3D Printing

FDM Printers

Flashforge Adventurer 4

• Two of these are available

• These are general-use, space-owned printers with mid-sized, heated beds

• These can print in non-abrasive filament requiring up to 260C(*)

  • * - Swappable high-temp nozzle must be used for materials over 240C

• These printers use Flashprint to prepare files for printing

• Self-guided training is available online: (INSERT LINK)

• Example review with specifications: https://top3dshop.com/blog/flashforge-adventurer-4-3d-printer-review

Bambu Lab X1 Carbon

• Two of these are available

• These are high-end, high-performance FDM printers

• They support a wide range of normal and abrasive, as well as low and high temperature (Nylon, PC) filaments

• These printers use Bambu Studio to prepare files for printing

• Self-guided training is available, but you must meet one of two prerequisites to receive final authorization:

  • Option 1 - Have an existing authorization for the MakeIt Labs Flashforge FDM printers

  • Option 2 - Be able to describe your existing experience operating  FDM 3D printers to the RM

• Specifications: https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon

BambuLab H2D

• One of these is available

• This is the bigger, improved version of the X1C, and supports the same software, materials and capabilities

• Once you have been authorized on the X1C, and reviewed the H2D specific operating guidelines, you may use this printer

  • (H2D operation guidelines link in progress 4/18/2025)

• Specifications: https://bambulab.com/en/h2d/tech-specs

Resin Printers

Anycubic Photon 5S

• Fast, General purpose Resin Printer

• Geared toward any type of Resin printing

• Uses any standard 405nm curing resin

• Training provided by the Resource Managers

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8k

• Fast, LARGE resin printer

• Primarily geared towards very large, detailed prints like cosplay parts or figurines

• Uses any standard 405nm curing resin

• Training provided by the Resource Manag

FAQs

Can non-members have prints made at MakeIt Labs?

MakeIt Labs resources are reserved for the use of our members, and this includes the 3D printers. We do not offer a commercial printing service, *however* if you are a Nashua-area non-profit and looking for help getting something 3D printed please reach out via email to 3dprinting@makeitlabs.com and we may be able to assist.

Do the training classes cost anything?

MakeIt Lab members may take  our self-guided or in-person training for our 3D printers at no cost. Non-members are welcome to look through resources on this Wiki, which covers most of the basics.

Does using the printers cost anything?

Members can use the equipment at no additional time cost, however materials are Bring-your-own for the Adventurer and Resin printers, and at-cost (bulk material purchase price) for the X1C printers (Bambu Labs RFID'd filament spools). Note that all machines are subject to reasonable use guidelines, so do not harbor any expectation of running a print farm on MakeIt Labs printers.

Where do I get files for 3D printing?

Free repositories such as Printables, Thangs, MakeWorld and Thingiverse exist where people often share their designs for free. Additional repositories, such as Cults3D often have paid models available, and a significant number of subscriber-based platforms such as Patreon have creators who provide their models for a monthly fee. From these sources you can download a model file (such as STL, OBJ, or 3MF)  and load it into software (a "slicer") to prepare it for print.

Some users choose to create their own designs , either in a CAD program (such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, OnShape or Tinkercad) or a Modelling program (such as Blender, Rhino, or others).  If you are looking to create your own designs consider what software you may already have experience with, as well as what types of designs you want to create. Almost all CAD and Modelling software will export STL files that you could then load into software (a "slicer" to prepare it for print.

How do I prepare ("slice") a file?

Different software is often used for dfferent printers, so instructions will vary. For our printers we use Flashprint (for the Adventurer 4), Bambu Studio (for the X1Cs) and Chitubox (for the Resin printers). Each of these pieces o software is covered in the training/authorization for the appropriate printer, or you can find good tutorials online.

Do I need to be physically present to print?

Starting a print must be done in person, or by convincing another authorized member to do in for you in person. This ensures the printer is properly checked before the print starts. The first few minutes of every print must be monitored in-person for failures, but once the first few layers have completed the Member may leave the print and return within a reasonable window of expected print completion time; this means if the print is going to run for 4 hours you should expect to return in 4 hours or otherwise arrange for the part to be removed so the machine is available for the next user.