We're up and running back in our newly renovated lab at the Holman Biotech Commons and are accepting 3D printing requests for academic, clinical and research projects only. We are currently operating at a limited capacity and turnaround times are longer. Please plan ahead and submit your request at least 7 business days ahead of time.
Need help with your 3D design? Schedule a free virtual consultation:
Please read these steps before sending your first file
What can I print?
File Format
To print a file, it must be exported as a stereolithography file, indicated by an STL extension (.stl). If the .stl file you give the Holman Biotech Commons has any issues, we will notify you via email to help you fix the problems. You can fix your own files for free using a cloud service such as Microsoft's 3D printing platform netfabb https://netfabb.azurewebsites.net/
If your model is made up of multiple parts, submit each part as a separate STL file. The parts can be laid out in the printer in different orientations which will optimize the print for both cost and print time.
For the more experienced users, we also accept .form and .3mf file extensions.
If you would like help with 3D modeling, refer to our 3D modeling section for tips!
Size and material limitations (please see links to the left for more information on our printers)
| Printer | Capacity | Design Considerations |
| Formlabs Form 2 |
145 x 145 x 175 mm (5.7 x 5.7 x 6 in) Material: Resin |
Minimum Layer Thickness: 25-100 Microns Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.6 mm |
| Formlabs Form 3 |
145 x 145 x 185 mm (5.7 x 5.7 x 7.3 in) Material: Resin |
Minimum Layer Thickness: 25-100 Microns Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.6 mm |
| Stratasys UPrint SE Plus |
203 x 203 x 152 mm (8 x 8 x 6 in) Material: ABS (Dissolvable Support Material) |
Minimum Layer Thickness: 0.254 mm Minimum Wall Thickness: 3 mm |
| Stratasys F170 |
254 x 254 x 254 mm (10 x 10 x 10 in.) Material: ABS (Dissolvable Support Material) & PLA |
Minimum Layer Thickness: 0.254 mm (0.010 in) Minimum Wall Thickness: 3 mm |
| Ultimaker 3 Extended |
215 x 215 x 300 mm (8.5 x 8.5 x 11.8 in) Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU95, CPE |
Minimum Layer Thickness: 0.25 mm Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.8 mm |
How much does it cost?
- 3D printing for academic, clinical and research projects for Penn faculty, students and staff is currently free. You must provide a detailed description of your project to qualify for free printing!
- Non-academic projects will be printed through the 3D printing service at the Education Commons, which uses PLA only. If you need another material or a guaranteed turnaround, we recommend searching MakeXYZ, 3D Hubs, Shapeways or Xometry to find a local 3D printing service to complete your project for a fee.
- For other fabrication resources check out Laserfab for Laser Cutting, Waterjet Cutting and Metal Fabrication Services!
Submit your Model
Once you have completed your model, fill out the print submission form. You will have options to select your preferences and provide specific instructions for the print staff, file size is capped at 100MB. If there are any issues with your files, we will notify you via email.
We look forward to 3D-printing for you!
Contact us
- Email is the best way to reach us! 3dupenn@gmail.com
- Map and directions
Please do not drop by to inquire when your print will be ready, as such walk-ins only delay our process. We promise to be in touch and to respond promptly to email inquiries. Thank you for your understanding!
3D-printing policy
The Holman Biotech Commons' 3D printers are available to the Penn community of students, faculty and staff to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file.
I. The 3D printers may be used only for lawful purposes. No one will be permitted to use the 3D printers to create material that is:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law or by University of Pennsylvania policy.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.)
- In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printer will not be used to reproduce material subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
II. The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. For example, print requests may be refused if it's deemed that there is another fabrication option that is either more appropriate, less costly, and/or more environmentally sound.
III. Only designated staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printers.
