Sneak Preview | Rapid Prototyping Centre

All printers in the Rapid Prototyping Centre

The Rapid Prototyping Centre (E5-2002) provides high quality 3D printing and laser cutting to students, staff and faculty at the University of Waterloo. Whether you are an undergraduate student working on a fun side project to a design team member preparing for a big competition, we have the tools to help.

How to self print at Rapid Prototyping Centre (RPC)

Step 1:

Uploading file icon

Prepare your file as an STL or 3MF file. 

Step 2:

Desktop icon

Come into the Rapid Prototyping Centre and use one of the desktops. 

Step 3:

Pencil and paper icon

Open your file in Bambu Studio Lab.

Slice & export print.

Step 4:

USB stick icon

Start your print. 

Step 5:

Card icon

Return later to pick up and pay. 

Make sure to speak to the operator. 

Services

Laser cutting

Trotech Ruby Laser Cutter
Epilog Engraver M2 40 Laser Cutter
RPC laser cutter machine layout

We currently offer 2 laser cutters capable of both engraving and cutting.

Epilog M2 40 Laser Cutter

  • CO₂ laser
  • 28" × 40" cutting bed
  • 75W laser

Trotec Speedy 300 Laser Cutter

  • CO₂ laser
  • 29" × 17" cutting bed
  • 75W laser

Compatible Materials

  • 1/4'' Acrylic: $1.10 per 10 cm x 10 cm square

  • 1/8'' Acrylic: $0.55 per 10 cm x 10 cm square

  • 1/8'' Fibreboard: $0.09 per 10 cm x 10 cm square

Fibrewood sqaure cutouts

Engraving guidelines

Good engraving examples

  • Simple drawings
  • Text and words
  • Basic vector graphics
Simple shape images

Bad engraving examples

  • Photographs
  • Detailed shaded artwork
  • Complex images
Four black-and-white decorative panel designs featuring geometric, Islamic, and floral patterns for laser cutting.

We only engrave simple drawings and words — no photographs.

3D printing

All printers in the Rapid Prototyping Centre

Self-serve printers

  • 18 × P1S printers (black, SD cards)
  • 12 × P2S printers (grey, USB stick) 

Both are 256mm x 256mm x 256mm.

Self-serve printing is typically faster than submitted requests.
RPC staff are available to assist with self-serve printing.

2 H2D printers and 3 X1C printers

Specialty printers - Online order only

H2D Printers

  • Multicolour printing
  • Dual-material printing (TPU + PLA supports)
  • 300mm (l) x 320mm (w) x 325mm (h). 

X1C Printers

  • Used for PAHT-CF filament
  • 256mm x 256mm x 256mm
Upgrade Your Prints: PVA Supports & Dual Printing

Print impossible shapes and get perfect surface finishes without the hassle of breakaway scars. Check out our premium support options below!

Premium filaments

Premium filament swatch examples

Filament pricing

  • PLA → $0.06/g
  • PETG → $0.07/g
  • TPU → $0.08/g
  • PAHT-CF (Online order only→ $0.13/g)
  • PVA Supports → Unsure

3D printing pricing is based on print weight.

Multicolour filament - Online order only

  • Pricing depends on colour
  • Average around $0.08/g

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Rapid Prototyping Centre?

E5 Room 2002, beside the bay area.

When are you open?
  • Monday–Friday
    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Spring Term)
  • Monday–Friday
    9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Fall & Winter Term)

How does pricing work?

3D printing is charged by the print weight (including support material)

Laser cutting is material-based.

  • Laser cutting is free if you bring your own approved material.

What payment methods are accepted?
  • WatCard Flex Dollars
  • Work Order Numbers (design teams, research groups, etc.)

How long will my print take?

Average print time: 4–5 hours

Time depends on print size and complexity.

Prints are completed layer by layer.

What happens after I submit a request?

You will receive an email once your print is complete.

Additional emails are only sent if issues occur with your request.

I am not in the faculty of engineering. Is it still possible to print something?

Yes. This service is available to any Waterloo students, staff, and faculty members — you do not need to be in engineering.