3D Printing Service

In 2014 the NIH Library offered a free 3D Printing pilot as part of the opening of the new Technology Sandbox (now called the Technology Hub). The pilot was so popular, the NIH Library will continue to offer free work related 3D printing to NIH staff. To document printer usage, people are asked to sign in and rate their print job in the white binder found on the printer table.

What is 3D Printing

3D printing is taking a 3D digital image and printing it as an actual object.

3D images can be designed using 3D editing software, downloaded from websites, scanned from physical models, or created by merging photos in some software packages. There is a wide range of software available for modeling with varying learning curves and prices. Please see Modeling Software for more information about what is available.

The printing, also known as additive manufacturing, involves building the object with small successive layers of material, i.e. PLA (polylactic acid), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), titanium, plaster, etc. There are printers available for every budget and need. Consider reviewing this comparison chart of 3D printers.

3D printing has a range of applications, especially in bioengineering. Examples of what has been printed include ears, tracheas, and tissue scaffolding. Read additional information on 3D printing in research articles funded by NIH via a search strategy in PubMed.

It has been used in manufacturing and rapid prototype development for a while. Recent changes in size and price have made 3D printing more accessible to the general public. There are now lots of online communities and businesses to support new developers.