3D Printing and Scanning: Home

Services we offer to all University members:

3D printing

• Send us a 3D mesh file and we will print it out for you! (See 'How to submit a 3D Printing Job' for more information.)

3D printing allows you to "print" a three-dimensional object out of a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, and organic materials. Using a process called Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), a 3D printer deposits hot plastic onto a build plate in layers that set instantly to build up a 3D object.

For more details, watch this video from CNN:

3D scanning allows you to create a 3D computer model representation of a physical object. You can then use this model as a base to adjust or build upon, or to eventually 3D print. There are different ways in which 3D scanners work—some rotate small objects on a turntable to scan them, while others are handheld devices that are moved around larger objects to scan them. The RSL cannot offer help with creating scans.

For more details, watch this video from CNN:

3D printing can be used in a variety of disciplines to develop prototypes, create 3D models to represent data or to aid in visualisation, create 3D teaching aids, and more. Here are a few examples of practical uses in an educational environment:

• Engineering: Create 3D prototypes of designs
• Medicine: Create 3D replicas of anatomy
• Archaeology / Paleontology / Earth Sciences: Create 3D replicas of fragile relics for study
• Chemistry / Physics / Biology: Create accurate 3D visual teaching aids, such as DNA or chemical reactions
• 3D Animation: Create 3D printed objects from designs
• Advertising / Marketing / Business / Entrepreneurs: Create a 3D prototype of items for sale to show clients.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss using the service, feel free to contact us at rsl3dprinting@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

This LibGuide was inspired by and adapted from the following LibGuides:

• Ferrum College, Stanley Library
• Kent State University Libraries
• Oregon State University, OSU Libraries
• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Morris Library
• Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Lovejoy Library
• University of Florida, Marston Science Library