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Printer Overview
We are currently running four varieties of additive-layer manufacturing machines in our labs:
Fortus 450mc Fused-Deposition Printer– Parts are generated by extruding a thin filament of ABS, ASA, Nylon 12, or ULTEM to create successive layers ranging from 0.005″ to 0.013″ thick. The maximum build volume is 16″ x 14″ x 16″. Our machine is traditionally set for 0.005″ in ASA. For any changes in material or resolution please allow for more lead time.
Objet30 Photopolymer Printer– Parts are created from a photopolymer in layers only 28 microns (0.0011″) thick. The maximum build volume is 11.5″ x 7.5″ x 5.75″. Material changes take time, users will be notified if this is necessary.
Connex 500 Photopolymer Printer – Parts are created from a photopolymer in layers 16 microns (0.0006″) thick. The maximum build volume is 500 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm (19.6″ x 15.75″ x 7.87″). The machine also allows for multiple materials within the same part, as well as blending materials to create specific discrete hardness values.
ProJet 6000 Stereolithography Printer – Parts are built by using a laser to trace part layers in a photoreactive polymer vat, causing them to harden into 0.002″ or 0.004″ thick layers. The maximum build volume is 10″ x 10″ x 10″.
Desktop FDM Machines – Parts are generated by extruding a thin filament of various materials to create successive layers between 0.1 and 0.4 mm thick. The maximum build volume is 11″ x 11″ x 11″. We have a selection of different desktop machines including the Lulzbot Taz Pro, Prusa i3 MK3S, Lulzbot Taz Workhorse, Lulzbot Taz Mini 2, and MakerBot Replicator 2. Materials can include PLA, ABS, NinjaFlex, PVA, PETG, and others. Our machines are typically using black material though we often have other colors available. You may also choose to provide your own material. If you bring your own material there is no cost to print. Print operators will select the machine that’s the best fit for your request.
Desktop Stereolithography/Digital Light Processing (SLA/DLP) – Parts are built by using a laser to trace part layers in a photoreactive polymer vat, causing them to harden, The maximum build volume is 125 mm x 70 mm x 120 mm (4.92″x2.76″x4.72″). We have two different desktop machines, the FabPro 1000 and AnyCubic Photon S. You may choose to provide your own material for the AnyCubic Photon S, as the machine is open material capable. Print operators will select the machine that’s the best fit for your request unless otherwise specified.
3D Printing Process Comparison
| 3D Printer | Desktop FDM | Fortus 450mc | Objet30 | Connex500 | Desktop SLA | Projet 6000HD |
| Materials in Stock | PLA, ABS, PVA, NinjaFlex | ABSASA | VeroBlack (ABS-like) & VeroWhite | VeroBlack(ABS-like), VeroClear, VeroWhite, & Tango | FabPro Proto GRY, FabPro Elastic BLK, FabPro Flexible BLK, AnyCubic Clear Resin | AccuraClearVue® (formerly Visijet® SL Clear) |
| Layer Resolutions Available | 0.1 mm (0.004″) to 0.4 mm (0.016″)adjustable | 0.005″ (0.13 mm)0.007″ (0.18 mm)
0.010″ (0.25 mm) 0.013″ (0.33 mm) (Sometimes material dependent) |
28µ (0.0011 in.) | 16µ (0.0006 in.)
28µ (0.0011 in.) |
25µ (0.001″) to 100µ (0.004″), machine and material dependent | 0.002″ (0.051 mm)0.004″ (0.1 mm) |
| Separate Model and Support Material? | Not on all machines | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Support Removal | Physically by operators or water soluble | ABS/ASA- NaOH DissolvedUltem- Physical Removal | Physically by water jet | Physically by water jet | Physically by operators during post-processing and by Isopropyl Alcohol bath | Physically by operators during post-processing and by Isopropyl Alcohol bath |
| Maximum Build Volume | 11″ x 11″ x 11″ (machine dependent. Most machines are smaller) | 16″ x 14″ x 16″ | 11.5″ x 7.5″ x 5.75″ | 500 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm (19.6″ x 15.75″ x 7.87″) | 125 mm x 70 mm x 120 mm (4.92″x2.76″x4.72″) | 10″ x 10″ x 10″ |
| Typical Support Volume (as % of original model volume) | 25% | 40% | 80% | 80% | 15% | 5% |
| Additional Benefits | Faster turn around time, more material options | Material options, large build volume | High resolution, smooth surface finish | Multimaterial generation, high resolution, smooth surface finish | Faster turn around time, more material options, high resolution | Optically clear material, extremely high resolution, high aspect ratio part creation |
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Choosing a Machine
Machine Selection Flow Chart