Fab Lab

3D Printing

To print you need a 3D model. You can design a 3D model with a program like SketchUp, 123D, or Blender or you can also download a 3D model from one of the links below. To print the model, you need to save or export it as an .STL file. Now it's time to learn to use the printer! Using the Axon 2 program, transform the .STL file to a .BFB file for the 3D printer. You'll need to talk to Bob Hirsch or Jesse Wirth. If you don't know them, get a leader to introduce you. They both know how to run the printer.

    • The engineering Center has two 3D Touch singles - about $70 per 1kg reel of plastic. We also have an Afinia3D H800 printer (see handbook below).
    • 3D Design Programs (NEEDS TO SAVE as STL file)
      • Onshape: Free web-based software found at cad.onshape.com that is comparable to Solidworks and Autodesk Inventor Pro
        • Make your own account or use the Yerkes account: yerkesstar@starsatyerkes.net / Weareyerkes5tars
        • For tutorials, start with this and check out the other videos on the site for help with specific functions.
    • Autodesk Inventor: Can be very expensive, but Autodesk offers a 3 year free trial for students.
      • SketchUp: The full version is very expensive, but the free version is still very capable. To make .stl files, SketchUp requires a plugin, called "SketchUp STL", downloadable from the Extension Warehouse, one of the buttons on SketchUp's toolbar.
      • TinkerCad: Free online software from Autodesk for creating 3D models at www.tinkercad.com
      • Blender: Free and open source. Run on Mac, Windows and Linux. More information and download at blender.org.
    • Axon 2: Making build files:
      • Axon 2: Axon 2 Download Axon 2 Manual. You can find a recent download of Axon 2.1 on the filemanager under /stars/FabLab
      • Axon needs an .STL file, from which is made a build file for the printer.
      • Settings for Axon 2 with PLA plastic. Be sure you adjust to these settings for each layer thickness.
      • Printer Configuration is: Type = BFB-3000 bed V1 clear, Extruders=1 and use the material defined in the screenshots below:
      • If you need to snap the straight side of an object you're printing to the plate, just double-click on that surface.

Ideas

Engraver

The engraver is an epilogue helix laser system. Ask Jessie or Kara if you want to use it.

Equipment

Other electronic equipment in the fablab is listed below. For the list of electronic parts look at the Electronic Components page.