3D Printing

3D printing can be a great tool to reproduce 3D models or prototypes. It is important that the students can learn creating 3D models and rapid prototyping, so that they can design their own 3D models and to actualize design concepts in everyday work and life.

3D Printing Service is available via iBooking System.

You may also make appointment to the service via

Location

Digital Makerspace, 4/F North Wing

Printer information

Option 1

Material PLA (bio-degradable polymer) filament
Colour White
Price List Base charge HK$20 plus material charge at HK$1/gram.
For example, a printed model weighing 10 grams will cost HK$30.
($20 base charge + $10 materials charge)

Option 2

Material Resin
Colour Grey
Price list Base charge HK$20 plus material charge at HK$6/gram.
For example, a printed model weighing 10 grams will cost HK$80.
($20 base charge + $60 materials charge)

Self-service printing

Material PLA (bio-degradable polymer) filament
Price list Material charge at HK$1/gram.
Remarks Only available for users who attended relevant i-Space workshops;
Or those who have prior experience in using FDM printing.

Booking policy

Eligible users:

PolyU/CPCE students and staff, except students leading to no award.

Rules:

  • Two sessions at 10:00am and 3:30pm respectively are available from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays).
  • The maximum duration of each session is 30 minutes.
  • Booking can be made 3 days in advance on iBooking System.
  • The booking will be automatically cancelled 15 minutes after the session time begins.
  • If you are unable to come, please cancel your booking as soon as possible so that another user can get an opportunity to use this service.

Placing a print request

  • Please save your file in STL format on a USB thumb drive. You can create your 3D model from scratch or download a file ready for printing on the Internet. You are suggested to check your file in detail to make sure the file is printable on 3D printer.
  • Bring along your STL file saved on a USB thumb drive and place your print request with our staff.
  • You will be required to fill in and sign a print request form indicating all the printing requirements.
  • Library staff will go through your print file with you on a 3D printing workstation where you can configure the printing parameters and requirements (such as layer height, in-fill, support, etc.).
  • Library staff will then assess the printability of your file and indicate the printing time and cost on the request form.
  • You will be required to pay for the printing cost in full at the time your printing request is placed.
  • It depends on the size and complexity of the model. Our printer may take one hour to print a model weighing 10 grams.

Picking up your printed model

  • You will be given an expected date and time for pickup after placing your request.
  • You are suggested to contact our staff at 2766-6909 to make sure the printed object is ready for pickup beforehand.

Points to Note

  • Users are reminded to make sure their print files do not infringe copyright or intellectual property rights. Users are fully responsible for any legal consequences arising from infringement of applicable copyright laws. The University has the right to hold the user liable on an indemnity basis for any claims, liabilities, costs and damages the University may suffer as a result of any infringement.
  • The printed model may have small defects such as small holes or a coarse surface. These normal defects will not be accepted as reasons for any refund or refusal to pay. In addition, the Library will not guarantee any precise tolerance on fitting of multi-part objects.
  • If a print job fails due to the problems in model design or the print file, the user is still required to pay for the print job in full cost.
  • For those objects that require temporary support material to be printed, the support material is easily removable and users will be completely responsible for removing this material. Library staff will not remove any materials nor support materials from the model for you.
  • The Library reserves the right to reject any print request or cancel any print job. For example, printing requests for weapons, obscene or dangerous objects will not be accepted.
  • Printed objects not picked up within 28 days will be recycled. The users will not be refunded for objects not picked up within this period.
  • The Library will take and keep photos of the output models for its Library publication and promotion materials upon agreement from users.
  • Should you require professional and industrial grade 3D Printing facilities and equipment to further develop your prototype, you can approach the PolyU Industrial Centre (IC). Please contact the Industrial Centre for more information.

FAQ

Please refer to FAQ on 3D printing to find out more about the service.