Student-Operated Lab

The GCI
3D Print Farm

Bambu Lab A1, A1 Mini, and P1S printers — operated by students, open to the campus community.

Submit a Print Job → Get Trained First

About the Lab

Lab Overview

The GCI Print Farm is a student-operated 3D printing lab providing accessible fabrication services for learners and staff for the GCI community.

Students manage the full workflow — from model review and slicing to printing, quality inspection, and handoff. Working in the lab builds real-world skills in manufacturing, problem solving, and team operations.

  • 3 Bambu Lab printer models available
  • PLA, PETG, and specialty filaments stocked
  • Multi-color AMS printing supported (A1 and P1S)
  • Open to trained students, staff, and campus projects
  • Structured 5-day training required before independent operation

Quick Facts

3
Printer Models
FDM
Print Technology
256
mm × 256 mm Build (A1)
4
AMS Color Slots

Equipment

Printer Inventory

Three Bambu Lab models — each suited to different project types and scales.

FDM · AMS

Bambu Lab A1

Large build volume with full AMS multi-color support. Ideal for bigger projects that need more detail or multiple colors.

Build Volume
256 × 256 × 256 mm
Available
FDM · AMS

Bambu Lab A1 Mini

Compact desktop printer with fast print speeds and AMS support. Perfect for quick iterations and smaller parts.

Build Volume
180 × 180 × 180 mm
Available
FDM · Enclosed

Bambu Lab P1S

Fully enclosed chamber for high-temperature filaments like ABS, ASA, and PA. Quieter and ideal for engineering-grade parts.

Build Volume
256 × 256 × 256 mm
Available

Available Filaments

Material Printers Best Uses Notes
PLA A1, A1 Mini, P1S General printing, prototypes, figurines Most Common
PETG A1, A1 Mini, P1S Durable parts, functional prints Flexible & Strong
ABS / ASA P1S only UV-resistant outdoor parts, heat-tolerant Requires Enclosure
TPU A1, P1S Flexible parts, gaskets, bumpers Check Availability

How It Works

Print Job Workflow

Follow these steps to get your design printed at the GCI Print Farm.

  1. Prepare your file

    Export your design as STL or 3MF. If you haven't designed your own, find a model on MakerWorld. For design help, share an image and describe your idea.

  2. Submit the order form

    Fill out the Print Request Form with your name, file, material preference, quantity, and any special notes.

  3. Lab operator review

    A trained lab operator will review your submission for printability, estimated time, and filament availability.

  4. Print queue & production

    Your job is added to the print queue. Operators load filament, configure Bambu Studio, and start the print.

  5. Quality inspection

    Once complete, prints are inspected for defects. If issues are found, the operator will contact you to discuss re-printing.

  6. Pickup

    You'll be notified when your print is ready for pickup. Bring any filament cost reimbursement if required.

Submit a Print Job →

Lab Rules

Safety & Lab Expectations

Personal Safety

  • Never touch the print head or bed while the printer is running
  • Hot end temperatures can exceed 250°C — always wait for cooldown
  • Do not reach inside the P1S enclosure during a print
  • Wash hands after handling filament

Lab Conduct

  • Only trained and authorized students may operate printers
  • Do not modify printer settings without supervisor approval
  • Clean up filament scraps and supports before leaving
  • Report any issues or failures immediately

What Not to Print

  • No weapons, weapon components, or replicas
  • No copyrighted or trademarked designs without permission
  • No items intended to deceive, harm, or intimidate
  • No commercial resale items without prior approval

Keep Printers Running

Weekly Maintenance

Trained operators are responsible for regular maintenance to keep all printers in good condition.

Weekly Tasks

  • Spray the print bed with dish soap and water and wipe clean
  • Check nozzle condition and clear any partial clogs
  • Inspect the AMS feed path and clean if needed
  • Check belt tension on X and Y axes
  • Clear filament scraps and supports from the build area
  • Verify filament spool weight and restock if low

Monthly / As-Needed

  • Lubricate X/Y/Z guide rails with appropriate grease
  • Re-level the bed if first layers look uneven
  • Inspect PTFE tubes for cracks or discoloration
  • Check wiring harness for wear or abrasion
  • Run a calibration print and document results
  • Report any hardware issues to the lab supervisor

Maintenance logs should be updated after each session. See the Resources page for full maintenance guides.

Need Help?

Help & Support

Ask a Lab Operator

A trained student operator is available during open lab hours. They can help with file prep, settings, and troubleshooting.

Training Program

Not sure where to start? Complete the 5-day training program to learn everything you need to print independently.

Resource Library

Troubleshooting guides, maintenance how-tos, Bambu Studio tips, and a full FAQ — all in the Resources section.

Live

Live Print Queue

Track your job status in real time on the public queue. Jobs are shown by ID only — no personal information is displayed.

View Live Queue →

Student Guidelines

Print Rules & Expectations

Submit a print-ready model or share an image for design help. Operators review every request.

📁 File Preparation

  • For print-ready models, use STL or 3MF, not a Tinkercad project link
  • Open your file in Bambu Studio before submitting to verify it looks correct
  • Place your model on the build plate (not floating in air)
  • Scale your model correctly — check dimensions in Bambu Studio
  • Enable supports for overhangs greater than 45°
  • Use watertight geometry and walls at least 1.2 mm thick for PLA
  • Uploads must be 25 MB or smaller
  • For design help, share an image and describe your idea in the request

📛 File Naming

Name models using this format. Training keychains may use LastName_Keychain.3mf:

Lastname_Firstname_Project_v1

Examples: Smith_Alex_Keychain_v1, Jones_Taylor_Robot_v2

🔍 Review & Approval Process

  • Operators review files, estimate print time, and confirm materials
  • Single jobs should finish within 6 hours; get supervisor approval for batch jobs
  • Multi-color jobs need AMS-compatible setup
  • Commercial or for-profit prints need prior approval
  • Allow 2–5 business days; jobs print in order
  • Files with incorrect naming, scale, or setup will be flagged for revision
  • You will be notified if your submission needs changes
  • Approved jobs are added to the print queue with a Job ID
  • Track your job status on the Print Queue

📦 Pickup Expectations

  • You will be notified when your print is "Ready for Pickup"
  • Check the Live Queue to confirm your job status
  • Pick up your print during class or designated open lab hours
  • Uncollected prints may be discarded after two weeks

🔄 Reprint Policy

  • Free reprints are available for verified printer errors
  • Reprints due to incorrect file setup are the student's responsibility
  • Submit a new request and describe the reprint in Notes
  • Include the original Job ID and reason in the notes field
Printer Conduct: Do not touch the printers, open printer doors, or cancel jobs without permission from a lab operator. Unauthorized modification of printer settings may result in loss of printing privileges.