3D Printing Basic Rules

• All submissions must adhere to university policies regarding acceptable 3D 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. The vetting criteria are as follows:
  • 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 the Boilermakery, Purdue 3DPC, or BoilerMAKER Labs
  • Does the part have an explicit need for advanced materials 3D printing?
    • 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. An exception to this rule would be parts 3D printed at the same time in batch processes, such as with the Fuse 1.

3D Print Submission Process

1. Consult with front desk staff to be added to the Bechtel Center 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, 3D scaling (e.g. 100 x 200 x 300 mm), and number of copies requested.
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

3D Printer Reservation Process

During a consultation with a peer mentor, a 3D printer can be reserved through the Project Management System, also called OS1. This will allow you to reserve time with a peer mentor to come in and prepare the file for 3D printing on the respective 3D printer. You should bring the following to your reservation:

• Laptop that can view and modify the CAD file that you are trying to 3D print
• An STL file of the model
• The ability to transport the file from that laptop to one of the BIDC 229 Computers (either a USB-A flashdrive or emailing it to yourself after logging in will work)

During this reservation, depending on the 3D printer used, you will use Markforged Eiger or Formlabs PreForm.

After this, if it is your first time using the 3D printer, you will be given an in-person training on proper usage of your chosen 3D printer. After you demonstrate understanding of these operating procedures, you will then be given the go-ahead to 3D print the model.

3D Printers Available

Markforged Mark Two/Markforged X7 FDM Composite 3D Printers

Formlabs Form 3B+ 3D Printer

Formlabs Fuse 1 3D Printer

• 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
  • Materials:
    • BioMed Clear Resin
    • Rigid 10k
    • Elastic 50A
    • High Temp
    • Castable Wax
    • Design Guide: Link 
    • Build Volume (WxDxH): 165 × 165 × 300 mm 
    • Z Layer Resolution: 25-300 μm

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