3D Printing @ Codwell Library: Home

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.

The HCC Codwell Campus Library houses an Ultimaker printer available for use. 

Consultation and Approval Process
Students are required to meet with a library staff member to discuss their 3D printing project. Before starting the print job, students must prepare their 3D file for review. Library staff will preview the design, approve it, and initiate the printing process. To schedule a consultation, students can use the following link: 3D Printing Consultation Form.

Eligibility and Printing Limits
3D printing is currently free and available to current HCC students.

Printing requests for class assignments must adhere to the following restrictions:

• Time Limit: Maximum of 8 hours per print job.
• Weight Limit: Up to 100 grams.

For personal items, students may print one object under the following conditions:

• Time Limit: 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Weight Limit: No more than 10 grams.

Equipment and Location Guidelines
The Codwell Library houses an Ultimaker printer for 3D printing. However, overnight print jobs are not permitted at this location. For overnight printing needs, students should visit the IDEAStudio at the West Houston Institute.

Pick-Up Policy
Printed items must be collected within 14 days of completion.

For additional details, visit the Codwell 3D Printing page.

For inquiries, please contact Jennifer Crispin

Policy: 

• All 3D printing at HCC Codwell Library will occur as IN-HOUSE USE ONLY under supervision of library staff.

• The HCC Codwell Library 3D printer may only be used for lawful purposes.

• Objects made using the HCC Codwell 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 Codwell 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 Codwell 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 Codwell 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 Codwell Library cannot guarantee model quality or stability, confidentiality of designs, or specific delivery times. HCC Codwell 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.

To see availability at Codwell and make a 3D printing consultation appointment with a Codwell librarian, use the button above.

To make an appointment at any HCC Library 3D printing location, use the form below.