Services

Workshops & training
- 3D printer safety certification
- Intro to 3D design (Tinkercad, Fusion 360)
- Image segmentation (DICOM to 3D)
Student printer access
- Subsidized for student assignments in approved courses
Consulting
- Project feasibility
- Custom design
- Instruction/assignment support
- Photogrammetry and scanning
Remote printing
- For faculty and researchers only

Eligibility

Who can apply:

Current University of Toronto teaching faculty, instructors and teaching staff with courses on St George Campus
Research lab PIs and research team members
Authorized student staff (teaching assistants or research assistants)
Research staff without UTORids may act on behalf of U of T faculty PIs

Eligible projects:

1. Course-based projects involving 3D design, scanning, or printing:

Student assignments or projects using 3D tools
Instructors using 3D technologies to support learning
Creation of teaching or research materials

2. Research-based projects requiring custom 3D objects:

Original designs for experiments
Replacement parts for lab tools
Accessibility-related objects

Ineligible projects:

Projects that contravene copyright or IP law (e.g. scanning or reproducing protected
designs without permission)
Projects producing weapons or offensive materials
Projects with single object print times of over 18 hours
Projects for third-parties and/or for commercial use

Please refer to the IP Policy for copyright and licensing details.

Application & timeline

Submit your request using the appropriate form:
Course Request Form | Research Lab Request Form
Apply at least one month before your deadline or course start date
Late or incomplete forms may not be considered
Projects are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on staff availability
Staff will endeavour to respond to requests within 2 weeks, with allowances for library closures, holidays, etc.

Project process:

Form submitted by project lead and reviewed by Gerstein team
Initial consultation with the Gerstein team (in person or virtually)
Design support and iteration as needed
Time and print volume tracking via internal metrics forms
Scope limit: maximum of 30 hours
Compliance with copyright policy is required

Training sessions for students are scheduled based on staff availability.

Equipment and material

All faculty prints are made on a Creality K2 Pro fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printer. The maximum build volume is 350x350x350mm. For more information, please see the Creality K2 Pro manual.

Creality prints are made with polylactic acid (PLA) material. This biodegradable material is made of corn starch or sugar cane. PLA is not appropriate for high UV or temperature environments and is not biocompatible. Review the PLA Material Data Safety Sheet.

Filament is available in a variety of colours. We will do our best to accommodate colour requests.

Scanning and photogrammetry

Revopoint Pop3 Plus handheld 3D scanner
iPad Pro (M4) with LIDAR and native photogrammetry app

To book, please contact gerstein.3dprinting@utoronto.ca

Fees

For teaching/research materials:

• Printed by Gerstein staff on Creality K2 printer
• Charged by filament weight: $0.10/g
(Example: 80g print = $8.00 + tax)
• Covers materials, replacement parts, and tools
• Special filament may incur additional charges (case-by-case)

Lab staff will issue invoice by email upon job completion. Invoice can be paid by credit or debit card at the Gerstein service desk when picking up prints. All prints should be picked up in person during library hours.

For student printing in approved courses

• Printed by students on MakerBot Large printers
• Charged by time: $2/hour
• Each student receives 2 free hours (up to $100/class)
• Print time is scheduled in blocks during which time staff is available for support; students may book within those blocks for free or schedule regular paid time at their convenience

Recent projects

ANA124H1: Kinesiology Human Anatomy I: Organ Systems; PHT1001/1002/1003 Gross Anatomy for Physical Therapy; Temerty Surgery - May 2025

In collaboration with the faculty member, we designed a brain model consisting of separate horizontal, coronal, and sagittal sections that fit together, as well as nuclei that attach magnetically. Students can remove individual slices and thread through to visualize internal structures in three dimensions, which facilitates hands-on learning without the logistical challenges associated with preserved specimens or the ambiguity of 2D paper models.

brain model with horizontal, coronal, sagittal sections and nuclei

DEN317: Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry - May 2025

In collaboration with the faculty member, we adapted an original 3D model file and experimented with various printing modes to produce a multi-material jaw model to mimic radiographic bone and tooth anatomy. The goal is to create realistic X-ray contrast when imaged in the dental clinic. These models will be used to help students practice taking dental x-rays on simulators prior to working with patients.

LMP2005Y: Capstone Research Project, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology – Medical Education - April 2025

To reduce reliance on human specimens, we created designs for 3D-printed molds of organs that can be cast in cost effective, tissue-like materials. These models will allow students to practice surgical techniques repeatedly with consistency, lowering costs and risks associated with human specimen procurement and disposal. diagram of six steps on using 3D printed organ molds

Policies and procedures

All users must read and understand the service Policies and Procedures prior to use.

Contact us

To learn more, please reach out to us at gerstein.3Dprinting[at]utoronto.ca.

You can also book a consultation with our 3D technology experts.

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3D printing course instruction and research lab support at Gerstein Library

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