{"id":11603,"date":"2026-04-30T08:59:55","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/?page_id=11603"},"modified":"2026-04-30T08:59:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:59:56","slug":"3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/3d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Did you know that all staff can access 3D printing support through Digital Learning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3D printing offers a practical way to bring ideas to life, whether you are enhancing teaching resources, supporting student projects, or creating useful items for your role. The service is available to both teaching and business support staff, with a focus on supporting teaching, learning, and day-to-day work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to get your model printed<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55%\">\n<p>Getting started is simple. You can either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Find a design on sites like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/makerworld.com\/en\">MakerWorld<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.printables.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.printables.com\/\">Printables<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide your own <strong>STL <\/strong>or <strong>3MF <\/strong>file.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have something in mind, contact Digital Learning team at <strong><a href=\"mailto:digitallearning@loucoll.ac.uk\">digitallearning@loucoll.ac.uk<\/a><\/strong>, including a link to the design or your file. For larger prints or those requiring specialist materials, a cross-charge may apply.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-161413.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1471\" height=\"947\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-161413.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-161413.png 1471w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-161413-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-161413-1024x659.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-161413-768x494.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-161413-1440x927.png 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1471px) 100vw, 1471px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>3D printing in action<\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Browse a selection of 3D prints produced at the college to see what is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"11666\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112342054.PORTRAIT-1440x1080.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"11668\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_112727738.PORTRAIT-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"11669\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/PXL_20260429_111308457.PORTRAIT-1440x1080.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"11672\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/20260429_155237-1440x1080.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"11023\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2025\/12\/PXL_20251202_1423564053-1440x1080.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1626\" height=\"949\" data-id=\"11670\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622.png 1626w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622-300x175.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622-1024x598.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622-768x448.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622-1536x896.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-152622-1440x840.png 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1626px) 100vw, 1626px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How 3D printing works<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>3D printing builds objects layer by layer from a digital design file. The model is first prepared using specialist software (a &#8220;<em>slicer<\/em>&#8220;), where settings such as print quality, speed, and supports are selected. The slicer then converts the model into a set of instructions for the printer, breaking it down into thin layers and defining how each one will be created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The printer then heats the material, typically a type of plastic (such as PLA), and carefully lays it down in precise lines to build the object. As each layer is added, it cools and hardens, providing a base for the next layer. This process continues until the entire model has been formed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-163857.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1136\" height=\"984\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-163857.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-163857.png 1136w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-163857-300x260.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-163857-1024x887.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-29-163857-768x665.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1136px) 100vw, 1136px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"3D Printed Airless Basketball Timelapse\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1161416073?h=968512faa8&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"439\" height=\"269\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Once finished, the print is removed from the build plate and, if needed, lightly cleaned or finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you have an idea that could support your teaching or work, the <a href=\"mailto:digitallearning@loucoll.ac.uk\" data-type=\"mailto\" data-id=\"mailto:digitallearning@loucoll.ac.uk\"><strong>Digital Learning<\/strong><\/a> team is here to help bring it to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Help and Support<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2021\/06\/GettyImages-1271748762-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Message icon\" class=\"wp-image-6229 size-full\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>As always, contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:digitallearning@loucoll.ac.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Learning Team<\/a>&nbsp;for more information, guidance, and support. You can also book a coaching session here: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.loucoll.ac.uk\/digital-learning-coaching\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Learning Coaching<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that all staff can access 3D printing support through Digital Learning? 3D printing offers a practical way to bring ideas to life, whether you are enhancing teaching resources, supporting student projects, or creating useful items for your role. The service is available to both teaching and business &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":129,"featured_media":11632,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11603","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/129"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11603"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11603\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11689,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11603\/revisions\/11689"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}