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, army green, electric blue, peach, brown, purple, and glow-in-the-dark! 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!

August 12, 2016

Note that during the week of August 15-19 only BLACK filament will be available.  

June 14, 2016

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

Patrons are not required to have any prior experience to 3D print.

But you do have to understand all the policies & procedures and become certified.

How do you become certified? Click here. 

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.

no AutoCAD required! no 3D modelling at all required to print a 3D object!

There are a ton of fun, innovative, and simple designs that you can download for free from online libraries of 3D designs. We recommend that if you are new to 3D printing, try printing something small and quick. We've put together a list of objects you can print to get experienced. 

We love Thingiverse. Browse or search the HUGE collection of free pre-designed models that you download free of charge! Still a little unsure? Choose designs that have a picture of the finished object. 

want to design your own 3D object? 

There are also loads of free, easy-to-use 3D modelling software programs out there. Check out our upcoming workshops page to find the next Intro to 3D Design for 3D Printing workshop to learn how to design your own 3D objects using 123D Design! In the meantime, check out these handy online resources. 

you're an AutoCAD expert who wants to print your own designs? 

Great! As long as you run your design through the Makerbot Desktop software to check for problematic design elements and adhere to the policies and procedures of our service, you can print your objects of your own design. We're excited to see what you can do!