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'

FDM

Outcome Example FDM vs Resin

Pros & Cons

Title	​Title
Pros	Fastest option Cheapest option Many colours to choose from
Cons	Low resolution Layers evident Supports can be difficult to remove
Print Material	PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Build Area	Replicator+ : 295 W x 195 D x 165 H (mm) Replicator Z18 : 300 W x 305mm D x 457mm H (mm)
Supports Needed	Yes
Resolution	Low level of detail
Surface Finish	Textured, layers evident
Colour	Full Colour or White (off-white after curing)
Strength	Durable
Cost	$ ($0.15 per gram)

SLA (Resin)

Outcome Examples

Printer Parameters

​Title	​Title
Pros	Wide variety of materials including clear + coloured resins, and engineering materials Smoothest surface finish - can print down to 0.025mm layer height Able to print tight tollerance parts due to high resolution of printer Great for small, intricate parts
Cons	Printing method requires support material Smaller print volume than other printers Resin is relatively expensive compared to other technologies
Print Material	Resin
Build Area	145 W x 145 D x 185 H (mm)
Supports Needed	Yes
Resolution	High level of detail and accuracy
Surface Finish	Smooth
Colour	Black, Cool Grey, White or Clear*
Strength	Durable
Cost	$ (0.30 x Print Volume (cm3)) Colours
	$ (0.60 x Print Volume (cm3)) Clear

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

FDM

SLA