Specialist printing

We have four Formlabs Form2 high-resolution 3D printers available to both students and staff.

Formlabs Form2 printer printing specifications

Max build volume: 145 x 145 x 175 mm (5.7 x 5.7 x 6.9 in)
Material: tough resin, flexible resin, standard resin - grey
File type: STL file converted into Preform file

Costs

Costs of 3D printing are priced at 18p per ml of resin used to make a model and can be paid for via the eshop.

How to 3D print on the Formlabs Form2

You must be familiar with a 3D modelling program to save and export a .STL file.

Step 1

• Create a 3D model using a 3D modelling program. (maximum model size is 145 x 145 x 175mm)

Step 2

• Save and export 3D model as a .STL file

Step 3 (skip this step if you already have Preform installed)

• Download and install Preform software to your own machine.

Step 4

• Open Preform and follow the Preform instructions to create a Preform CAD file.
• (Follow the preform guide instructions in step 9. Prepare file for print).
• Tip: use ‘one click print’ to create a file with supports.

 Additional help, support and video tutorials can be found on Formlabs' scrollable page.

Other pages include:

• Design specs
• Design models for printability
• Start with a good .STL File or .OBJ
• Set up your print
• Model orientation
• What supports do
• Advanced support structure settings
• When to use different layer heights
• Software issues

 Step 5

• After you have followed the Preform instructions to create a Preform Cad file with supports, confirm the print.
• Make sure you carry out pre-print checks.

Step 7

• Save the Preform file and transfer it to a memory stick or external hard drive.

Step 9

• Go to the 3D printing lab (CC032) and follow the printing instructions.

Printing instructions

Timescales of print completion are variable and are dependent on the size and material used.

Once a 3D file of the model has been created it must be checked and converted into the correct file format for printing.

Located in CC032, the University has the following 3D printers for the advanced 3D user..

• 3D Systems Projet 3600 Max 3D printer
• 3D Systems Zcorp 450 3D printer

Those wishing to print on these printers must have previous 3D knowledge

3D Systems Projet 3600 Max 3D printer

Technical specifications

Bed size: build volume XYZ: 298 x 185 x 203mm (11.75 x 7.3 x 8 inches)
Material: VisiJet Crystal Plastic Material
File type: STL only

How to print

Students need to email their STL files, so it can be translated using CAD software. 

The cost of printing is charged at 90p per gram.

3D Systems Zcorp 450 3D printer

Technical specifications

Bed size: 150.00mm x 150.00mm x 150.00mm
Material: Powder white with colour available (colours must be assigned by students in CAD software, file type WRML file for colour models only)
File type: STL and WRML files for colour

How to print

Students need to email their STL files, so it can be translated using CAD software. 

The cost of printing is calculated  at £1.42 per cubic centimetre.