3D Printer Loaning Policy
KnightKrawler has found that one of the number one indicators of how involved a student becomes in CAD has a direct correlation to whether they have access to a 3D printer at home. The ability to quickly manufacture designs that they create encourages them to explore CAD on their own time and push the limits of their skill. So in the interest of making a more diverse and experienced CAD group, we decided to purchase four new printers that could be loaned to students using some funds that we had set aside for educational purchases.
We decided to purchase four new Bambu Lab A1 Mini printers, because they have very good print quality and only cost $200 each. The A1 mini is cheap enough that if something happens to a printer it won’t be a financial burden to replace the printer, yet the student can create high quality prints that are useful.
Students can check out one of the printer once they have done the following:
- Show sufficient knowledge to create a model in Onshape that is capable of being 3D printed.
- Show the ability to load and unload filament.
- Show the ability to export a model and print it on the printer they are borrowing.
- Sign a liability agreement.
- Join the #3dprinter slack channel
KnightKrawler supplies the student with a roll of PETG or PLA filament when they take the printer home. Students can request additional rolls of filament if they run out, or they can purchase their own filament.