The lab is equipped with two systems for generating physical models from three-dimensional digital files. The two systems are similar in concept and file preparation, but their overall build volume, available material characteristics, resolution, print time and material costs are different.
This is an excellent three-dimensional printer that uses plaster powder fused together by a liquid binder. The ZPrinter is capable of printing in color. Maximum build volume is 8" x 10" x 8". Production speed is relatively high, printing about one vertical inch per hour, and it does not require disposable support material, which keeps the overall material cost comparatively low. ZPrint models are often somewhat fragile and sensitive to moisture. After printing, they must be coated with a superglue-like substance. Post-production refinements such as sanding and painting are possible.
The Objet Eden 260V is a top-line digital fabrication system producing objects made of a hard, semi-transparent resin with a yellowish tint. It offers extremely high detail and model durability. The overall build volume is 10" x 10" x 7.9". Production speed of the Objet is slower than the ZPrinter, especially for large objects. The printing process requires a secondary support material, which is removed after printing with a water jet or manually. The Objet 260V will produce highly refined, final production-quality pieces, but material cost and print time are higher than the ZPrinter. Post-production refinements such as sanding, painting, and inking are possible. This printer can also use other materials, listed on the Objet website. We do not keep these alternate materials on hand, so additional wait times and fees will apply if you want to use them. Contact us well in advance.
Identify the machine you wish to use. Contact us if you have any questions.
Create your 3D model file to specifications. STL format is the most universally compatible. If you want a colored model from the ZPrinter, use VRML format following these steps to export from Maya (or we can apply a single solid color to an STL model by request). The production of a project model file is your responsibility. Though we are happy to help and answer questions, fab lab staff will not create your project file for you.
Bring the final, error-free version of your project file to the fab lab during regular help hours on a USB flash drive. It's a good idea to email us first so we know you're coming. Your job will be assessed for feasibility (adherence to machine-specific guidelines, polygon count, size, holes or defects, etc). You will be informed if you must make corrections before proceeding. You must complete and sign a form confirming the desired size of your object and a cost estimate provided by fab lab staff. Without signing off, your job will not be printed.
Fabrication of objects occurs in batches, usually once per week. You will be notified when your project is ready for pickup from the lab.
We anticipate high demand for lab resources toward the end of each semester. Turnaround times will vary, and job queues may advance at the staff's discretion. Please plan ahead. Once your file is approved and you have signed off on the cost estimate, you should expect the 3D printing process to take up to a week.
Your ISIS account will be charged after the job is completed.
"Water-tightness": The printers can only print solid objects. Holes or open edges will cause the file to be unresolved, and thus unprintable. Prior to exporting your file to print, you should check for holes, open edges or other problems in the file that will cause problems. The method for checking will depend on the software you use - for example, Rhino has a command called "show edges" which will show open edges in the model.
Thickness: The estimates for any 3D print will be based on volume of materials used. If you are building a large piece as a solid, you might consider modeling an empty chamber inside. Provide a pathway for the removal of support material, remembering to keep all your geometry closed (no open planes). This can reduce the overall material used in printing, and thus the price of the print.
Thinness: Be sure of the scale and thickness of the parts you want to print. Very thin pieces or walls are prone to breaking or deformation. Both printers can produce thin-walled pieces, but there are limitations. The lab will not guarantee anything thinner than 1/16". You are responsible for checking the thickness of all parts. If you include anything thinner than 1/16" in your model and it breaks during production, you will still be charged.
Files should be to exact scale when submitted. You must indicate the correct size and units (inches, cm, or mm) on the cost estimate form.
If you are printing multiple pieces, please submit separate files for each piece.
Unless you request a specific build orientation, the lab will orient the pieces for the greatest efficiency in terms of material usage and build time. If you don't know what this means, feel free to ask, but you probably don't need to worry about it.
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Site by Daniel Tankersley and Michael Truluck
Last modified August 29, 2010
University of Florida