General

The MakerBots in the RP lab are prioritized for MEAM Students and MEAM coursework. This includes MEAM students and students taking MEAM courses. However, if you are not MEAM and would like to use the MakerBots, please follow the guidelines below.

  1. Justify your need for a 3D printer.
    • RPL is not large enough to support all of SEAS's needs for additive manufacturing. We need to know that your project explicitly requires use of the MakerFleet.
    • The MakerBot is not the answer to every fabrication or prototyping need. Is there a fabrication method more suited to your project?
    • Files may be helpful to convey your ideas. 3-D PDFs, images, or SolidWorks models.
  2. Email Elizabeth Silvestro (esilve@seas.upenn.edu.) Describing your needs.
    • 1. Your name:
    • 2. Course Number:
    • 3. Course Instructor:
    • 4. Payment Source:
    • 5. Intended Printing Time Frame: (give us an idea when you will be printing, i.e. between May 4- May 7)
    • 6. Describe your Project: A brief paragraph describing your part and its functionality. This will allow us to provide potential alternatives or guidelines for your part.
    • 7. Attach an .STL files you intend to print.
    • Approval will be emailed to you and your name will be added to the approved list to check out filament for the Intended Printing Time Frame of your project.
  3. Payment
    • If approval is granted, we will contact you about payment. A charge for 2 filament spools ($90) will be billed through the Towne Business Office. This helps us cover the cost of materials, maintenance and repairs.
  4. Printing
    • You will now be able to check out filament for the Intended Printing Time Frame to complete your project.
    • Once this time frame or the project, access will be removed and you will have to complete the process again for new project.

Professor or Course Request

  • If you are a Professor looking to request access for your course please email us at meam-labs@lists.seas.upenn.edu and we will set up a time to meet with you to discuss how to best meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean I can only use the 2 filament spools I paid for?

  • No-- by purchasing 2 spools for our lab, you are helping offset material costs. After these funds have been transferred, you will have regular access to checkout filament during your designated printing time frame.

If I am not in a SEAS course can I complete this as well?

  • No, this access is only for SEAS students and coursework. Non-SEAS schools are not permitted to use the MakerFleet.

Does this guarantee me time on a machine?

  • No, just as any student (MEAM or non-MEAM) you will have to wait your turn to get a MakerBot to print.