Getting Started

Blue Print 3D Studio exists to make 3D printing accessible to the UD campus community. Use this page to understand what 3D printing is, the three ways you can use our service, and the internal process we use to create 3D printed objects.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital STL file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes–the creation of an object by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.

Blue Print has six additive manufacturing printers similar to those discussed in the video below.

Three Ways to Print!

To create a 3D printed object, you must obtain and submit an STL file using our submission form. There are three ways to obtain an STL file:

Designing your own STL file involves: <ol style="margin-left: 1em;line-height: 1.2;padding-bottom:0px;"> <li><a href="https://sites.udel.edu/blueprint/software-and-equipment/">Comparing and choosing a software to use</a></li> <li>Creating a file following our <a href="https://sites.udel.edu/blueprint/design-guidelines/">design guidelines</a></li> <li><a href="https://sites.udel.edu/blueprint/submit/">Submitting the file</a></li> </ol>

Many websites exist solely for the distribution of community created STL files, including <ul style="line-height: 1.2;padding-bottom:0px;margin-left: 1em;"> <li><a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/">Thingiverse</a>,</li> <li><a href="http://cubify.com/">Cubify</a>,</li> <li>and <a href="https://grabcad.com/library">GrabCAD</a>.</li> </ul>We will gladly print objects found online, however every file has a specific license type assigned by the creator that may limit how you use the object. We will not print objects that violate copyright restrictions. Once you’ve downloaded the build file, submit it to us and we will review and print the object. NOTE: Links (URLs) to files will not be accepted in the form. You MUST submit an STL file that you have reviewed.

Blue Print technicians are happy to work with individuals seeking basic information about 3D printing or assistance with build files. <a href="https://sites.udel.edu/blueprint/submit/">Submit a request</a> and we’ll be in contact.

Print Process

In most cases, Blue Print will follow this process from file submission to object completion. Note that an object can be returned to the client at any point if the STL file doesn’t follow our design guidelines or if the object violates copyright laws. When you pickup an object at the front desk of Smith Hall, please bring your UDID card for identification.