What is 3D printing?

According to the ASTM Standard F2792 - 12a, 3D printing is the fabrication of objects through the deposition of material using a print head, nozzle, or another printer technology. The term "3D printing" is often used synonymously with additive manufacturing " a process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies.

3D Printing in build IT @SDSU Library

Submit a Model for 3D Printing

Upload the .stl files for your model online to submit a 3D print request.

Submit a 3D print request

Schedule a 3D Print Training

Want to learn more about the printer and your options, work with the staff to print your 3D model by bringing your .stl file on a usb flash drive to build IT @SDSU Library

Schedule a Training

Our 3D Printers

Monoprice Select Mini Pro

Details

  • FDM 3D Printer
  • Prints PLA
  • Software: Cura

Bamboo Lab A1 Mini

Bambulab A1 Mini 3D Printer | 3Ding India | 3D Printers & 3D Printing Services in India

Details

  • FDM 3D Printer
  • Prints PLA
  • Software: Cura

Flashforge Creator Pro 2

Flashforge Creator Pro 2 3D Printer

Details

  • FDM 3D printer
  • Prints PLA
  • Software: Cura

Resources

SeeMeCNC BOSSdelta 300

BOSSdelta™ 300 Desktop 3D Printer

Details

  • Delta FDM 3D printer
  • Prints PLA
  • Software: Cura
  • Bowden Extruder

Resources

3D Printing Tips

Resolution

Low res jobs print fastest but with the least detail. High res jobs may take twice as long as low or standard res, and they may be much more delicate.

Our robot samples were printed in low resolution, standard resolution, and high resolution. Can you spot the differences in quality?

3D res triplets -- front view

3D res triplets -- back view

(Develop 3D Makerbot Baby Robot Mascot by rmcsherry http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:64227- Published on March 20, 2013)

Rafting

Usually recommended, especially for lengthy jobs and for those without very stable bases. Otherwise, spaghetti happens!

Raft - 3D Printing Tip

Infill

The infill rate inside an object can be altered. Consider strength, flexibility, and cost when changing the default.

Infill - 3D Printing Tip

Supports

May be necessary or recommended to support overgrowth. Extruding material onto thin air will result in a fail!

More Tips

  • Open your .stl or .thing file in Makerbot Desktop, Makerbot's free printer software, to get an estimate for how much material and time your model will need to print.
  • Unless your model has a large base, you should use a raft to help the model adhere to the build plate while printing.
  • If your model is very large or has delicate/pointy edges, consider including helper disks on the corners of the model to avoid curl up on the edges.
  • Models can be bundled to save time and share a raft, however if one model fails, the entire print job will need to be stopped.
  • Consider printing a smaller version or at low resolution if you are testing a draft of your model.
  • How can I color my object? Nail polish is cheap, available in a wide range of colors and textures, and each color has its own brush! Acrylic and model paints should work.
  • What glue should I use to combine or repair parts? Recommendations include model airplane cement and "good quality" superglue.  Loctite and Krazyglue have product comparison charts.

Farm It Out

Do you want an expert to create your customized model?  Would you like your model to be printed in a material type that we don't have in the libraries?  Here are some options:

Some content for this page was used from "3D Printing at the UF Libraries: Home" by UF Libraries is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

 

3D Printing FAQ

Other types of plastics and filament requires special ventilation, and in some cases a special type of printer.
No, we cannot let any printer go longer than five hours for reliability reasons and to insure everyone has access to the printers.
No, we do not allow people to bring their own plastic because it could damage the machines.
No, our Cura is configures with printing profiles that work with our printers. To ensure successful prints, please use our computers to slice.
We require all users to stay and monitor their 3D prints while they are in progress. Monitoring is essential because print failures can harm the printer, and it is the user's responsibility to oversee their print. If you cannot watch your print for its entire duration, consider using our 3D printing service, where staff can print on your behalf. Alternatively, if you have a friend who has completed the 3D printing training, they can monitor the print for you. Please note, if we notice a print is not being watched, we will cancel it.
No, the objects printed using our printers is not approved for use with food.