About 3D Printing

3D printing is one of the newest technologies in the Makerspace. First, a 3D model is created using any of the software packages available on the market. The model's file is then sent to the printer, which reads the file and prepares to print. A solid material is heated to turn it into a liquid, which is placed onto the build plate. A 3-dimensional object is built up layer by layer guided by a computer. The finished print is then ready for use or further processing, depending on the design.

If you've never 3D printed before or would like us to validate a model, please fill out the 3D Print Request Form below. There are many factors that go into a successful 3D print, but the Makerspace staff is available to guide you every step of the way.

Staff Recommendation

Thinking about cleaning up your print? The Makerspace carries acrylic paint sets and sandpaper for putting a finishing touch on your models.

Ultimaker S5

From the manufacturer

Easily 3D print larger parts with world-leading material compatibility, an award-winning touch interface, and filament run-out detection.

From the manufacturer

  • Geared feeder
  • Heated build plate
  • Touchscreen
  • Network connectivity
  • Dual extrusion
  • Swappable print cores
  • Filament flow sensor
  • Composite and metal compatibility
  • Larger build volume

From the manufacturer

Dimensions
  
Build Volume

330 x 240 x 300 mm

(13 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches)
Assembled dimensions

495 x 585 x 780 mm

(19.5 x 23 x 30.7 inches)
Print technology

Fused filament fabrication (FFF)
Compatible filament diameter

2.85 mm
Weight

20.6 kg (45.4 lbs)
Maximum power output  
Printer Properties
  
Layer resolution

0.25 mm nozzle: 150 - 60 micron

0.4 mm nozzle: 200 - 20 micron

0.6 mm nozzle: 300 - 20 micron

0.8 mm nozzle: 600 - 20 micron
XYZ resolution

6.9, 6.9, 2.5 micron
Feeder type Dual-geared feeder, reinforced for composite materials
Display

4.7-inch (11.9 cm) color touchscreen
Print core replacement

Swappable print cores
Nozzle diameters

0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm
Operation parameters
  
Build speed

< 24 mm³/s
Nozzle temperature

180 - 280 °C
Nozzle heat-up time

< 2 minutes
Operating sound < 50 dBA
Build plate leveling Advanced active leveling
Build plate 20 - 140 °C heated glass build plate
Build plate heat-up time < 4 minutes (from 20 to 60 °C)
Operating ambient temperature 15 - 32 °C (59 - 90 °F)
Non-operating temperature 0 - 32 °C (32 - 90 °F)

 

From the manufacturer

User manual (English)

User manual (Spanish)

Chess Set

Coral

Pricing

The cost of 3D printing is 5 cents/gram. There is no charge for projects under 20 grams for students. 3D printing is free for faculty members of VC/UHV if it's used for academic purposes.

Community users will be asked to place a deposit on any items over $20.

The UHV Library recognizes the limitations of 3D printing technology and does not guarantee that the objects printed will be fit for any particular purpose.