About SAC College Offices and Departments Office of Technology Services MegaLab 3D Print Studio

3D Print Studio

The 3D Print Studio is available to all San Antonio College students, faculty, and staff. It is conveniently located inside the Student Mega Lab, room 502, and can be used for classwork, research, or a personal project. No reservations are required, and our 3D Printer experts are ready to assist you in printing your 3D project.

 

Moody Learning Center (MLC 502)

Hours: Monday–Friday  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Email:sac-3dprint@alamo.edu

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What’s a 3D Printer?

It’s a machine that builds real, three-dimensional objects from digital designs by printing them layer by layer. Think of it like stacking thin slices until your design takes shape. You can create anything from simple models to detailed prototypes using materials like plastic or resin. It’s a creative, hands-on way to turn your digital ideas into something you can actually hold!

 

Visit the Student Mega Lab (MLC 502) for a consultation and a project estimate. Please reach out to us to get a time estimate for your 3D print. Once you approve the estimate, we’ll send you an invoice for the project cost. After payment is received, we can begin the printing process.

Creating Your 3D Print

Cost
Once you have received your quote from the Mega Lab staff, you will be directed to pay in the “Alamo Market Place Mall” 3D Print Studio Store. Follow the instructions on the screens and make your payment. The Mega Lab will receive an email notifying them that the project has been paid. The project will then be printed.
  • Core colors - $0.14 per gram
  • Staff and faculty pay $0.07 per gram for core colors.
Policies
  • Most equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you pay for your 3D print project, you will be given a time frame as to when your printing will start and finish.
  • The Print Studio is open to the faculty, staff, and current students.
  • The 3D Print Studio staff will only be allowed to set up and monitor printing. 
  • Disregard for 3D Print Studio policies, equipment, or supplies may result in a ban from the Print Studio. If in doubt, please ask MegaLab staff for assistance.
Project Type

All objects printed on the 3D printer need to comply with the Alamo Colleges Copyright Policy, the Intellectual Property Policy, and the Appropriate Use of Information Resources Policy. Items deemed physically impossible to print will be rejected. 

Files Supported -  We recommend file types  STL or OBJ, but most file types can be used.  Contact Mega Lab staff to ensure your file type is compatible. 

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

What filament does the Student Mega Lab 3D Print Studio use?

We mainly use PLA filament. Other filament types are available on a limited basis. Please reach out to the Student Mega Lab if you want to know more about the other types of filaments available.

Can I print with my own filament?

Filament must be properly maintained, and quality can vary massively between brands. As such, we do not currently allow the use of personal filament rolls.

Is support material removed for me, or do I remove it from the model?

Typically, we remove the support material for you at no extra charge. However, some models with fragile parts may have support material left on.

How do I get started?

First, you will need a model. You can build one yourself with 3D modeling software, or you can find one on a shared space such as Thingiverse. If you would like to get started with modeling your files, we do offer training to help you with the basics.

How do I submit a job for printing?

You will need to visit the Mega Lab and receive a quote for the project. Once you accept the quote, the Mega Lab staff will direct you to pay in the “Alamo Market Place Mall” 3D Print Studio Store. Follow the instructions on the screens and make your payment. The Mega Lab will receive an email notifying them that the project has been paid. The project will then be printed

How long will my print take?

The time it will take for your print to be finished will depend on a large variety of factors (place in queue, size, quality, etc.). When lab staff are creating your estimate, you will be given a time frame.

How do I find out how much my project will cost to print?

The price is based on the print’s weight in grams. Lab staff will be able to determine this and give you an estimate.

Will I be charged for a failed print job?

No. If the print job fails, we will resolve the issue and print it again.

Do I need to be a current student or employee of San Antonio College?

Must be a currently enrolled student or employee at San Antonio College.