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3D printing

    A Decade of Layers: Celebrating 10 Years of 3D Printing at the Library

    by Jessica Thorlakson + Chris Bateman
    written by Jessica Thorlakson + Chris Bateman

    In February 2016, a collaboration between Cameron Library and the Faculty of Science’s makerspace, The Shack, launched the University of Alberta Library’s first 3D printing service. What began with four Machina Mk2 X20 printers and training from The Shack has evolved into a sophisticated operation. Ten years later, that “low-barrier” experiment has blossomed into a campus-wide service for additive manufacturing which includes service out of Sperber Library as well as an unmediated, hands-on service in the Digital Scholarship Centre. 

    The original Machina Mk2 X20 printers
    In 2019 we purchesed these Prusa 3D printers,
    and we’ve been happily using these since! 

    By the Numbers

    The impact of this free, mediated service for students and faculty is staggering:

    • 11,051: Total submissions since 2016.
    • 4,000: Models reviewed in 2025 alone.
    • While Arts, Engineering, and Science are the top users, we support research in nearly every faculty on campus.
    Jacq Lars. (2020, April 24). [Photo]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3501911120649&set=g.1045625562473542

    Did You Know?

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, our printers left the library to join the Alberta 3D PPE effort, helping produce 12,000 ear savers and 500 face shields for first responders.

    Join the Celebration!

    We’re throwing a party and you’re invited. Come for the history, stay for the custom charms.

    • When: March 17th, 12:00 PM –  5:00 PM
    • Where: Cameron Library, Main Floor
    • What: Live demos, giveaways, and a chance to make a custom keychain with 3D printed charms.

    Enter to Win:

    Snap a photo of your keychain creation and email it to make.library@ualberta.ca by March 20th at 6:00 PM MST for a chance to win ONEcard cash prizes of $100, $50, or $25!

    Full contest rules can be found here.
    Interested in learning more about 3D printing? Visit our website: https://www.library.ualberta.ca/services/3dprinting

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  • Empowering Independence: 3D Printed Adaptive Technologies at the University of Alberta Library

    by Guest Author
    by Guest Author

    The University of Alberta Library is proud to showcase a collection of innovative 3D printed adaptive technologies. These devices, created to assist individuals with disabilities in their daily lives, highlight the potential of 3D printing to produce affordable, customizable solutions. Showcasing Adaptive Solutions Our display features three groundbreaking 3D printed adaptive technologies: Key Turner Bottle Opener Pen Holder Accessing 3D Printing at UAlberta The University of Alberta Library is excited to offer…

  • 3D Printing Services at the new Geoffrey and Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library!

    by Guest Author
    by Guest Author

    University of Alberta Library is celebrating the new Geoffrey & Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library, which is anticipated to open in Fall 2023. This post is part of a series of posts that will showcase the Sperber Library over the next several months. This blog post was written by: Liz Dennett, Jessica Thorlakson and Lydia Zvyagintseva The University of Alberta Library is excited to extend our successful 3D printing program when the new Geoffrey and…

  • Making in the Digital Scholarship Centre

    by Guest Author
    by Guest Author

    In the fall of 2019, just before the pandemic disruptions began, the library opened a new area on the 2nd floor of Cameron Library called the Digital Scholarship Centre (DSC). The mission of the DSC is to advance research and learning using technology. The DSC is an official research centre and supports the University community by providing expertise, tools and space for the use of technology.  After working on an appointment basis…

  • Collection Connection with XIAOQIN FENG!

    by Eva Romanick
    by Eva Romanick

    Students and staff use the library on the daily, in person and online. This is how… Xiaoqin is a 1st year graduate student in Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science. Her research topics are consumer perceptions of 3D printed foods, and acceptance of 3D food printing in children. What is your “go to” resource for research in the UAlberta library collection? and what do you like about it? I use the online library.…

  • Cameron Library Staff @ The Shack Makerspace this July

    by Sonya Leung
    by Sonya Leung

    This July you will see some familiar faces in the Faculty of Science and the Physics Department’s Science Hardware Space: The Shack* (The Shack) as the Cameron Library Public Service Assistants (PSAs) will be covering The Shack’s staff vacation leaves. The Shack is located at L2-136 in the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science Building – pop by and say “Hello!” The open hours are Monday to Friday 1:30 – 3:30 PM for the…