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TLT upgrades Maker Commons with cutting-edge 3D printers

Penn State student and Maker-in-Residence Keyana Gales-Cook plays a key role as a peer-to-peer educator, supporting Teaching and Learning Technology’s 3D printing service. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Teaching and Learning with Technology’s Maker Commons, part of Penn State University Libraries’ Pattee Library and Paterno Library, has enhanced its 3D printing capabilities by upgrading its 30 3D printers to state-of-the-art Prusa MK4S models. These new printers offer faster printing times, better quality and greater sustainability — and will benefit Penn State students, faculty and staff across the commonwealth at no cost.

Faster, better, greener

The new printers feature advanced sensors for filament monitoring and bed leveling, faster speeds for reduced turnaround times, and improved hardware for smoother finishes. They also support sustainability with “organic support” technology for easier support removal, reduced waste, and the use of eco-friendly PLA filament. Maker Commons’ use of the TerraCycle recycling program also reduces landfill waste from unwanted prototypes and structural supports.

Maker Commons staff continue to rely on 3DPrinterOS browser-based management software that provides seamless and user-friendly experiences for students and employees University-wide. This software streamlines the 3D printing process, allowing users to easily slice and submit their models for printing with minimal technical barriers.

Unlocking academic potential

The upgraded printers enable rapid prototyping and creative projects across disciplines. Example applications include:

  • Biology and archaeology: Anatomical models and artifact reconstructions.
  • Theatre and design: Scenic design prototypes and set props.
  • Entrepreneurship and engineering: Functional prototypes and tools for hands-on learning.

“The additional 3D printers at the Maker Commons will make an already excellent resource even better,” said Brad Groznik, assistant teaching professor at the School of Engineering Design and Innovation. “I rely on the Maker Commons for both of my classes I teach in the engineering entrepreneurship program. Knowing that the capacity will expand will push students' creativity in their projects and startups.”

Empowering learning

Experiential learning is at the core of Maker Commons’ mission. By transforming ideas into tangible creations, students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Faculty integrate 3D printing into classes for engineering design, learning design and technology, and theatre to encourage creativity and collaboration.

Workshops and support

Maker Commons offers workshops and training sessions by request to help users design, prepare and print 3D models. Its staff also provide consultations to assist faculty and researchers in integrating 3D printing into their coursework or research.

In addition, Maker Commons fosters classroom partnerships across the commonwealth, enabling faculty at any Penn State campus to seamlessly incorporate 3D printing into their curriculum. Through collaborative projects, cloud-based 3D model submissions, and engaging, hands-on learning opportunities, Maker Commons is making 3D printing more accessible and impactful for students across a wide range of disciplines.

For more information or to schedule a workshop, consultation or classroom collaboration, visit makercommons.psu.edu.

Riya Jain, a student and Maker-in-Residence, plays a vital role in keeping the 3D printing service running smoothly through 3D modeling consultations, providing support and expertise to users. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

A close-up of a Prusa MK4 3D printer actively printing a large, faceted black bowl. The printer's touchscreen interface is visible at the bottom, displaying various settings. A spool of purple filament feeds into the extruder at the top. To the right of the printer are a measuring tape and a digital caliper to measure the size of the print. In the background are additional 3D printers and filament spools in a well-equipped maker space. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

A 3D printing lab featuring multiple Prusa 3D printers arranged on metal shelves in an enclosed glass cabinet. The printers are actively printing various objects, with filament spools mounted above each machine. Green and purple LED lights illuminate the workspace, creating a high-tech, inviting environment and a slight reflection on the glass. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

A close-up of multiple Prusa MK4 3D printers inside an enclosed maker space, actively printing various 3D models. Each printer has filament spools mounted above, feeding material into the machines. The workspace is lit with green and blue LED lights, illuminating the objects being printed, including architectural models and mechanical components. The organized environment showcases an advanced and well-maintained 3D printing lab. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

Riya Jain, a student and Maker-in-Residence, plays a vital role in keeping the 3D printing service running smoothly through 3D modeling consultations, providing support and expertise to users. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

A close-up of a Prusa MK4 3D printer actively printing a large, faceted black bowl. The printer's touchscreen interface is visible at the bottom, displaying various settings. A spool of purple filament feeds into the extruder at the top. To the right of the printer are a measuring tape and a digital caliper to measure the size of the print. In the background are additional 3D printers and filament spools in a well-equipped maker space. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

A 3D printing lab featuring multiple Prusa 3D printers arranged on metal shelves in an enclosed glass cabinet. The printers are actively printing various objects, with filament spools mounted above each machine. Green and purple LED lights illuminate the workspace, creating a high-tech, inviting environment and a slight reflection on the glass. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

A close-up of multiple Prusa MK4 3D printers inside an enclosed maker space, actively printing various 3D models. Each printer has filament spools mounted above, feeding material into the machines. The workspace is lit with green and blue LED lights, illuminating the objects being printed, including architectural models and mechanical components. The organized environment showcases an advanced and well-maintained 3D printing lab. Credit: Nicole Cingolani. All Rights Reserved.

Last Updated March 18, 2025

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