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Does the Idea Lab have 3D printers?
Does the Idea Lab have 3D printers?
Yes, the Idea Lab at North and Lakeshore campuses each have three bookable 3D printers. These 3D printers are free to use and open to all Humber and University of Guelph-Humber students, regardless of faculty or program area.
The Idea Lab is a DIY, experiential learning space, not a 3D printing service. This means that users must complete the relevant training and also be present at the beginning of their 3D printer booking.
Does the Idea Lab provide 3D printing workshops?
Does the Idea Lab provide 3D printing workshops?
Yes, in addition to offering open workshops to the Humber and University of Guelph-Humber community, the Idea Lab can visit your class for a 2-hour workshop on 3D printing. Students will be guided through the basics of 3D printing at the Idea Lab. By participating in this workshop, attendees will be approved to use the Idea Lab's 3D printers and will be able to:
Understand the opportunities and limitations of 3D printing
Recognize and apply measures for the safe operation of a 3D Printer
Identify basic concepts involved in preparing a 3D model in slicing software
In the event students miss the workshop, they can complete an online tutorial that covers the same content.
Does the Idea Lab teach 3D design?
Does the Idea Lab teach 3D design?
The Idea Lab can offer an introductory 3D design workshop using Tinkercad, a simple, free browser-based design tool. However, this is not part of the typical 3D printing workshop and should be scheduled separately.
Tinkercad also have several of their own self-guided tutorials that will get students familiar with the major tools and function in less than 30 minutes.
How large/complex should a 3D print object be for an assignment?
How large/complex should a 3D print object be for an assignment?
It is important to note that the limits on printing for Idea Lab users are of time, not size or material used.
Each student can reserve a printer for up to 10 hours per week / 20 hours per month.
When designing a 3D printing assignment it is important to understand these limits, the feasibilty of completion for your class size, and the impact your students' projects will have on the Idea Lab.
If you have never 3D printed before, we strongly recommend coming to an open workshop, completing the Idea Lab 3D printing tutorial, or speaking to the Digital Fluency Librarian at your campus.
Can I assign a group 3D printing project?
Can I assign a group 3D printing project?
Yes. However, if you choose to assign 3D printing as a group project, it is important to understand that each group member must have completed the Idea Lab’s 3D printer training, and that the student that reserves the printer must be the one who is present at the beginning of their reservation.
3D printer booking limits are individual, and access to printers or unused hours cannot be transferred between users.
How to I request a workshop?
How to I request a workshop?
Fill out this form with the relevant details, and one of our Digital Fluency Librarians will respond.
When should I schedule the workshop?
When should I schedule the workshop?
We recommend a:
120-minute in-class session on 3D printing as early in the semester as possible, with a due date as late in the semester as possible to allow a long run-up to the submission.
An additional 60-minute workshop on 3D design in Tinkercad, if this is also a requirement.
What’s included in your online resources?
What’s included in your online resources?
The Idea Lab maintain an online resource on 3D printing that includes:
Short tutorial that will approve users to book our 3D printers upon completion.
FAQs on our equipment and services
A guide to 3D printing facilities and services at public libraries across the GTA.
Do students have to use the Idea Lab for 3D printing?
Do students have to use the Idea Lab for 3D printing?
No, as access to the Idea Lab 3D printers is limited to our studio opening hours, we also promote other 3D printing offerings at public libraries across the GTA. A list of options can be found on the Idea Lab's 3D printing site.
What supports do you offer students?
What supports do you offer students?
The Idea Lab offers student support via:
Email at idealab@humber.ca (monitored M-F, 8-5pm by multiple Idea Lab team members)
One-on-one or group assignment support appointments (online by default, but in-person is available on request).
PLEASE NOTE: The Idea Lab does not accommodate drop-in assignment support at our campus locations. Assignment support appointments must be booked via the appointment calendar.
Do you have Blackboard content I can use?
Do you have Blackboard content I can use?
Yes, the Idea Lab can provide you with relevant links and contact details for you to add to Blackboard. Please fill out the relevant details on this form and a Digital Fluency Librarian will contact you.
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