3D printing is revolutionalizing prototyping across dozens of industries and applications. Everyone from architects to doctors is experimenting with use of 3D printing, yet it’s simple enough for everyone to learn and explore. What’s more, as the technology has developed, the results continue to improve as costs continue to fall.

Our fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers were selected for their ease of use and minimal maintenance. Plastic filament is heated and deposited through an extruder in layers to create a 3D object. Before the printer can do its work, though, the object is created via computer aided design (CAD) and the resulting file is converted in “slicing” software to a file which guides the pattern in which the material is deposited by the printer.

We have several models of FDM printers in our 3D Printing Zone that serve a variety of levels of skill, size and capability. Safety orientations for the Zone are held every 1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday. Sign up for the next one here. If those time do not work for you, or you have questions about the 3D Printing Zone, email our zone coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..