3D Printing
3D Printing or additive manufacturing is the process of creating physical 3D objects from a digital model. We use Fused Deposition Modelling printing (FDM) technology for printing 3D models into physical objects. This is available to all students in DBE.
3D printing requires a General Makerspace Induction and 3D Printing badge.
Learn more about Makerspace inductions.
The DBE Makerspace contains 22 3D printers. You can also access 3D printers in the 202 Digital Modelling Workshop.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Type | Quantity | Build Volume | No. of Extruders | Resolution (layer height) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimaker 2+ Connect | 10 | 223 x 220 x 205mm | 1 | 0.06 – 0.2mm | 418 Makerspace |
| Ultimaker S3 | 11 | 230 x 190 x 200mm | 2 | 0.06 – 0.8mm | 418 Makerspace |
| Ultimaker S5 | 1 | 330 x 240 x 300mm | 2 | 0.06 – 0.8mm | 418 Makerspace |
| Ultimaker 3 Extended | 1 | 215 x 215 x 300mm | 2 | 0.06 – 0.8mm | 202 Digital Modelling |
| Markforged Onyx Pro | 1 | 320 x 132 x 154mm | 2 | 0.1 – 0.2mm | 202 Digital Modelling |
| Ultimaker S7 | 2 | 330 x 240 x 300mm | 2 | 0.06 - 0.4mm | 202 Digital Modelling |
Materials Available
| Material | Description | Available Colours | Suitable printers |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA (polylactic acid) | Good for most 3D print projects. Easy to print, with relatively high strength, low thermal expansion and good adhesion, but low heat resistance | White, pearl white, black, transparent, silver, grey, blue, green, teal, purple, red, orange, yellow | All Ultimaker printers |
| Tough PLA | Similar strength to ABS and heat-resistant to 58°C | White, black | All Ultimaker printers |
| TPU95A (thermoplastic polyurethane) | Flexible, elastic, chemical-resistant filament | White, black | Ultimaker S3, Ultimaker S5 |
| PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) | Water-soluble support material, for specialised applications only. Used in combination with other materials such as PLA. | Natural | Ultimaker S-Line |
| Carbon fibre filled nylon | High strength, toughness, and chemical resistance; can be reinforced with continuous fibre to yield aluminum-strength parts. For applications where strength is a requirement, e.g. plastic part replacement, housings, or mounts. | Black | Markforged Onyx Pro |
Safe work procedures
3D Printing Guide
See 3D Printing Guide.