In October 2014, the Gerstein Science Information Centre and the MADLab launched 3D Printing @ Gerstein + MADLab, a self-serve 3D printing studio complete with two MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printers and a MakerBot Digitizer 3D scanner. The service is available for all University of Toronto students, staff, and faculty. 

What do I have to do to use the printer?

1. Become a 3D Printing @ Gerstein + MADLab Certified User
2. Reserve time on the printer 
3. Pay $1.50 for each 1/2 hour reserved on the printer
4. Get to printing!

Where are the 3D printers located? 

The printers are located in the MADLab (Room B112) on the first floor basement of the Gerstein Science Information Centre.

When can I book time on the printer? 

Printers are available by reservation only. The service will be open Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

I have questions!

Wonderful! We love questions. Send them to us at gerstein.3dprinting[at]utoronto.ca. 

The 3D printers at Gerstein + MADLab use PLA (polyactic acid), a biodegradeable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester dervied from corn starch. It's safe to use in our space. You can view the PLA Material Data Safety Sheet.

We currently have filament in many colours, including: white, black, neon pink, bright green, green, army green, electric blue, peach, brown, grey and purple! Unless otherwise requested, you'll print your job in whatever colour is loaded into the printer when you begin your reservation. If you would like to print in a specific colour that we offer, please email us ahead of time and we can help you switch out the filament. Please note that colour requests cannot be guaranteed. 

Also note that white PLA can easily be painted. 

3D Printing @ Gerstein + MADLab acknowledges the following 3D Printing services for sharing their experience and various materials which contributed to the development of our service: 

Rodgers 3D Studio at the University of Alabama Libraries

Toronto Public Library Digital Innovation Hub

Thank you!

March 16, 2020

Please be informed that the 3D printing service at MADLab + Gerstein is closed until further notice. 

March 13, 2020

As a result of the decision to suspend in-person classes and workshops at UofT, we will not be offering 3D Printing Safety Training sessions until further notice. 

Please refer to the UofT home page (utoronto.ca) for the latest updates with regard to campus operating status.

June 14, 2016

Starting July 4, 2016, we will no longer be accepting cash payments. Payments will be accepted via credit or debit only.

3D printing turns computer models into real, physical things. It takes a particular material (usually plastic), melts it to a point when it can be extruded out of a small nozzle, and deposits it down in successive layers according to a computer program until an entire 3D object is created... right before your eyes!

Common applications of 3D printing include rapid prototyping and product development, though is increasingly popular in biotechnology, fashion, construction, and other industries. It's also becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists and makerspaces in public and academic libraries.