being of others.
  • Obscene or otherwise inappropriate items.
  • In violation of the intellectual property rights of others.
• Items not collected within 14 days become the property of library.

3-D Printing Process:

• Save your file as an STL file.
• Email your file as an attachment to lib3dp@ucc.ie.
• Your file will be approved for printing by library staff, and added to the print queue.
• When your model is ready, we'll notify you that is it ready for collection from the main desk in the Boole Library.

If you have questions or comments about UCC Library's 3-D printing service, please email lib3dp@ucc.ie.