Lovejoy Library provides to the SIUE community the use of two state of the art consumer level 3D Printers. This technology allows you build physical objects from digital models that you can create in a variety of ways. Instead of printing a 2D representation on paper of your big design project -- print an actual 3-dimensional model that can be held, felt, and examined from all angles!
When you submit your digital file to the library to be printed and accept the time and cost estimate, your digital file is processed and created on a 3D printer to deliver a plastic model into your hands. Your digital file is "cut" into many slices -- the 3D printer turns these slices into thin layers of extruded plastic. As the printer lays down each layer, the object begins to take shape.
The technology to accomplish this sort of fabrication has existed for decades, but the equipment and materials costs meant that these devices were limited to large companies and specialists. 3D printing is now experiencing an emergence of very affordable machines (such as our printers) that put this technology in smaller businesses and homes, and professionals in all fields are embracing the ability to rapidly create objects for all kinds of purposes. Your experience with our printers will put you in an advanced position to realize the potential of this technology in your field of work as you begin your career.
Fabricated by 
3D Printing with Sketchup by 
Google SketchUp 7 for Dummies by 
