If you have any questions about the process or 3D printing in general, check our 3D Printing FAQs page or contact us at 330.672.0221. You are also encouraged to visit us in person at the Student Multimedia Studio, located on the first floor of the University Library.
(Revised October, 2024)
Save or export from your modeling program as either an .stl or .obj file. If your program doesn’t offer either format, there are a number of free tools that do, such as Meshlab, or CloudConvert.
Check that your model is optimized for 3D printing. Most programs either feature this option or offer a plugin that will run a check for structural integrity. For tips on key elements of your model that could pose potential problems for 3D printing, read 8 Tips for 3D Printing with Sketchup
Fill out and submit our online form (see Request a Print page)
Files are uploaded through the online form itself
3D models need to be submitted as either STL or OBJ files.
NOTE: Please only submit ONE print request at a time. Additional requests should not be submitted until the previous request is finished and picked up.
We require a minimum of 1 week turnaround on print requests.
For multi-part models (that are assembled to create one finished design) please organize the files together into a folder and compress into one zip file for uploading.
If your model is too large for our printers or would take too long to print, you may be asked to "cut" it into multiple parts that you would then glue together afterward. Check out the Cut tool in the free software from Flashforge called FlashPrint as a way to split/slice your model into smaller pieces.
Depending on your request and the details of your project, an SMS consultant may email you to arrange an appointment to review the model together on our computer.
Keep an eye out for an email from us in your inbox. Our email address is KentStateSMS@gmail.com. Some students find that our email filters to their junk mail folder so be sure to check there for our message as well.
You are also welcome to simply stop in during our open hours for an unscheduled consult, but please be aware that you may be asked to wait several minutes until a consultant is available.
During the consultation we will:
review the file with you in our 3D printer software, checking for noticeable issues/errors, double-checking build size and determining whether your model will require rafts and supports.
estimate turnaround time. (1 week minimum from date the file is approved for printing)
either approve the file or give it back to you for further adjustment.
You may not receive an email. This most likely means that your model is approved to print without issues and you will simply be contacted when it is finished.
You will be notified by email that your model is ready for pickup. Keep an eye out for an email from us in your inbox. Our email address is KentStateSMS@gmail.com. Some students find that our email filters to their junk or spam mail folder so be sure to check there for our message as well.
Return to the SMS in order to retrieve your model and before submitting a new request.
The SMS offers contactless pickup. Finished prints are bagged and labeled with the patron's name and print completion date and placed on shelving just outside the SMS' lobby entrance.
(Revised: August, 2015)
Only submit ONE print request at a time. Additional requests should not be submitted until the previous request is finished and picked up. For multi-part models (that are assembled to create one finished design) please organize the files together into a folder and compress into one zip file for uploading.
This 3D printing service is limited to currently enrolled Kent State students. All submissions are subject to approval based on scheduling and availability. Files will be printed in the order that they are approved, not the order that they are submitted. An exception to this would be if we determine that a small print job would fit on the plate with another one in the queue to save time. We also give higher priority to print requests for course assignments. Due to the number of requests that we receive each day we do not accept more than one project per student at a time.
Please note: Our 3D printing service is intended primarily for prototyping 3D designs. We do not offer bulk printing or multiple quantities of individual files unless the pieces are required to assemble into one large model. Each request is subject to evaluation, with special consideration given to course assignments and designed modeled by the student his or herself.
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.
3D printing services at the Student Multimedia Studio (SMS) are available for lawful purposes only. United States intellectual property laws, including copyright (Title 17, USC), patent (Title 35, USC), and trademark law, govern the making of reproductions of materials protected by law. Kent State University reserves the right to refuse any 3D printing order if, in its sole judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright, patent or trademark law, or if such printed material would pose an immediate threat to the health, safety or well-being of others.
We reserve the right to decline any print request for any reason.
Items printed may have small surface defects such as bumps or holes. Please also note that while the 3D printers are very accurate, we do not guarantee any precise tolerances on fitting of multi-part objects.
Some objects require support material to be printed with them (such as models with large overhangs). Other designs may require a brim (or raft) support at the base of the model. These materials can be easily removed, but you are responsible for removing them. Our SMS consultants will not remove the support material for you.
If you are an instructor at Kent State who is assigning a project that requires 3D printing we encourage your students to use our services! We recommend contacting SMS Manager Hilary Kennedy prior to presenting the assignment to your students so that she can discuss the project with you and offer any tips or factors that your students should keep in mind. That will also help make the process run more smoothly for your class and allow us to complete the printing in a more timely manner. As we progress through the semester, our turnaround time will increase due to the number of classes using our services. Please allow your students a 2-week minimum on 3D printed assignments.
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