The 3D printing process builds a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design model, usually by successively adding material layer by layer, which is why it is also called additive manufacturing. Wikipedia
The Design Labs have several of these printers. They are the main printer in use.
They use Cura slicing software to create the files to 3D print after the files are exported from Fusion 360 (.stl files)
In the Design Hub we have 2 Ultimaker 3, dual extruder 3D printers. These printers have heated print beds, can print in PLA, ABS and PVA filament.
They use Cura slicing software to create the files to 3D print after the files are exported from Fusion 360 (.stl files)
In the Design Hub we have 5 Makerbot gen 5, single extruder 3D printers. These printers can print in PLA.
They use the MakerBot slicing software to create the files to 3D print after the files are exported from Fusion 360 (.stl files)
In the Design Hub we have 1 Makerbot z18, single extruder 3D printers. These printers can print in PLA and have a large print area.
It uses the MakerBot slicing software to create the files to 3D print after the files are exported from Fusion 360 (.stl files)
PLA is a bio-thermoplastic, which means that it can be melted and reformed. PLA is compostable under certain conditions.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a thermoplastic which means it can be melted and reformed. ABS is recyclable but not compostable.
PVA stands for Poly Vinyl Acetate is the main ingredient in wood and white glue. PVA filament is dissolvable in water which makes it ideal for printing supports on complex prints.
Note each individual piece of your project in Fusion should be exported as a separate mesh (STL) file
Download MakerBot from Self Service
You will also need to create an account on MakerBot to use the software
Make sure to do the following before printing:
select the right printer model in the Makerbot software
Check the settings (below), for the fastest most efficient and successful print
orientate your object so it will be mostly flat on the bottom
How to export STL files from Fusion 360 and open them in MakerBot Print
Makerbot print is the program that makes the STL files from Fusion 360 ready to print
download, create account, log on, and add printer.
How to setup the Makerbot slicing software and import STL files and arrange them for a successful print on the Makerbot printer
Before exporting your file from MakerBot to the USB change these settings to help ensure a successful print:
Fan Speed: 0
Extruder Speed: Outlines: 10mm/s
You can install it to your desktop, Documents, or Downloads folders. Used with the Ultimaker and Artillery 3D printers (and many others)
Download, install and Activate this profile in Cura to use when printing on the Ultimakers. Your printing will be faster, more efficient, use less 3D material, and be more successful.
Here are Instructions for how to make your first print on Ultimaker
Make sure to do the following in Cura before printing:
select the right printer model in Cura
Activate the right profile in the software that is optimized to have a fast and efficient print (see bottom for profiles to download and install into Cura)
select the right filament extruder
orientate your object so it will be mostly flat on the bottom
Cura is a slicing software to prepare an STL file for printing in the Ultimaker 3D printers.
Download, install and Activate the Artillery X1 Cura printing profile linked here .
Your printing will be faster, more efficient, use less 3D material, and be more successful.
Download, install and Activate the TPU Filament Artillery X1 Cura printing profile linked here .
The Design lab has several of these printers and they are the primary used printers.
Directions: (see the previous Cura instructions)
Heat the bed and extruder
Once it is heated, then level the plate
Open Cura. Install the Artillery X1 printing profile linked here for the Artillery X1 in Cura.
Then Activate the Artillery profile in Cura and set up the print.
Orientate the imported STL files to be flat on the print bed
Preview the slicing to make sure it will be successful
Export the slice to the USB drive to be used in the Artillery to transfer the file.
You must leave the USB drive in the Artillery 3D printer while it is printing