3D Printing

In order to use any of the labs printers you must complete the FDM Canvas Induction.

Use the “File Submission” button here or on Canvas to send us your .3mf files for printing.

FDM - Fused Deposition Modelling

The most common 3D printing technology available on the market. To find out more about the various types of filaments click here, you can also use the submission form via Canvas to view what materials we have in stock at the lab. You must pass your induction first before you can print anything.

LDM - Liquid Deposition Modelling

We have a LDM 3D printer that is often used with ceramics that can then be glazed and fired. If you get the consistency right, you can print with anything. We have tested out machine in the lab with both air-dry clay and traditional clay.

We have 3 different types of 3D printers in the lab (pictured below) 

Type Model Number of Printers
FDM Ultimaker S5 – 2 Heads 3
FDM Prusa XL – 5 Heads 2
LDM Tronxy Moore 1 1

Ultimaker S5

Max Build Volume (mm): 330 x 240 x 300
No. of Heads 2
Slicer: Cura

This machine has 2 heads making it great for prints that have a main material and a support material. We also base all of our slicing inductions on this machine.

Prusa XL

Max Build Volume (mm): 350 x 350 x 350
No. of Heads 5
Slicer: PrusaSlicer

The newest machines in our fleet, the Prusa can print with 5 different colours – Speak to a technician if its your first time using it.

Design Lab LDM printer

Tronxy Moore 1

Max Build Volume (mm): 180 x 180 x 180
No. of Heads 1
Slicer: Cura – Click here for the specific machine profile

Speak with a technician if you would like to use this machine. We can give you advice on slicing as well as material properties to help you get the best outcome.

Recommended CAD Software

There are many different programs you can use to make 3D printable models, below are just a few that we recommend. If you would like more information on various programs and their abilities click here.

Fusion 360

  • Free to use
  • Easy to quickly pick up and learn
  • Tools to support iterative design
  • Has surface modelling capabilities

Blender

  • Free to use
  • Step learning curve but lots of features
  • Excellent for digital assets (game design etc)
  • Sculpting capabilities

Plasticity

  • 30-day free trial (student licenses are available)
  • Designed for artists but can be used for engineering
  • Sculpting tools
  • Very easy to pick up and play

Rhino

  • Design shared licenses of Rhino 6 or 90-day full version trial of Rhino 8
  • Large amount of plugins
  • Grasshopper plugin is very useful
  • Procedural modeling

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