3D Printing at CLT

TOOLS

The Center for Learning and Technology purchased a 3D printer in the Fall of 2012. It is currently available to faculty, students, and staff who want to print inspirational and academic objects. This post will cover the very basics to help you get started with your 3D printing project. Continue reading to learn about the printer and software you will use to make your 3D object.

Contact CLT if you want to team up on your next 3D assignment, creative idea, or fabrication.

3D Printer | MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer

The MakerBot makes solid, three dimensional objects out of melted MakerBot PLA Filament. Your 3D design files (STL) are translated into instructions for the MakerBot and sent to the machine via USB cable or SD card. Then the Makerbot heats the PLA filament and squeezes it out through an extruder to make a solid object layer by layer. This method is called Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).

Things to Note:
Files should be in the STL format.
No cost to print things.
Prints in only one color at a time.
Additional filament colors are available.
Maximum build requirements: 11.2L x 6.0W x 6.1 H in.
Print time various. The length of time would depend on the intricacy of the object.
Designs the size of an egg can take about an hour plus.

3D Printer Software | MakerBot MakerWare

MakerBot MakerWare is software that prepares digital 3D designs to be made by the MakerBot. 

Things to Note:
Default settings are recommended.
Things need to be on the platform.
*You can preview the print and it will estimate the print time. 

 

3D Design Database | MakerBot Thingiverse

MakerBot Thingiverse is a design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable things. Over 28, 000 projects, models, and things are available that can be downloaded and printed on the MakerBot.

Things to Note:
Free download.
Some designers allow users to alter a design.

Additional resources: Smithsonian X 3D, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Design Software | Tinkercad

Tinkercad is an easy-to-use-tool for creating digital designs that are ready to be 3D printed into physical objects. Imagine and design.

Things to Note: 
Free account
Tutorial videos available.
STL file exports available.

Additional resources: SketchUp Make

3D Laser Scanner | Next Engine

The NextEngine 3D Scanner captures objects in full color with multi-laser precision. You can digitize objects with with the scanners ScanStudio HD software and export to STL, OBJ and other formats.

Things to Note:
Scan time will depend on number of scanned angles and resolution.
Can range from 15 mins to 45 mins.
Alignment of multiple scans are recommended for best experience.

Additional resource: MakerBot Digitizer

7 Things You Should Know About 3D Printing

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