Design Studio: 3D Printers

Quick Start

  • 3D digital fabrication technique for small, geometrically complex parts.
  • All files must be .SLDPRT format.
  • Undergraduate coursework only and approved student groups.
  • Submit files for 3D Printing. No self-service. TAs manufacture parts for you.
  • Recommend design consultation with TAs prior to file submission. See TA Office hours.

About This Machine

  • Make/Model: Stratasys F170
  • Three machines in house
  • Build volume: 10″x10″x10″
  • Default Material: ABS Plastic

Designing for the 3D Printer

Materials & Cost Estimation

  • By default, parts will be printed in ABS plastic, and there is no choice on material color.
  • Other plastics may be printed by request. See this link for more material options for the available printers.
  • There is no charge for use of the 3D printers for class projects; however, you may be asked to estimate part costs. Conservatively, assume $3.25 per cubic inch and estimate part volume on your CAD software.
  • (Optional) You can use GrabCAD to preview part print times, orientations, and other print controls. Click here for detailed instructions on using GrabCAD for 3D print previews.

Design Considerations

  • 3D printing should be used for smaller, geometrically complex shapes that require low-to-medium part durability.
  • Consider shelling part designs with large volume envelopes. Avoid overly thin shells (<1 mm), as they do not print well.
  • Do NOT 3D print parts that could easily be purchased as off-the-shelf components or manufactured easily by hand. Here are examples of what NOT to print.
  • If you are wondering whether 3D printing is the right option for your part, please request a design consultation with one of our TAs. Simply email them at: 3dprintfab@udel.edu
  • 3D printing is an additive manufacturing operation, and this is important to consider in designs that need a particular kind of fit (e.g., press fit, slip fit). See demo boards in The Fab Lab for examples of different types of fits that can be achieved.
  • Precision: Our 3D printers have a planar (x-y) accuracy of +/- .002 mm/mm and a z-accuracy of 0.127-0.330 mm for ABS.
  • Additional design resources for 3D printed parts:

File Formatting, Submitting, & Processing

  • All files submitted for 3D printer must be in SOLIDWORKS Part Document (.SLDPRT) format. Other file types (.stl) are taken by request only.
  • Read and carefully follow the design considerations above before submitting a part to be 3D printed.
  • Once you’re all ready to submit your part, complete the 3D Print Request Form. It will ask you for the following information.
    • Information about your project (course, team number, your contact info)
    • Your .SLDPRT file
  • A TA will look over your request and will approve or reject your part for processing. The TA will correspond with you on the status of your part.
  • It generally takes 7-10 days for processing, and your part will be delivered to you as specified by your particular course, e.g., put into your project bin or pick up in designated location.
  • If you have questions about the status of your order, please contact the TAs via 3dprintfab@udel.edu.

 

Need Additional Help?

If you need assistance with the 3D printer, please email the TA team at 3dprintfab@udel.edu.

Fab Lab TA names and contact information listed below. Fabl Lab TA Office Hours listed here.

Ben Caro, Lead TA bencaro@udel.edu

Logan Butler, TA butlerl@udel.edu

Jessica Coto, TA jcoto@udel.edu

Logan Feiler, TA lofeiler@udel.edu

Joshua Ginsberg, TA joshginz@udel.edu

Nikki Pilla, TA npilla@udel.edu

Hermelis Reyes, TA hermelis@udel.edu

AcademicsDesign StudioEquipment3D Printers