Our in-person service provides access to Makerbot Sketch Large printers during service hours (Tuesday-Friday, 9:30-4:30). Please check library hours for holiday closures.
The printers are located in the MADLab (Room B112 at the south end of the first lower level - see map). Please note that a valid TCard is required to enter Gerstein Science Information Centre.
We also offer on-site access to 3D scanning equipment and a recording booth. Please contact us for more information at gerstein.3dprinting@utoronto.ca.
How to access
In-person access is available to all certified valid University of Toronto UTORid + TCard holders. The cost is $2/1 hour.
Step 1. Become a certified user
- Attend a Gerstein certification training. Register for an upcoming training session
- Read and understand the service policies and procedures
- Join the Quercus shell and complete the knowledge test
- Receive your certification confirmation email
Step 2. Print your object in the MADLab
- Certified users can request a printer reservation via the booking tool
- Bring your reservation confirmation email to the Gerstein service desk 5 minutes prior to your reservation
- Pick up an access fob and pay for your reserved time ($2/hour)
- Complete the safety waiver at the desk or in the lab prior to using the machines
- Print your object
- Return the key fob at the end of your reservation. Lost fobs are subject to a $15 fee
Policies and procedures
All users must read and understand the service Policies and Procedures prior to use. Breach of policy may result in the removal of access to service.
Equipment specifications
The 3D printing service has two MakerBot Sketch Large 3D printers available for in-person use. For details and specifications, please check out the MakerBot Sketch Large User Manual.
Access to other in-lab equipment is available upon request, including:
iPad Pro (M4) with LIDAR for photogrammetry and 3D scanning
Recording booth (microphone and recording device not included)
Course and research lab support projects use a dedicated Creality K2 Plus 3D printer, operated by service staff.
Material specifications
The 3D printers at Gerstein + MADLab use PLA (polyactic acid), a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from corn starch. It's safe to use in our space. Review the PLA Material Data Safety Sheet.
Filament is available in a variety of colours, and the printers are loaded with either black or white by default. You can request a colour in your printer booking. Unless otherwise requested, your job will print in the colour is loaded into the printer when you begin your reservation.
Please note that colour requests cannot be guaranteed and users cannot change the filament reel themselves. Also note that white PLA can easily be painted.
Software
We recommend MakerBot CloudPrint as the compatible slicing software with our MakerBot Sketch Large printers; it is an open web application which can be accessed via web browser. Free account creation is required.
To access software, 3D object libraries, a list of campus labs and more, please see the U of T Libraries 3D Printing Resource Guide.