Skip to Main ContentCaldwell University Jennings Library Banner

Emerging Technologies: 3D Printing & VR

3D Printing Policies

The basics:

To print a 3D object you need to send us the .STL file via email.

Printing costs $0.25 per gram of material

Who can submit something to print on the 3D printer?

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members can submit items to be printed on the 3D printer. Priority will be given to students who are using the 3D printer for a class assignment.

How do I create a 3D object to be printed?

There are multiple ways you can create a 3D object. You can design an object in CAD software, you can scan an object with the 3D scanner, or you can download an already created file from Thingiverse. Please see the tabs on this guide for further information on all three ways to create an object. Then you send us the file to be printed. Students must use our filament.

*Faculty who would like to create a class project around the 3D printer- please contact us at 3dprinting@caldwell.edu.

What kind of file do I need?

The 3D printer requires a .STL file type.

How do I send you the file?

Email your .STL file or the URL to the object to 3dprinting@caldwell.edu with your choice for the color of the object (black, red, white, translucent, purple, orange, green, yellow, gray, or blue). Only one color can be printed per object. 

What happens next?

Your file will go into our printing queue, we will email you the price of the object and an estimated wait time.

We will contact you via email when your print is ready to be picked up. Items not picked up within 14 days after being printed become the property of the Library.

How much does it cost?

Printing is $0.25 per gram of material.

Cash is accepted and must be paid in full before taking your object from the library.

The fee is waived for students printing an item for a class project or assignment.

Where do I pick up my object when it is completed?

Objects can be picked up and paid for at the Library's Information Desk.

Are there any restrictions on what can be printed?

There are restrictions on what can be printed with the 3D printer. Items that cannot be printed include but are not limited to:  items prohibited by local, state, or federal law, unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others, obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment, or any object in violation of intellectual property rights. 

The Creation Station team reserves the right to refuse to print any object.

Policy adapted from Sacramento Public Library.

Can I be present during my print?

Sure!

Can I operate the 3D printer?

Please only operate the 3D printer together with a library staff member.

Virtual Reality Policies

The basics:

There are two Meta Quest 2 headsets for use.

How do I book an appointment to use a VR headset?

Book an appointment for a maximum of 2 hours using the booking button on the homepage of this guide.

Can I use the VR headset outside of Jennings Library?

All VR sessions must be in the library.  VR equipment may not leave theVR Lounge.

How do I use a VR headset?

Learn more on the VR page of this guide; there are instructions for users in the VR Lounge. We have a Meta account dedicated for library VR use. You can receive basic instruction from library staff when you come for your session.

*Faculty who would like to align VR to a class project or curriculum - please contact us at library@caldwell.edu.

How much does it cost?

VR sessions are free for students, faculty and staff at Caldwell University

Are there any restrictions on what I can view in VR?

VR equipment may be used only for lawful purposes. No one will be permitted to use the Library’s VR equipment to create or view material that is:

  • Prohibited by US law.
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. 
  • Capturing or viewing graphic content.
  • Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.

All requests for using the VR equipment are subject to approval based on scheduling and availability. The Library reserves the right to refuse any VR equipment requests for any reason.

Policy adapted from Bodlean Libraries, University of Oxford.