The Technology Sandbox supports the design and printing of 3D models. Printer usage and materials are free for active Concordia students, faculty and staff, and printers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Sandbox provides free PLA (polylactic acid) filament for printing single-colour items. Models must be smaller than 20 cm3, print jobs must be finished during the Sandbox's opening hours. We kindly ask students not to use the Sandbox printers for course assignments associated with a departmental lab.
How does it work?
3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology controlled by a computer. The Sandbox's printers use G-code—the most widely used computer numerical control programming language. Basically, the 3D printers in the Sandbox are like hot glue guns with three motors that build up layers of plastic. Sandbox staff are always available to guide you through the process. Check out the 3D printing guide
Types of 3d models
Every 3D printed object starts as a 3D model: either STL (triangles) or OBJ (triangles and colour). Thingiverse.com is a good place to look for models. Members of the Concordia community have printed these types of items: figurines and models (architecture and Dungeons and Dragons), joining devices, hooks, attachments, artwork, sculptural pieces, organizers, containers, puzzles and toys, cases and stands.
What can you print?
The Technology Sandbox mostly works with .stl files and you can find great ready to print models at thingiverse.com. If you would like to build your own model, we offer a variety of software but the easiest to start with is TinkerCAD.
Scan it
Many options for 3D scanning are available. Drop and ask the staff which option is right for you.