We’re now offering our Protolab services to everyone in the Marquette community. Our Protolab features advanced technologies like 3D printing, injection molding, 3D scanning and laser-cutting for those looking to prototype new products and run small batch production, print household items, game pieces, trinkets, specific parts, and more.
Made possible by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Protolab provides Innovate Marquette clients and our local community with access to cutting-edge technology to help advance their ideas and business ventures by solving unique problems through tangible solutions.
Fill out the 3D printing form below to connect with our team and start utilizing our Protolab services.
Please allow 1-3 business days for your request to process.
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three-dimensional objects from a digital file. It’s typically fast and can create more complex geometries than traditional prototyping methods. 3D printing can be utilized in many different applications like: prototyping, medicine, architecture, and more.
3D printing is a game-changer because it offers a fast, cost-effective way to create prototypes and final products. It allows innovators, businesses, and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into reality with precision and flexibility.
The cost of 3D printing can vary depending on whether or not we are designing the print, the size, the material used, and the intricacies of the design. 3D prints start at $10.
Fill out the form below to get a quote.
We have several fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers in the Protolab, including 2 Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printers and 2 Bambu Lab X1C 3D Printers. Additionally, the Protolab includes a 3D scanner, 2 Formlabs Form 2 resin printers, and a Formlabs 3L printer for large format prints. We have various small format machines for curing and a larger version, the Form Cure L. Apart from 3D printing, the Protolab has a wide range of machines for prototype fabrication, including a belt sander, drill press, vacuum former, and power tools.
3D scanning uses laser light, structured light, along with a series of cameras to create precise digital models. The process starts with directing a laser point or line at the object to be scanned. The scanned object can be used to develop further CAD modeling.
You can find a wide variety of print-ready 3D designs on platforms like Thingiverse, Printables, Thangs, Makerworld and MyMiniFactory.
Yes – fill out the form below with your request and we will get back to you in 3-5 business days.
The Protolab is a specialized prototyping lab equipped with state-of-the-art 3D printing and scanning technologies. Learn more.
The Protolab was created with the goal of supporting local entrepreneurs by helping them transforming 2D designs into physical prototypes.
The Protolab was fully funded by the award of the United States Department of Agriculture RISE Grant.
The Protolab is located on the lower level of the Kaufman Block.
Our 3D printing services are now available to both the community and our new and existing clients! To start 3D printing submit your idea today or click here to learn more about our new community 3D printing program.
No, the Protolab is not a makerspace. However, the Protolab is made up of cutting-edge technology available for use by Innovate Marquette clients and Invent@NMU student employees.
The Protolab is made up of numerous 3D printers, a laser engraving machine, and more.
3000 square feet
Product Manager, Eric Prue at eric.prue@imqt.org.
Bambu Labs X1 Carbon
Maximum Part Size: 10in3
The X1 Carbon printers are our most advanced FDM machines. In addition to speed and precision, they can handle engineering-grade materials like carbon fiber-reinforced filament. These printers are ideal for strong, lightweight parts such as brackets, mechanical components, or high-detail models. With AI-powered monitoring and multi-material capabilities, they produce highly professional results. These printers are also capable of creating multi-colored prints.
Bambu P1P
Maximum Part Size: 10in3
Our P1P printers use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, which builds objects layer by layer by melting and depositing plastic filament. These printers are fast, reliable, and great for a wide variety of projects—everything from custom parts and prototypes to models and practical tools. They support popular materials like PLA, PETG, and ABS, and are perfect for quick, high-quality prints.
Formlabs Form 3L Resin 3D Printer
Maximum Part Size: 13.2 x 7.9 x 12.6in
The Form 3L is a large-scale Stereolithography (SLA) resin 3D printer. The 3L offers the same degree of precision and quality as the smaller Form 2 printers at a significantly larger scale, allowing you to bring your biggest ideas and projects to life.
Formlabs Form 2 Resin 3D Printers
Maximum Part Size: 5.7 x 5.7 x 6.9in
The Form 2 is a Stereolithography (SLA) resin 3D printer that uses advanced UV light technology to carefully harden liquid plastic, layer by layer. Compared to traditional FDM printers, SLA printing offers exceptional precision, making it perfect for creating highly detailed and intricate designs. With layer resolutions as fine as 25 microns (0.001 inches), resin printing offers unparalleled structural integrity and surface quality. This makes it ideal for projects that require fine details, complex shapes, or special material properties like flexibility, strength, or high-temperature resistance.
ActionBOX INJEKTO 3
This machine lets us create durable plastic parts by injecting melted plastic into a mold. In the future it will allow us to use our own recycled 3D printing filament, helping us reduce waste. It’s ideal for producing multiples of the same part with consistent shape and quality.
Glowforge Pro
Maximum Material Dimensions: 18 x 20 x 2in
The Glowforge uses a CO₂ laser to precisely cut, engrave, and score materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and more. It works by burning or vaporizing the material along a digital design path. It’s perfect for creating detailed signs, personalized gifts, plaques, and custom components with a clean, polished finish.
Revopoint Mini 2
Our 3D scanner captures the exact shape and dimensions of real-world objects and converts them into digital 3D models. It uses cameras and light to scan surfaces, allowing us to replicate objects, make digital modifications, or recreate broken or rare parts through 3D printing.
On November 29, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that a $700,000 Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant was awarded to Innovate Marquette SmartZone, along with project partners Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior Community Partnership, and Michigan Works! The grant will support the creation and management of the Marquette Outdoor Venture (MOV) Innovation Center.
The MOV Innovation Center will exist as an ecosystem of support to diversify and strengthen the rural regional economy by leveraging assets, increasing collaboration, and accelerating the growth of small businesses and jobs in the emerging industry cluster of outdoor recreation innovation, focused on innovative products, mobility/limited mobility, and smart connected platforms/systems.
Partners in the project are working together to implement four strategies:
Click here to learn more about how Innovate Marquette will utilize the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant to support outdoor innovation.
Thank you for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development office for providing support that allows us to continue to drive innovation in our community. for the support of the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant. Innovate Marquette SmartZone programs and services are also made possible in part through ongoing support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of Marquette.
At Innovate Marquette we value creativity and innovation, and we strive to provide high-quality 3D printing services. Our team reviews each design request carefully, and we will communicate with you promptly if adjustments or further consultations are necessary.
To ensure ethical, legal, and operational compliance, we reserve the right to decline printing requests for designs that:
Thank you for your understanding as we work to maintain a responsible and respectful service.
If you have any questions about this policy or need assistance with your design, feel free to contact us at imqtprotolab@imqt.org.
