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Digital Media Center @ Biotech

3D Printing & Scanning

3D Model

The latest 3D technologies at the Digital Media Center make it possible to create tangible objects from 3D computer models and to make virtual 3D models from real objects. The 3D printer can build objects from an assortment of virtual 3D models; for example, MRIs, PDBs (biomolecular models), as well as models built de novo in Maya or 3D Studio Max. Our 3D scanners can make a real 3D object into a virtual one.

File formats preferred for 3D printing:
STL, PLY, VRML, BLD (Zcorp software format), Pymol session files (.pse), Rasmol Scripts files (spt)

Software applications used to create 3D models:
Maya, 3D Studio Max, & Rhino

Costs

$8 a cubic inch
$20 hour student labor

Stated rates are for Wisconsin government and non-profit groups. For non-state or non-UW clients a 21% surcharge and tax apply (tax exempt companies do not pay tax).

The 3D models are being used on campus by a number of departments/organizations. A few examples include:

  • Biocore classes use the models in discussion groups to demonstrate the physical properties of molecules.
  • The Information Technology Academy (ITA) students used models to study the differences between wildtype and the sickle cell variant of hemoglobin.
  • The soil science department uses models to demonstrate crystal structures of minerals.
  • The Institute for Chemical Education (ICE) is working on creating models for the blind.
  • The American Society of Virology used models to introduce 3D literacy to the virologist community.
3D Models

The modeling studio's primary purpose is for the advancement of 3D literacy.  Under a grant from the National Science Foundation we are creating models to help student understand 3 dimensional objects which were previously only demonstrated to them in 2 dimensions on paper.  Also we are working with the Center for Eukaryotic Structural Genomics to build a 3D model library of the structures that have solved.

The printer and scanner are available for use by the entire campus, not just the biosciences. We are always looking to work on new and innovative projects from all departments across campus.

Contact

For more information and to set up an appointment please contact Alan Wolf at 263-0919 or ajwolf@doit.wisc.edu.