South Texas College Makerspace

3D Printing has a wide variety of applications across many unique fields. Low-cost prototyping has proved invaluable to the mechanical and engineering sectors. For the medical fields, clinical models, prosthetics, and even bioengineered organs have been successfully created through this the use of specialized equipment. And for hobbyists and creatives, 3D printing has made the construction of art and design more accessible than ever before.

Our 3D Printing space aims to introduce this technology to students, faculty, and staff through educational resources, trainings, and hands-on workshops. This equipment will also allow participants to print out their own three-dimensional objects from digital models through fused filament fabrication, a process in which a threadlike plastic filament is extruded through a heated nozzle, melting the material and applying the plastic layer by layer until the object is complete.​

To use the Makerspace equipment, participants must first have either: attended one of our Makerspace Workshops 
or completed the series of online 3D Printing trainings through Niche Academy.

Niche Academy Trainings

For new makerspace users, select the Niche Academy link above to access our online safety and hardware trainings for the Pecan Makerspace. An account will need to be created in order to track your completion status.

Once you are on the website:

• Click on the user icon    located at the top right corner.
• Click "Create a free account"
• Fill out the information form (First Name, Last Name, etc.)
• Create My Account

You will automatically receive an email with your credentials.

Once you are logged in to Niche Academy, complete trainings under Stratasys 3D Printing Tutorials titled:

• Stratasys F170 Basics
• Stratasys F170 Safety
• GrabCAD Print Intro
• SCA-1200HT Basics

Completion of these trainings will enable you to reserve the Stratasys F-170 3D Printer at any of our Makerspace locations.

3D Design Software

When printing an object, a digital ‘blueprint’ must first be created through Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. ​For our 3D Printing workshops, we will be using the TinkerCAD website for its accessibility and ease-of-use.​

To create your own 3D designs, visit TinkerCAD.com:

• Click 'Sign Up' at the top of the webpage
• Select the option to 'Create a personal account'
• Select 'Sign Up with Email'
• Once your account is created, click on 'Resources' and select the tab titled "Learning Center"

Advanced Software

For more experienced users, a variety of software is available at our computer labs.

• Fusion 360 - For design that uses precise measurements, calculations, and drawings to build functional objects
• 3DS Max - A professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images.
• AutoCAD - For precise 3D drafting and modeling with solids, surfaces, mesh objects, and more.
• Blender - For animated films, visual effects, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, and interactive virtual realities
• Revit - A modeling software for architects, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers.
• SolidWorks - Ideal for engineering, manufacturing, furniture design, medical, and product design
• SketchUp - Create and manipulate 3D models of buildings, landscapes, furniture, and other objects

Guides and Tutorials

3D technology has a large and committed following with many online communities that are eager to share their knowledge. Below, you will find some helpful links to help you get started or to improve on your design.

TinkerCAD Step-By-Step Lessons
Learn to use basic digital tools to create various 3D objects and familiarize yourself with digital modeling terminology.

Further Your Education

For individuals looking to develop their skills further, South Texas College offers programs that can aid in your advancement. 

• Architecture & Engineering Design Technology