As part of its mission, Evans Library strives to provide resources and services that support and advance education and scholarship. 3D printing promotes creativity and innovation and provides an opportunity for our students and faculty to further their learning experience.
To submit a 3D print job to the library, complete the 3D Printing Form and send it with your .stl file to library-3dprint@fit.edu. We will reply with the cost and an estimated print time. Once payment is received, we will add your model to the print queue.
- What is 3D printing? How does it work?
3D printing is the process of making a physical object from a digital model. It is also known as additive manufacturing because the physical model is built up one layer at a time. uPrint SE Plus 3D printer uses a process called Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), in which a plastic filament is fed through a heated nozzle which melts the plastic. Computer-controlled motors move the nozzle around to create the shape of a layer, which hardens immediately. The object is built this way, one layer at a time, from the bottom up.
- What are some practical uses of 3D printing?
There are a multitude of practical applications for 3D printing, from aerospace and automotive engineering to prosthetics and other medical uses. 3D printing enables rapid prototyping of design concepts and functional, working models; it is used for low-volume, custom, or on-demand manufacturing.
- What software can I use to make printable 3D models?
The uPrint SE Plus is compatible with Windows 7. There are many different programs that can produce printable 3D models. Most 3D modeling software will output a file type that we can convert to a .stl file. Solid modeling CAD software is more likely to produce a successful print than surface modeling software. A few popular options are SolidWorks, Solidedge, Inventor, 3DS Max, Catia, Google Sketchup, IronCAD AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, ProEngineer and UGS NX. If you don't want to create your own, you can check the MakerBot Thingiverse archives for objects, models, and designs that you can bring in to be printed. There are a few other downloadable files available for free on the web.
- How do I get my file printed?
To submit a print job, complete the 3D Printing Form and email it with your .stl file to . . Once payment is received, we will add your model to the print queue.
- How much detail can the 3D printers give?
A smaller layer resolution creates a smoother surface finish, but takes longer to build.
| Printer |
Layer Resolution |
Minimum Wall Thickness |
| uPrint SE Plus |
.010 inch (.254mm)
.013 inch (.3302mm) |
.036 inch (.914mm)
.047 inch (1.194mm) |
| UP Mini |
0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.40mm
200, 250, 300, 350, 400 microns |
|
- How strong is the 3D printed material?
uPrint SE Plus produces hard plastic models that are suitable for working parts and functional prototypes. Other machines may have different qualities and strength.
- What's the size limit of 3D printed objects?
uPrint SE Plus build size: 203 x 203 x 152 mm (8 x 8 x 6 inches)
UP Mini build size: 120 x 120 x 120 mm (4.75 x 4.75 x 4.75 inches)
- How much does 3D printing cost?
Charges are based upon the retail cost of the materials and is subject to change. The uPrint SE Plus has a larger build size and is suitable for more detailed print jobs. The current charge for print jobs is:
o uPrint SE Plus (8 x 8 x 6 inch build size) - $4.88/cubic inch
o UP Mini (4.75 x 4.75 x 4.75 inch build size) - $.07/gram
Digital Scholarship Lab
