3D Printing
3D Printing Process
3D printing is making a physical object from a digital model. Also called additive manufacturing, the physical model is built layer by layer. Our 3D printer feeds a plant-based bioplastic filament through a heated nozzle which melts the filament. Computer-controlled motors move the nozzle around to create the shape of a layer, which hardens immediately. Imagine a highly sophisticated and automated glue gun; that is basically an additive printer.
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Dimensions
The Ultimaker S5 has a build volume of 330 x 240 x 300mm, and the Prusa has a build volume of 250 x 210 x 210mm.
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File Formats
Printable file formats include .STL and .OBJ. If you have an object in another format, we may be able to convert it into a printable format.
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Submitting Files
Files may be submitted in person or digitally using email or OneDrive.
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Printing Time
Objects can usually be printed in 4 business days. However, the time it takes to print an object can vary depending on several factors.
3D Design Software
There are a multitude of free programs for making 3D models. These are some of the most common and supported free 3D modeling applications. Try one out today!
[Difficulty: Low]
Tinkercad is a basic online modeling program with a wealth of tutorials that familiarize users with the 3D environment. The user creates their model using built-in basic shapes, letters, and objects.
[Difficulty: Medium]
OpenSCAD is software for creating solid 3D CAD models. OpenSCAD does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modeling, instead, it focuses on the CAD (or math & number-based) aspects. This would be most useful for creating 3D models of machine parts.
[Difficulty: High]
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software product for creating animated films, visual effects, interactive 3D applications, and video games.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does a 3D printer work?
3D prints are built layer by layer. Our 3D printer feeds a plant-based bioplastic filament through a heated nozzle which melts the filament. Computer-controlled motors move the nozzle around to create the shape of a layer, which hardens immediately. This process often takes a significant amount of time but allows for exponential levels of customization. Imagine a highly sophisticated and automated glue gun; that is basically how a 3D printer prints. -
How does it know what to print or where?
Just like a regular printer needs an image or text to print, a 3D printer needs a model to give it the right information to build an object. A computer-generated 3D model saved in .STL, .OBJ, or other standard formats, tells the printer what to print. The model is sliced into even layers defined by the user (the thinner the slice, the greater detail and print time). The slicing software generates a Z-code, which controls where the print nozzle goes (and the pattern it runs in) to extrude filament. -
What are the limitations?
Just because you create a beautiful, seamless 3D model does not mean it can be successfully 3D printed. There are certain guidelines to keep in mind when designing and modifying an object to print. Following these pointers will increase the number of successful prints!
Water-tightness – “Watertight” is a term used to describe a 3D mesh suitable for 3D printing. It means no holes, cracks, or missing features on the mesh. The easiest way to describe a good mesh for 3D printing is to think of it as skin and filling the inside with water. It is important to create watertight meshes so that it is clear to the 3D printer what is the “inside” and what is the “outside”.
Overhang – Additive manufacturing printers build from the bottom up. There is little allowance for overhang due to gravity. For example, if you are printing a giraffe, its neck has nothing to build upon because it is out in space. You can either create thin supports to hold the extended piece (or have the software do it for you automatically) and then remove them later, or you can gradually build up at an angle to support the object as it extends upward. The latter is a more challenging technique but gives a cleaner print.
Geometry/Orientation of Objects on Print Bed – The printer moves on X, Y, & Z axes. With that in mind, certain angles are more difficult for the printer to manage. You will want to avoid jagged lines leading into curves or extremely small circles without using a raft (rafts are thin bottom supports for the printed model).
Keep It Simple – Do yourself a favor, and keep your models simple at first. This means using basic shapes to build objects. It is surprising how many designs can be created by combining shapes. This will also orient you into the 3D landscape. It takes time to get used to thinking in 3 dimensions—practicing is the key!