Embedded Files
FDM Printing Rules and Requests
FDM Printing Rules and Requests
To make a printing request, please fill out the FDM google request form below.
Important Notes:
Upload STL files only
Make sure models are watertight solid
Models with errors will be addressed via email
PLA is available (white only)
Custom colors are possible with approval.
Custom colors are not excepted 2 weeks before finals
The max build volume is 190mm X 190mm X 190mm
Only one solid model per submission. Do not group your models in one .stl upload.
Binder Jetting (Plaster Printer)
Binder Jetting (Plaster Printer)
$5.50 a cubic inch
Plaster Powder Printer
Plaster Powder Printer
Powder Printers are currently unavailable.
These printers use plaster as their part medium. We currently have 4 plaster based printers:
One 3d systems projet 360 single color printer. Print volume is 10" X 8" X 8"
One 3d systems projet 460 + 4 color process printer. Print volume is 10" X 8" X 8"
Two Z-corp 450 4 color process printers. Print volume is 10" X 8" X 8"
Advantages to using powder printers
Fast print speeds. Usually 1 hour per inch of Z height.
Parts are high resolution with a .004" layer height.
Parts are created without the need of supports.
Disadvantages to using powder prints
Prints are fragile at thickness under .1"
Parts must be infiltrated with CA Glue or epson salt mixture.
These printers are operated by tech staff only.
To put your model into the print Que, click on the link below and fill out the form. Upload you .stl (stereo Lithography). Also be sure and read through the infiltration instructions.
FDM process
FDM process
These printers use plastic as their part medium. The plastic is called PLA (Polylactic acid). The material is biodegradable and it's made from corn, cassava, surgar cane or sugar beet pulp. The plastic is hard but brittle.
The shop has 5 different printers to choose from:
1 Ultimaker 2 Extended +
2 Ultimaker 2 connect
1 Prusa
4 Ender 3 Pro
1 Ender 3 pro V2
Click on the links below for Cura instuctions and instructrions for using the FDM 3D printers.
The printers are located on the 2nd floor studio in the 3D printing Lab.
In order to use the FDM printers, G code must be generated. The software, Cura, is used to generate G code for all the FDM 3d printers in the department.
Download Cura software onto your computer. https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura
Import you model (Units must be in millimeters) into cura. Its important to choose the correct nozzle orifice size. for your model. Contact a shop tech with regards to nozzle size. Slice your 3d print and take note of the print time. (see a shop tech if you have Cura questions or other 3d printing questions.)
Tips for PLA printing
Tips for PLA printing
Make sure you choose the correct nozzle for your particular 3d print. Your layer height will be dependent on the orifice size you choose.
Small layer heights equal longer printing times but fine quality parts.
Larger layer heights equal shorter print times but lower resolution parts.
Below is a list of orifice sizes we currently have along with their advantages and disadvantages:
Nozzle orifice sizes
.4mm For fine detailed parts. Layer height will be .08 to .1 for fine detailed parts. You can go up to .18, but beyond that, you will have issues with the layers sticking together. Supports are easy to remove with this nozzle.
.6mm Used for general printing. Layer height is .1 to .22. Parts are generally stronger than parts made with a .4 orifice size. Supports are moderately easy to remove.
.8mm For parts that are mostly vertical extrusions or for draft quality parts that you need quickly. Layer height is typically .2 to .4.
Wall thickness and Infill
Part durability is dependents on two settings, wall thickness and part infill.
Wall thickness is self explanatory. Increase this for a stronger part. 2.5mm is strong 1mm is sufficent. This has minimal effect on time.
Infill can be a grid or concentric inner structure of your part. it is measured in percentage. A higher percentage infill will give you a denser part, but you will trade that for a longer print time.
Print directly on the glass
There is no need for glues or tape on our glass bed. If you put glue or tape on our bed you will not be allowed to use the printer.
Infill Percentages
Nozzle size comparison
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