3D Printing Guidelines

Our User Agreement

• The Levi Watkins Learning Center's (LWLC) 3D printer may only be used for lawful purposes. Patrons will not be permitted to use the LWLC’s 3D printer to create material that is:
  1. Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
  2. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.)
  3. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the LWLC's environment.
  4. Going to take more than 2 hours to print, or prints that will not be complete by the time the library closes for that day.
• I understand that the LWLC is not responsible for files that will not print and staff will not make modifications to designs.
• I understand that the LWLC reserves the right to accept or refuse any 3D print request.
• I understand that patrons will not operate the 3D printer. Only designated library staff and volunteers will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.
• I understand that the LWLC cannot guarantee a print time, however, staff may be able to provide an estimate based upon the print queue length.
• I understand that items printed that are not picked up within 30 days will become property of the library. Items must be picked up by the individual who submitted the print request form.
• I understand that my digital file will be deleted once my object is printed.
• I understand that the User Agreement will not violate the Copyright policy.

Copyright Policy

Copyright is a legal right held by the creator of an original work. This right arises immediately after an original, tangible work is created. Copyright infringement refers to the unauthorized reproduction, duplication, distribution, or creation of a derivative work of an original work. If any object is scanned without the original owner’s permission, and printed on a 3D printer, it may constitute copyright infringement.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act

Passed in 1998, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is intended to protect intellectual property (IP) and extend the reach of the nation’s existing copyright law within the digital sphere. Activity deemed criminal under the DMCA includes:

1. The production and distribution of devices, services or technology that bypass existing measures to protect access to copyrighted works.
2. And the act of circumventing such access control whether copyright infringement is committed or not.

3D Print Submission Process

1. Submit your file online using the 3D Printing Request Form. Library staff will contact you to confirm your submission and will give you the amount to pay for the print.
2. The cost is 10 cents per gram with a $1 minimum charge and must be paid before the job is run.
3. Payments are made using the library’s print card.
4. Please allow a few days after payment for your file to be printed.
5. You will get an email once your job is ready for pickup.

Printing Specifications/Properties

• Files must be submitted in print-ready status.
• Format: Files must be in .STL or .GCODE format (3D Model file). We will not accept zip files.
• Maximum print time: There is a maximum print time of 2 hours. Jobs longer than that will not be accepted.
• Color: Objects will only be printed in a single color.

Printer Available

Fusion3 F410 3D Printer

The Fusion3 is a large-sized desktop printer that uses PLA and ABS plastic. It can print sizes up to 14 × 14 × 12 inches. The Fusion3 is another less expensive option and will be a good choice for most average applications as well as larger scale prints.

For more information, please email us at lwlc@alasu.edu or call 334-604-9093.