3D Printing

BIDC229 - Prototyping lab in The Bechtel Innovation Design Center. (Purdue University Photo/Alex Kumar)
The Bechtel Design and Innovation Center. (Purdue University Photo/Alex Kumar)

Basic Rules

  • All submissions must adhere to university policies regarding acceptable prints
    • The part may not contain nudity, profanity, etc. 
    • The part may not be dangerous or be modified to be dangerous 
  • All submissions are subject to our vetting criteria due to the cost of materials 
  • Can the part be manufactured more easily another way?
    • Parts which can be machined, cut, or manufactured in another way will be directed to use those methods instead of printing 
  • Does the part need the properties of the print materials?
    • Mechanical properties (High-strength, reinforcement, etc.) 
    • Chemical properties 
  • Parts which can be printed in PLA/ABS should be directed to BoilerMAKER Labs 
  • Does the part have an “engineering” purpose?
    • Parts which do not have an engineering, prototyping, testing, or similar function or purpose will not be printed. This includes simple boxes, toys, etc. 
  • Parts are processed in order of submission, meaning those submitted first will be printed first

Print Submission Process

  1. Consult with front desk staff to be added to the Bechtel Fusion Team 
  2. Upload part to the correct 3D printing folder for the desired print process
    • Example: 3D Printing > Fuse 1 
    • This is where they may be viewed by the Peer Mentor and Member as well as edited if need be 
  3. While consulting with a P&P Peer Mentor, create a comment on the part with print information such as orientation and number of copies 
  4. During consultation, Peer Mentors will reply to the comment when a part is approved to proceed 
  5. Once approved to proceed, ready parts will be moved by Peer Mentors to the “Ready to Print” folder inside each respective printer folder
    • Example: 3D Printing > Fuse 1 > Ready to Print 
    • This is where they will wait to be printed 
  6. Prints will be processed as printers become available starting with oldest submissions first
    • SLS prints must be done in large batches, never one or two at a time, so it may take longer in these cases 
  7. Parts will be moved by Peer Mentors to their respective “Processing” folders once they’ve been started on a printer
    • Example: 3D Printing > Fuse 1 > Ready to Print > Processing 
  8. Once a part is done, Peer Mentors will complete the remainder of the printing process
    • Complete any necessary post-processing
    • Put part in pickup spot – Located in the Printing & Prototyping Lab (BIDC 229) 
    • Move parts to their respective “Completed” folders in Fusion
    • Example: 3D Printing > Fuse 1 > Ready to Print > Processing > Completed
  9. Parts may be picked up during lab hours

Printers Available

  • Markforged Mark Two FDM Composite Printers
    • Material: Onyx (Primary) and Carbon Fiber (Select Reinforcement) 
    • Design Guide: Link 
    • Build Volume (WxDxH): 320 x 132 x 154 mm 
    • Z Layer Resolution: 100 μm – 200 μm 
  • Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS Powder Printer
    • Material: Nylon 12 
    • Design Guide: Link 
    • Build Volume (WxDxH): 165 × 165 × 300 mm 
    • Z Layer Resolution: 110 μm 
  • Formlabs Form 3B+ SLA Resin Printer

Questions, Comments, or Concerns? 

Any questions, comments, or concerns may be answered in consultation with P&P Peer Mentors or sent to bidcprototype@purdue.edu