Who can use the 3D printers?
Our space, equipment, and services are intended for current UNC Asheville students, faculty, and staff use only. If you're a community member and interested in maker technology, check out Asheville Makers!
How much does it cost to print on the 3D printers?
The formula we use to calculate print costs is:
$2.50 per file + (volume of filament used x cost per unit) + (((time of print rounded up to the nearest quarter hour + .25) - 1) x $2.00)
Each 3D print incurs a base cost of $2.50 per file for processing and quality control. We also charge per volume of filament used on a sliding scale based on filament type. The pricing chart is available on the main 3D Printing Information website. For every hour the printer runs past the first hour, we charge $2.00 per hour.
How do you determine printing time and volume?
The slicing and rendering software we use gives us a time and volume estimate when files are loaded on. Based on testing conducted during our first year in operation, we add on an extra 25% allowance for loading, finishing, and packaging.
What slicing and rendering software do you use?
We use Cura (specifically Lulzbot's custom mod of Cura) as slicing software for the TAZ 6, and we use Lychee and AnycubicPhotonWorkshop for the Photon Mono M5s.
How can I pay for printing?
You will receive a e-mail upon receipt of your file from the CrAFT Studio with a cost estimate. After you approve of the estimate, you will receive a second e-mail confirming that the charge is live. To pay with credit/debit card, the charge is applied to your library student account. Payments are accepted at the Research + Checkout Desk on the main level of the library. Payment must be received before print jobs will be processed, and any jobs left unpaid for seven (7) days will be deleted from the queue.
How long does it take for the charge to be applied to my library account?
Charges are applied to accounts three times per day (morning, mid-day, and afternoon) during normal business days. Charges received after the last payment posting (approximately 5:00 pm), after hours, on weekends, or during university holidays will be applied the next business day.
Can departments pay for printing?
Yes; academic departments can, and this includes paying for student prints for classes and organizations! Departments must provide a fund number in their submission OR have a fund number on file for the print to be queued up.
How long does it take to print?
Please allow at minimum two (3) business days for your print job to process.
Why does it take so long to print?
We endeavor to complete jobs faster, but the CrAFT Studio has a number of services we have to balance! This time allotment allows for a rigorous quality check process by our Studio staff, making sure that the model is of print quality, and for additional changes that might need to occur. After the model passes the quality check process, we make sure that we have enough time to run the print successfully during the studio's normal operating hours. There is a heating and cooling process for all of our printers, as well as time spent finishing the print (e.g. removing support structures). We also build in some pad time in case of a failed print. We only charge you for a successful print!
What file type do I need to send in?
We ask that you submit either an STL or an OBJ file for printing.
How large (in megabites) can my file be?
The maximum size the submission form can handle is 100 MB. If your file exceeds this size, you can use the link to a Google Drive iteration of the file in the submission form; please make sure that the CrAFT Studio account (craftstudio@unca.edu) has access to this file!
What dimensions/time can each printer handle?
The maximum print size of each printer is as follows:
For safety reasons, we will not print items that exceed the time the studio is open each day, or approximately 8 hours.
What can I print?
You are welcome to print items that you create in the CrAFT Studio, items downloaded from places like Thingiverse or Yeggi, class projects, personal projects, and much more. You cannot print material that is:
We reserve the right to reject any print job or scan request.
I've never made an item to 3D print! Where do I start?
That's a great question! We have friendly student staff that will walk you through the design process. We also have a list of software (available often times for free!) we recommend that folks get started with. The internet is also a fantastic resource; there are YouTube tutorials on designing items aplenty!
What program should I use to create my model?
You can use a wide variety of programs to create your poster! Our crew in the CrAFT Studio has experience using the following programs:
How can I ensure the best print quality?
Each model is quality tested layer-by-layer by our CrAFT Studio student technicians prior to providing print estimates, and you will be contacted if any issue arises during that process. There are fantastic resources out on the internet that give great tips and tricks for ensuring the best model you can possibly develop. Here's a selection of resources:
Where do I pick up finished print jobs?
After your item has successfully printed, you will receive an e-mail, letting you know your item is finished with directions on how to pick up your items.