The Next Generation of 3D Printing Is Here!
The HKUST Library has been providing 3D printing services to the campus community since 2014. After more than a decade of advances in 3D printing technology, we are delighted to finally introduce a new Self-service 3D Printing experience on G/F in September 2026.
More than just a printer upgrade, the new service is designed to support creativity, self-learning, and hands-on exploration, providing students with the tools and resources to bring their ideas to life.
Try It Yourself!
Unlike the staff-mediated service in the past, you can now adjust the printing settings, start print jobs, and collect your finished models independently. Designed to promote self-learning, the new service gives students the freedom to explore different printing settings and learn through hands-on experience. You can now take full control of settings such as layer height, print speed, and infill pattern for your prints!
Just one reminder: you still cannot bring your own filament! Only Library-provided PLA filament may be used with the service to ensure safe operation and protect the printers.
Multi-colour Printing Unlocked
You can finally print multi-colour models! Our new 3D printers are equipped with two Automatic Material Systems (AMS), allowing them to switch between different filaments automatically during printing.
One printer will offer white, black, and two additional colours selected by Library staff, while the other will continue to offer white filament only. Although colour selection is not available, we will regularly rotate the colour combinations to make your prints more colourful and unique.
Not quite the colours you had in mind? Print in white and add your own finishing touches! With our colour pens and basic finishing tools, you can transform every print into something uniquely yours.
Print Faster, Print Smarter
Thanks to enhanced printing technology, many models can now be printed in considerably less time. In one of our test prints, a model that took more than 6 hours on our previous printer was completed in just over 2 hours on the new printer, while also producing a smoother surface finish.
The new printing software can also generate tree supports that are often much easier to remove, so you can spend less time on post-processing and more time enjoying your finished model.
Flexible Booking Schedule
To give more students a chance to use the service, the booking arrangement has been redesigned. You can now book in 30-minute time slots, with up to 4 hours per session, giving you greater flexibility to plan your printing projects. For details on booking and usage policies, please visit our Self-service 3D Printing webpage.
When planning your reservation, please make sure that your print job can be completed within your booked session. Remember, the next user may be waiting for their turn, and they have the right to stop any print job that runs beyond the reserved time.
It’s FREE!
Best of all, it's completely free now! HKUST students can enjoy the service at no cost. Whether you're working on an assignment, building a prototype, or simply experimenting with a new idea, now is the perfect time to start printing. Visit the workstation at the Information Commons on G/F and start creating!
Having no idea about 3D printing but still want to give it a try? Stay tuned for our introductory workshops for absolute beginners this Fall Semester. We can't wait to see what you'll create!
June Or
Assistant Officer (User Services)
lbjune@ust.hk
