3D PRINTING
Updates (03/26)
3D Printing Submission Cut Off, April 16th @ Midnight
FabLab Final Work Day for Semester Wrap Up, April 30th
3D Print Submission Steps
Additionally, see detailed instructions below on how to submit an order for 3D Printing.
1. Export your File
Prior to exporting your file please review your geometry to make sure it is manufacturable. See our Common Issues page for helpful suggestions on how to resolve your issue. If using Rhino, please see drop down below to properly export your file. If not please export in Millimeters as an STL.
How to export your file from Rhino
Change your unit of measurements to millimeters, type DocumentProperties in the command line.
Locate Units tab
Set Model Units to Millimeters (after changing this you will be prompted to convert your file, select "yes").
Set absolute tolerance to 0.001
Set Distance Display too decimal
Set Display precision to 1.000
Export your individual 3D object as a .STL
Tolerance can be set to .001
File Submission Guidelines + Naming Convention:
All submitted files must follow the proper file naming convention to ensure organization of received orders. Please note on the submission form additional information is required (ie: a general bounding box of the object). The file naming convention is as follows:
YYYY-MM-DD__LastNameFirstInitial_File## (#ofCopies, Material Choice)
Explanation of the file naming convention:
YYYY-MM-DD: Date in the format YYYY-MM-DD
LastNameFirstInitial: Last name followed by the first initial of the student
File #: Sequential number assigned to the file
(#ofCopies): Number of copies requested, can be represented with ##x. See example below.
Only for the description form: Xmm x Ymm x Zmm: General bounding box dimensions of the file in millimeters
Example of file naming convention:
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File01(3x_PLA)
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File02(14x_TPU)
Example of file description on the order form:
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File01 (3x, PLA) 10mm x 20mm x 15mm
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File02 (14x, TPU) 30mm x 20mm x 10mm
The order form will ask for extra information for each file in the order, please follow the instructions provided on the form in order to avoid delays on your order. Lack of needed information can result in your order being cancelled during high volume times.
2. Submit your file(s) for review
Using the 3D Print Submission form. Read and fill out everything carefully.
Please refer to Setting up a STL and 3D Printing Options as well.
The Fab Lab will not be able to process models that fail in our printing software. It is your responsibility to ensure your models are printable (see Setting up a STL).
3. Wait for an email response
You will either receive a Invoice when your order is complete from fablab1330@gmail.com or an email describing corrections that need to be made.
If corrections are needed please make them and resubmit your file using the link on Step 2
We now have a Common Issues page that includes suggested fixes and eventually links with additional helpful information. Please review this page to help with avoiding future modeling issues when planning to manufacture any designs.
4. Pay for Print
If you have received an invoice for your completed order then you may proceed to payment using our Online Pay Form found in your invoice email. The form requires you to input the exact amount quoted. If you fail to input the exact amount quoted, your order may be significantly delayed. Once your payment is complete you may pick up your order.
Printing can take up to 1.5 weeks if orders are backed up. You may email fablab1330@gmail.com for an update on the status of your specific order or speak with us in person.
5. Pick Up Order
Once you have paid for your order you can pick it up by present your payment receipt and the invoice number of that order. Uncomplete orders can not be picked up.