Maker Commons

About the Library's 3D Printers

The SCF Library has two 3D printers available for use by faculty, staff, and students at both the Bradenton and Venice campuses. These are FDM printers, which stands for Fused Deposition Modeling—the most common kind of 3D printer out there. They work by heating plastic just enough to melt it, then pushing it through a nozzle to build your design layer by layer.

FDM printers are a budget-friendly, quick, and easy way to create 3D prints. They’re great for printing large, simple objects and are easier to use than many other types of 3D printers.

Before you can use the 3D Printers, you’ll need to read a short guide and pass a quiz to show you understand how to use it safely. After completing the quiz, you’ll receive a certificate. Just bring that certificate to the library front desk to schedule your time on the machine. You can access the guide and quiz by clicking the Bambu Lab or LulzBot tab. To use both 3D printers, you must complete the quiz for each.

***The SCF Library has the right to refuse any projects, for any reason.***

Have Questions? Contact roushk@scf.edu 

About the Library's Glowforge

The SCF Library also has a Glowforge laser cutter available for faculty, staff, and students. A Glowforge uses a laser to cut, engrave, or score a variety of materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and more. Instead of printing with plastic like a 3D printer, the Glowforge works by precisely burning or cutting your design into a flat material sheet.

It’s easy to use and ideal for creating items like custom signs, keychains, coasters, and other creative projects. The Glowforge is fast, accurate, and perfect for anyone looking to bring their digital designs to life in a cool, hands-on way.

Before you can use the Glowforge, you’ll need to read a short guide and pass a quiz to show you understand how to use it safely. After completing the quiz, you’ll receive a certificate. Just bring that certificate to the library front desk to schedule your time on the machine. You can find the guide and quiz by clicking the tab that says Glowforge.

***The SCF Library has the right to refuse any projects, for any reason.***

Have Questions? Contact roushk@scf.edu 

The SCF Libraries’ creative technology constitute an invitation to create, learn, and explore, in order to further our students' educational goals. They may be used only for lawful purposes: see Maker Commons Terms & Conditions.

In addition to the Maker Commons Terms & Conditions, this equipment/room has the following Creative Technology Terms & Conditions:

Creative Technology Terms & Conditions:

The Creative Technology Lab provides access to 3D printers (Bambu Lab P1S and LulzBot TAZ) and a Glowforge laser cutter to support academic learning, innovation, and creativity. This policy outlines appropriate use, safety guidelines, and user responsibilities.

• SCF students & staff can request to print by submitting a print request to the SCF Library Staff. The Library reserves the right to refuse any print request.
• Users must complete certification for the relevant machine before use:

  • Glowforge Certification Quiz

  • LulzBot Certification Quiz

  • Bambu Lab P1S Certification Quiz

• Any print job taking more than 2 ½ hours must be requested in advance. All prints must be completed 30 minutes before the library closes. SCF Library will not accept any print jobs taking more than 5 hours unless curriculum-related. If a job exceeds the allowed time, staff may cancel or reschedule it.
  • To request curriculum-related work, faculty should get in touch with a Supervisor: Bradenton: Kyla Roush – RoushK@SCF.edu, or Venice: Theresa Smith-Ennis - SmithET@SCF.edu
• You cannot leave the room while your print is running.
• Approved materials only may be used:

  • PLA, PETG, etc. for 3D printing - Filaments are labeled

  • Proofgrade or staff-approved laser-safe materials for Glowforge

• Users working on large projects must supply their own approved materials for the Glowforge. Materials brought into the library must be vetted before use. 

• Adhesives (e.g., glue, tape) are not permitted on build plates or laser beds.

• The library will not store prints in the room for more than 7 days once printed. 
• Only designated SCF Library staff and those who have completed the certification will have hands-on access to the creative technology.
• Education, assistance, and supervision of the creative technology by SCF Library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgement, of any unapparent or inappropriate final use of the product, and SCF Library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.
• SCF Libraries and staff are not responsible for the success or lack thereof the printing job.
• While SCF staff will endeavor to do so, they are not responsible for safe storage of printed items.

• Violations may result in:

  • Temporary or permanent suspension of access

  • Disciplinary referral under student conduct policies

  • Financial liability for damages

By using the Creative Technology Lab, users agree to follow all rules outlined in this policy and any additional guidance provided in the guides or by staff.

Important:

You must complete your certification before submitting your request. Depending on the type of project, a member of our SCF Libraries staff will contact you after you submit your request to finalize the details.