What happens when you give thousands of students free access to 3D printers? Will they just print Wolverine claws? The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary opened that door, and the outcome is impressive: students are creating everything from space rover components to T-Rex-shaped electric guitars, all while building skills for their futures.

A Makerspace for Everyone

Since 2017, Schulich Makerspace has grown from 20 Original Prusa MK3 printers to a fleet of over 70 MK4s and four multi-tool XLs in the main makerspace, with additional units in specialized labs across campus. About 3,000 engineering students – nearly half the program – use the printers each year, alongside arts, business, and sciences students among the university’s 35,000+. The demand reflects how essential 3D printing has become.

Starting is very straightforward: any UCalgary student or staff member can complete a short online project to access the print queue. “It’s one of our most used resources,” says Kevin Le, Mechanical Engineering Technical Specialist. “Students dive in and start creating immediately.” The environment fosters collaboration. Senior students and technicians mentor beginners, teaching skills like slicing, filament selection, and printer maintenance. “Students often need guidance on bed cleaning or settings,” says Peyton Belgrave, a student mentor. “We cover the basics, and Prusa’s knowledge base helps with the rest. It’s easy to pick up.” Workshops, some even still using the dependable MK3s, build confidence, creating a supportive space for innovation.

Building Skills for Industry

Schulich’s 3D printing program provides students with valuable practical experience that employers appreciate. “Our graduates stand out because they’ve worked on real projects,” Kevin says. “They’ve designed, tested, and refined solutions, ready for professional challenges.”

Projects span coursework and more. For instance, in a mechanical engineering class, students iterate on windmill prototypes weekly, learning through hands-on experimentation. Others design electronics enclosures or molds for the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race. The makerspace also produces unique items, such as a 3D-printed dinosaur mascot kit with a light-up LED eye, celebrating UCalgary’s dino pride. Students even print T-Rex-shaped electric guitars, inspired by the Prusacaster, combining technical skill with creativity. These projects develop prototyping, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities that translate directly to industry.

Big Projects

Schulich’s printers support bold student initiatives. Teams create parts for UCalgary Racing’s Zeus electric motorcycle, the Schulich space rover, and CubeSat housings for
aerospace research. Multi-color/material XLs deliver polished results, while MK4s handle high-volume prototyping. “3D printing speeds up testing and iteration,” says Mary Mo. “It’s critical for student projects.”

Why go with Prusa?

With thousands of prints each semester, reliability is essential. “We chose Prusa for their consistent performance,” Kevin explains. “A busy print queue means no room for clogs or downtime.” The MK4’s automatic first-layer calibration ensures smooth operation, and the XL’s toolchanger enables complex multi-material prints. Original Prusa Enclosures, most of them built by Kevin He, optimize space and support advanced filaments. Even the MK3s, which are still used in workshops, remain durable under heavy use.

Sustainability and Community

Schulich prioritizes sustainability. A custom filament recycling machine converts failed prints and supports into new filament. “It’s not ideal for high-precision parts, but it works well for infill or decorative prints,” says Mason Plested, Teaching and Learning Specialist. “We’re significantly reducing waste.” Focused on PLA, this initiative underscores the school’s environmental commitment.

The makerspace extends its impact through outreach. Summer workshops teach high school students about CAD and 3D printing, allowing them to create designs such as name keychains. “They’re thrilled to see their ideas take shape,” Kevin says. These programs, along with hackathons and student clubs, inspire future STEM innovators.

Inspiring the Next Generation

From dinosaur guitars to space-bound components, Schulich’s environment enables students to create, collaborate, and prepare for their careers. The accessible entry point and collaborative atmosphere make 3D printing accessible to everyone, while the skills acquired pave the way for professional success. The potential continues to grow as Schulich expands its makerspace and sustainability initiatives.

“3D printing empowers students to bring their ideas to life,” Kevin says. “It’s about building skills and confidence for a future full of possibilities.”

Jakub Kmošek and Štepán Feik