3DP-TIPS Student Portal
What is 3DP-TIPS: 3D Printing Training & Instructional Printing Support?
The Fabrication Underground's 3DP-TIPS service is a collection of 3D printers available for use by students to support their learning. It differs from traditional 3D printing services in the following ways:
Our resources are available to everyone at the U of M
We welcome beginners as well as advanced users
You earn equipment certifications online via Canvas
You manage their own time through our reservation system
You get hands-on experience with additive technologies
How do I get started?
Gaining access to 3D printing resources at the Fab Underground requires the following:
Your professor must reserve time on the 3D printers
You must have an access code with sufficient time for your print
You have earned the appropriate equipment certification
You have signed up for adequate time to use the requested resource
How Do I Certify
Fabrication Underground's Equipment Certification course is available online via Canvas. You will find several modules contain study materials and a short quiz to help you learn how to safely use equipment. Start with the Fabrication Underground Orientation & Safety Guide prerequisite and work your way through the desired certifications. You will receive a 'Certificate of Completion' via email with a passing score of 90% or better.
How do I get access to the Prusa MK 4 3D Printer?
Equipment at the Fabrication Underground, to include the Prusa MK 4, is reserved in 3 hour blocks of time: 9:oo to 12:oo, 12:oo to 3:oo, 3:oo to 6:oo, and 6:oo to 9:oo. Signing up for time is simple; check the Prusa calendars for a free 3D printer then complete the '3D Printing Sign-up Sheet' to select the date and time(s) that work for you.
There are a limited number of 3D printers so plan ahead and sign up early. Be sure to reserve enough time to complete your 3D print job but not too much time as there is cost associated to your printing. Prints that exceed the reserved time or prints go go beyond 9:oo pm will be canceled. If you need to cancel your appointment please complete the cancelation form at least 3 hours prior to your appointment.
How do I submit Form 3 and BigRep print jobs?
Simply submit your STL and build files to the print queue for review using the '3D Printing Sign-up Sheet' files and No need to calendaring here as jobs are reviewed to ensure prinability before they are released to the print queue. The Form 3 is a partially automated 3D printer which allows it to automatically remove parts from the build plate to start the next job in the queue. Equipment at the Fabrication Underground, to include the Prusa MK 4, is reserved in 3 hour blocks of time: 9:oo to 12:oo, 12:oo to 3:oo, 3:oo to 6:oo, and 6:oo to 9:oo. Signing up for time is simple; check the Prusa calendars for a free 3D printer then complete the '3D Printing Sign-up Sheet' to select the date and time(s) that work for you.
There are a limited number of 3D printers so plan ahead and sign up early. Be sure to reserve enough time to complete your 3D print job but not too much time as there is cost associated to your printing. Prints that exceed the reserved time or prints go go beyond 9:oo pm will be canceled. If you need to cancel your appointment please complete the cancelation form at least 3 hours prior to your appointment.
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