3D printing lets you create a prototype object from a digital model. It started in the 80s under the name "rapid prototyping," because the purpose of the technology was to prototype faster and cheaper. Today 3D printers offer amazing results and let you create almost anything you can imagine.
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Procedures for Class Assignment Printing |
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Eligibility |
Currently enrolled HCC Students with proof of a valid class assignment where a 3D printed object is an acceptable final product |
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Scheduling / Availability |
Schedule an appointment; or stop by to talk to a library staff member to discuss a 3D printing project. The staff member will review the file with the student in Ultimaker Cura, and follow up with the student to evaluate the digital object, resources, estimate a time completion, and discuss file formats. All prints will be executed by the student under the supervision of HCC library staff during the library's regular hours of operation. Prints must be completed before closing. Students who are more than 15 minutes late for their appointment risk forfeiting their session. |
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Time Limit |
Flexible. As long as the print is complete before the library closes for the day, and does not conflict with other reservations through the online booking system. Students do not need to stay during the entire print session. It is recommended to watch the first layers print and check in periodically. Library staff may stop the print for any noticeable failure. |
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Accepted Files |
Students are encouraged to arrive with an STL file prepared on a USB drive, but not sliced. Library staff will assist in the slicing process at the beginning of the appointment. |
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Filament |
The library currently provides limited filament in a variety of colors. Students may choose from existing filament or provide their own. Students bringing their own filament should follow the guidelines on the HCC West Houston Institute IdeaStudio page for the 2.85mm filament, placing their name on any personal spools for identification. |
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Cost |
Printing costs will be waived until HCC Libraries finalize an agreement with Eagleprint or until further notice. Students are encouraged to bring their own filament for larger print jobs. |
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Priority |
All items will be printed on a first come first serve basis, according to the reservations made through our booking system. In times of higher demand, HCC Library Staff may limit the number of prints to one (1) per day per person or group. |
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Pickup |
Prints must be picked up within 7 days of printing, and not within the first half hour or last half hour of the library's hours of operation. |
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Post-Processing |
Students are responsible for any post-processing such as filing or removing support plastic. |
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Contact |
For more information or questions, please contact:
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Due to our proximity to the IdeaStudio facilities, students wishing to print personal items are encouraged to take the free IdeaStudio trainings to gain access to the 3D printers and other fabulous resources at their disposal. Find out more on their website.
Policy:
All 3D printing at HCC Alief Hayes Library will occur as IN-HOUSE USE ONLY under supervision of library staff.
The HCC Alief Hayes Library 3D printer may only be used for lawful purposes.
Objects made using the HCC Alief Hayes Library 3D printer are not for commercial use, mass production, and are not to be resold.
Students must abide by all applicable local, state and federal laws and HCC Library policies.
Students will not be allowed to create unsafe, harmful, or dangerous objects or those which replicate such objects or pose an immediate threat to the well-being of persons or property. This includes parts of weapons, ammunition, and defensive as well as offensive weapons or any object which is regulated or requires a license to carry.
Students shall not print any obscene or otherwise inappropriate objects which HCC library staff determines in their sole discretion, inappropriate for a learning environment.
HCC Library staff, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to decline any print request for any reason.
Students will not create or print any object in violation of another’s intellectual property rights related to patented, trademarked, or copyrighted materials.
HCC Library staff, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to decline any print request for any reason.
Disclaimer:
In providing 3D printing services, HCC Alief Hayes Library disclaims any warranties, express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability and warranty of fitness of a particular purpose, for the printing services themselves and any resulting tangible object or product thereof. The 3D objects are provided to students for aesthetic purposes only, and are not intended for use as a functional tool or a functional part of a larger item. HCC Alief Hayes Library shall not be liable for any damages resulting from such non-aesthetic use. In submitting a print request, a student warrants and represents that it owns, or has obtained, all rights necessary to allow HCC Alief Hayes Library to provide the requested 3D printing services. Students shall be liable for any and all claims of intellectual property infringement that result from the 3D printing services provided hereunder. HCC Alief Hayes Library cannot guarantee model quality or stability, confidentiality of designs, or specific delivery times. HCC Alief Hayes Library is not responsible for any damage, loss or security of data arising from the use of its computers or network, nor for the functionality or quality of content produced on the 3D printer.
IMPORTANT NOTICE WARNING CONCERNING COPYRIGHT AND OTHER LEGAL RESTRICTIONS.
Copyright law under Title 17 of the United States Code, patent law under Title 35 of the United States Code, and other intellectual property laws of the United States may govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of content. Under 17 U.S.C. § 108(f)(2) the provision of unsupervised photocopy or reproducing equipment for use by patrons does not excuse the person who uses the reproduction equipment from liability for copyright infringement for any such act, or for any later use of such copy or phonorecord, if it exceeds fair use as provided by 17 U.S.C. § 107. Nor does it excuse the person who uses the reproducing equipment from liability for patent, tort or other laws.
This institution reserves the right to refuse to make available or provide access to photocopy or other reproducing equipment if, in its judgment, use of such equipment would involve violation of copyright, patent or other laws.
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