What is 3DP-TIPS: 3D Printing Training & Instructional Printing Support?
The Fabrication Underground's 3DP-TIPS service provides a collection of 3D printers designed to support student learning. It stands out from traditional 3D printing services in the following ways:
Accessibility: Our resources are available to everyone at the University of Michigan.
Inclusivity: We welcome both beginners and advanced users.
Certification: Earn equipment certifications online via Canvas.
Flexibility: Manage your own time through our reservation system.
Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience with additive technologies.
How do I get started?
Gaining access to 3D printing resources at the Fabrication Underground requires the following steps:
Professor's Reservation: Your professor must reserve time on the 3D printers.
Access Code: You must have an access code with sufficient time allocated for your print.
Certification: You must have earned the appropriate equipment certification.
Reservation: You must sign up for adequate time to use the requested resource.
How Do I Certify
Fabrication Underground's Equipment Certification course is available online via Canvas. The course includes several modules that contain study materials and a short quiz to help you learn how to safely use the equipment.
Start with Orientation: Begin with the Fabrication Underground Orientation & Safety Guide prerequisite.
Complete Modules: Work your way through the desired certification modules.
Pass the Quiz: Each module includes a short quiz to ensure understanding. A passing score of 90% or better is required.
Receive Certification: Upon passing, you will receive a 'Certificate of Completion' via email.
How do I get access to the Prusa MK 4 3D Printer?
Equipment at the Fabrication Underground, including the Prusa MK 4, can be reserved in 3-hour time blocks: 9:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 3:00, 3:00 to 6:00, and 6:00 to 9:00. Signing up for time is simple:
Check Availability: Look at the Prusa calendars for an available 3D printer.
Complete the Sign-Up: Fill out the '3D Printing Sign-up Sheet' to select the date and time(s) that work for you.
Plan Ahead: There are a limited number of 3D printers, so plan ahead and sign up early.
Reserve Adequate Time: Make sure to reserve enough time to complete your 3D print job, but not too much time, as there is a cost associated with printing.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your appointment, complete the cancellation form at least 3 hours prior to your appointment. This will restore the deducted time.
Note: Prints that exceed the reserved time or extend beyond 9:00 pm will be canceled. Ensure you manage your reservation to avoid any disruptions.
How do I submit Form 3 and BigRep print jobs?
Submitting Form 3 and BigRep print jobs is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
Submit Your Files:
Simply submit your STL and build files to the print queue for review using the '3D Printing Sign-up Sheet'.
There’s no need to reserve a specific time slot here, as jobs are reviewed for printability before being released to the print queue.
Your professor will need to approve the quote before the print job is started.
Reserving time on the Prusa MK 4 is a straightforward three-step process:
Earn the Appropriate Equipment Certification:
Complete the required certification through our online Canvas course.
Check Availability:
Look for an available Prusa 3D printer on the calendars located below.
Reserve Your Time:
Use the '3D Printing Sign-up Sheet for Students' located below to reserve the necessary time.
For additional learning materials, including material data sheets and manufacturer’s instruction manuals, visit the Ground Connections (GC) Knowledge Base.
If you are having trouble accessing the calendars below, you are likely logged in with your personal Gmail account in one of your browser tabs which confuses Google. Try opening a new tab in incognito mode or use a different browser.