Introduction to 3D Printing

Find the right 3D printer for your job.

3D printing is a manufacturing process that allows you to create a physical object from a digital model. This enables you to produce complex yet functional shapes cheaply and without needing a detailed understanding of manufacturing. This digital-to-physical workflow is known as digital fabrication.

Two main methods are used for digital fabrication at the MSD and within the industry:

Subtractive and Additive processes.

Subtractive processes remove material from a solid block. An example is a CNC machine which uses a computer-guided drill to sculpt a model from a solid material.

3D Printing is an Additive process because it builds a model from the material. A very small computer-controlled nozzle is used to lay down plastic layer by layer.

Advantages of 3D Printing

Complex Forms

3D Printing enables the fabrication of complex, intricate and detailed designs. Geometries benefit from the direct digital-to-physical workflow.

Iteration & Customisation

Take advantage of the digital fabrication workflow. Digital models can be rapidly manipulated and generated, used as quickly as they can be printed. This can also be used for mass customisation and adaptive designs.

Functioning Models

3D printed models can be used as printed; they don't need further processing. This makes them useful as prototypes, functional products or as part of a fabrication process.

Replicable Models

As a computer-controlled process, the same model can be accurately produced to designed tolerances - models can be hot-swapped to present an array of options.

Accessibility

3D printing outcomes are mostly determined before they even reach the printer; digital model-making instead of physical model-making. It requires less oversight compared model-making via hand or laser cutting as the machine is automated, making it an accessible process.

3D Printing Options at FabLab

3D Printing is a large umbrella term describing additive manufacturing methods that work on adding material together into a solid object.

FabLab offers two options for 3D printing:

FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)

SLA (Stereolithography) a.k.a 'Resin'

Outcome Example FDM vs Resin

Pros & Cons

Title

​Title

Pros

  • Fastest option

  • Cheapest option

  • 4 Colours to choose from

Cons

  • Low resolution

  • Layers evident

  • Supports can be difficult to remove

Print Material

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Build Area

Bambu X1C: 256x256x256mm

Supports Needed

Yes

Resolution

Low level of detail

Surface Finish

Textured, layers evident

Colour

White, Black, Grey, Clear

Strength

Durable

Cost

$0.10 per gram

Once you have chosen the right printer for your job, you can use the Quick Start Guide to prepare and submit your file:

FDMSLA

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