Fees for materials

Most of our equipment is free to use. However, there are fees to use our 3D printing, laser cutting, and vinyl cutting materials.

How to pay

For UA students faculty, and staff, we add the charges to your library account. We also accept departmental charge accounts if you are paying through your university department. 

For community members, we’ll create a login for you to pay your fees online.

3D printing

How much does it cost?

There's no fee to use our 3D printers, but you do need to pay for materials. 

Materials for purchase

We typically have PLA, ABS, and Photopolymer Resin in stock, but we may not have all materials available. You can check with us before you visit by contacting catalyst@email.arizona.edu.

Please contact us if you are interested in printing with a specific material not listed here.

Table caption: A list of 3D printing materials and how much they cost to use.
Material Cost 
Ultimaker PLA/ABS/PVA/TPU/PETG/CPE/Tough $0.11 per gram 
Speciality Filament (HIPS, GLASS, WOOD) None
Formlabs Photopolymer Resin $0.14 per gram + $2 set up fee
Speciality Resin (BioMed, Castable, Flexible) $0.26 per gram + $2 set up fee

Laser cutting

How much does it cost?

Each laser cutting job costs $2 for every 10 minutes of cutting or engraving time plus the cost of materials (if applicable, see below).

The library has several materials available for purchase or you can bring your own materials. See our list of acceptable materials. A CATalyst staff member must approve any material you bring before cutting or engraving. 

Materials for purchase

Not sure what material you should use? Come in during our open hours and a CATalyst staff member can help you decide.

Table caption: A list of laser cutting materials and how much they cost to use.
Material 12X12 in 12X24 in 24X36 in
Baltic birch plywood 1/8" $4    
Baltic birch plywood 1/4" $5    
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) 1/8"     Unavailable
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) 1/4"     Unavailable
Acrylic (variety of colors; solid or transparent) 1/8" $5 $10 Unavailable
Acrylic (variety of colors; solid or transparent) 1/4" $8 $16 Unavailable

Vinyl cutting

How much does it cost?

There's no fee to use our vinyl cutters, but you do need to pay for materials. 

Materials for purchase

Table caption: A list of vinyl cutting materials and how much they cost to use.
Material Cost
Regular Vinyl $0.23 per linear inch
Speciality Vinyl $0.32 per linear inch