Direct questions about 3D printing to Richard Sexton, IT Technologist, at jsexton3@utk.edu or (865) 974-4731.
How to Locate and Design 3D Models
All Pendergrass Library computers offer AutoCAD software, which can be used to design and edit 3D model files. Free software is also available for download. Pendergrass offers 3D printing links, tutorials, and books for more information.
Not sure what to print or don’t have design experience? Visit Thingiverse, an online repository of model files, and simply select the model to print.
Our 3D Printers and Costs
After a form is submitted, Pendergrass will examine the model and calculate the cost of the project.
Pendergrass has two 3D printers available: the uPrint SE Plus professional grade printer for complex and detailed models, and the Cubex Trio hobbyist printer for simpler models. Cost on each machine is determined by cubic inches of plastic material. An iPhone case costs about $7.00 on uPrint and $1.50 on Cubex.
What is 3D printing? 3D printing is a method of creating physical three-dimensional objects through an additive rather than reductive process. As opposed to utilizing a solid block of material and removing all the unnecessary material until the desired object is created, 3D printing creates objects by bonding the print material one layer at a time.
