GCC Library Reimagine MakerSpace

Great question!  The GCC Library Reimagine MakerSpace has two 3D Printers that can be used for free by GCC students and staff.  To use these printers you have two options:

• Schedule an appointment in the Reimagine MakerSpace and one of our staff will guide you through the process.  This is a great option if you don't just want a 3D print but also want to learn how 3D printing works.
• Or, you can submit an STL file through our 3D Print Request form and we will print your item for you for pickup at our library reference desk.  This is a great option if you are already familiar with 3D printing and just want to get a print completed.

Another question we get quite often, is how do I create an object to print?  For this you also have two options:

• You can create this print yourself utilizing TinkerCAD or another 3D modeling software of your choice.  It is important to note, once this object is created, you will want to export your file in STL format (which is a common format available for nearly all 3D modeling software).
• You can also find print-ready objects through websites like Thingiverse.  After finding your object, you would then either need to provide us a link to the item you are looking to print or download and provide the STL files of the object.

If you are student or staff member that already has a print-ready STL file, you can send it our way and we will work to print it out for you if we are able.  Please do so through the following form:

3D printing is the dimensional printing of computer models done one layer at a time using plastic, metal or other materials.  The GCC library uses a plastic filament called polylactic acid (PLA).  Open source software is used for generating the prototype.  

The GCC Library Makerspace has two 3D printers.  

• LulzBot Workhorse

Computers in the Reimagine MakerSpace are also equipped with AutoCAD, the Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D Scanners through which you can create 3D Print objects to be printed.

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.  Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order/scanning services if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright or other intellectual property laws.

Caution:  Finishing a 3D printing job sometimes requires the use of sharp tools.  A sharps container and medical kits are both provided.  Please identify the location of each before starting work.  Additionally, protective eyewear must be worn in the case of project pieces splintering and becoming projectile during the finishing process.  

The  Libraries' 3D printers may be used only for lawful purposes. Printing the following types materials will not be permitted:

• Prohibited by local, state or federal law.

• Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. This includes weapons or life-like replicas, parts of weapons, ammunition, and defensive as well as offensive weapons. GCC weapons policy: With the exception of campus police officers and other state certified police officers, the possession or use of a firearm on campus is strictly forbidden. The Maricopa Community College District Governing Board promulgated the weapons policy under ARS §13-2911 C. anyone violating the policy is subject to arrest under ARS § 13-2911 and/or subject to applicable college disciplinary procedures.

• Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. In accordance with ARS 13-3507 "Public Display of Explicit Sexual Material", the library's 3D Printing Service reserves the right to refuse requests based on the MCCCD Student Rights and Responsibilities, 2.5.2 Student Conduct Code, Article III: Prohibited Conduct.

• The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.

• Students must be accompanied by a faculty or staff member during 3D printer operation. 

• Print jobs will not be allowed to run overnight.

• Access to equipment is prioritized based on factors such as academic priority, class due dates, reprints, and other issues as they arise. We reserve the right to alter queue order based on these factors. 

• The library cannot guarantee that any job will be completed by the date needed listed on the submission form.  In addition, not all digital models can be effectively printed with our equipment. If you have questions or concerns, please speak with a staff member prior to undertaking your project.