Welcome to the Spark 3D printing world! At the Spark we offer two styles of 3D printing services; Full Service and Self Service. Full service 3D printing at the Spark is designed to be a paid service. At $1 per print hour, the Spark staff handles set up of the 3D printer as well as oversite of the job in progress. On the other hand, The Spark offers access to Self Service 3D printers, which require training and check out, but allow for you to set up and manage your print on your own. The flexibility of the set up allows you to choose the service that will fit your needs.

Weather you have prior experience or are new to the technology, the first step in using the self service resources at the Spark is completing one of these sessions, and getting certified (authorized) to use the Ender 3 printers available at all of our locations. In this training, the trainer will introduce you to the overall FDM printing technology, safety considerations, tools and available modeling resources, hands on use of the printer, best practices and policies and use guidelines. 

Additional information about Self Service 3D Printing at The Spark:

The Spark Self Service 3D Printing:

The Self Service 3D printers at The Spark are available for trained UNT community members to use. Self Service is for those of you who are already familiar with 3D printers, 3D modeling, .stl file creation, Slicing and gcodes. Self service does require that you go through training, and that you consistently demonstrate respect for the machines, procedures, and best practices for using the printers. Self Service 3D printers are in space circulation items, which means the printer is checked out to you for use in The Spark location. Self Service is provided at no cost to you and includes:

• Safety and use training
• Orange PLA filament only

Circulation Process

The circulation process for the self service printers begin with a safety and use training. If you already have been trained the blue binder is always available at the front desk as a reference or you can request a retraining. Also, the profile for CURA is available for download here. It is highly recommended that you slice your file and have an idea of how many grams of filament you may need to complete your print before coming in to check out a printer/filament. 

• Checkout
  • Checkout the filament and printer from the Spark service desk during makerspace hours
    • Training verification and authorization check is run at checkout
  • Complete a Self Service Print Sheet using the QR code by the printer
• Printer Use
  • You load the filament
  • You load the model
  • You start the print- the printer will give you an idea of how long the print is going to take.
    • Note:
      •  The Spark is not responsible for the print 
        • leaving it unattended is at your risk
      • The staff will stop a print if it is causing damage to the printer.
• Check-In
  • You are responsible for properly finishing the printing process including:
    • scanning the QR code to finish out the prin details
    • remove print from the printer
    • weigh the print 
    • properly unload the filament 
      • *may require heating up the printer prior to removal and then setting it to cool back down
    • Return the filament to the Spark service desk to be checked in

Rules that Apply to 3D Printing

The Spark has the right to refuse to process a print Absolutely no weapons or weapon like objects are allowed to be printed The patron is responsible for complying with copyright for any printed items Prints are not food safe or safe for any kind of internal use.  Fumes released can be toxic if exposed to high temperatures

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!