3D Printing at Himmelfarb: 3D Printing at Himmelfarb

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, 3D printing is "the manufacturing of solid objects by the deposition of layers of material (such as plastic) in accordance with specifications that are stored and displayed in electronic form as a digital model."

Printer: Zortrax 200 3D printer

Filament options: ABS or PLA filament

*Color availability may occasionally vary depending on filament type (ABS or PLA) and availability from Zortrax. If we are unable to print in your requested color, we will contact you with alternatives.

Key Points:

• Faculty, staff and students of GW SMHS, School of Nursing, and Milken Institute School of Public Health, as well as employees of GW Medical Faculty Associates and GW Hospital are eligible to use the service.
• There are no limits on the number of curricular requests (those that support teaching, learning, and research, related to the core missions of the schools and institutions we serve) that may be submitted, other than the library's capacity to complete print jobs.
• Eligible users may submit one non-curricular request per month.
• The following categories of prints are not accepted:
  • Any object that is protected by copyright, trademark, or patent.
  • Weapons, including firearms or parts thereof.
  • Items that are obscene or inappropriate for the library context.
  • Any item that is prohibited by law or violates other GW regulations.
• The following categories of prints may be limited or subject to additional restrictions:
  • Bulk prints of a single item or multiple items in a set.
  • Items requiring an excess amount of material or print time.
  • Items determined unlikely to be successfully printed due to structural issues or capabilities of the printer/materials available.
• Himmelfarb does not charge for most 3D prints. Exceptions are noted in the detailed policy and will be clearly communicated before printing.
• Requests are prioritized as follows:
  • Curricular requests are typically prioritized over non-curricular requests.
  • During times of high volume, library staff may prioritize individual requests over bulk requests, or prioritize either small or large prints to minimize idle printer time.
  • Otherwise, requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who can submit a print job?

• The Himmelfarb 3D printing service is available to all faculty, staff and students in SMHS, SON, GWSPH, GW Hospital and MFA.

What do I need to do to submit a job?

• The 3D printer can only print STL (.stl) and OBJ (.obj) files. 
• The finished printed item must be smaller than 8x8x8 inches.
• 3D files can be submitted via the 3D Print Job Submission form.
• Library staff will review the file to set printing parameters.

How long will it take?

• The turnaround time is difficult to gauge. It is dependent on the number of jobs already in the print queue when you submit your job, as well the size of the object you are printing.
• Submissions must be accompanied by all requested information on the submission form.
• Print jobs are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Exact completion dates cannot be guaranteed. Submitters should allow at least 5-7 business weekdays for completion of printing. Complicated print jobs or peak request times may result in longer completion times.

How much does it cost?

• The cost is based on the amount of filament used. The final 3D printed object (including rafts and supports) will be weighed and the cost calculated. The charge is ten cents per gram, with a $1 minimum charge. An estimate of the cost will be provided once the file has been prepared for printing.
• We can only accept credit cards and GWorld cards for payment.
• Credit card payments can only be processed by a Himmelfarb Circulation manager, generally during the following hours:
  • Monday-Thursday 8:00 am- midnight
  • Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
  • Sunday 1:00-9:00 pm
• All files will be reviewed prior to printing, but file quality is the responsibility of the submitter. We are not able to issue refunds for print jobs that are flawed due to file issues.

What filament is available?

We can print using either ABS or PLA filament. For many print jobs, either ABS or PLA are suitable. The article "PLA vs. ABS: What's the difference?" by Ken Giang can help you learn more about the two material types and decide which is best for your project.

• We have ABS filament available in the following colors:
  • Yellow
  • Sky Blue
  • Red
  • Orange
  • Pure White
  • Blue
  • Pure Black
  • Android Green
• We have PLA filament available in the following colors:
  • Bright Red
  • Blue
  • Pure Black
  • Cool Grey
  • Concrete Grey

Where can I pick up my printed object?

• All completed print jobs will be available for pick up at the Circulation Desk.
• Only the person who submitted the print job will be able to pick up the object.
• Completed items must be picked up within seven days by the person who submitted the print job request. After seven days the object becomes the property of the library.