# SLA 3D Print Farm

3D Printing at the Fab Lab runs as a service bureau. After setting up a file, the Fab Lab will review and print it for you. You will be able to learn all the ins-and-outs of 3D Printing without needing to deal with the technical issues.

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Our facilities and resources are open to all at the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning.
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* **Knowledge Base** - This Knowledge Base is where we hold all our learning resources. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the technology will help you achieve your desired outcomes. Using the navigation on the left or the search bar, you can find a variety of guides on the printing process and techniques.
* **Consultations -**[ Book here](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/MSDMachineWorkshop@unimelbcloud.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/) Speak to one our technicians before you begin to find out how to best utilise 3D printing in your project! Additionally, if our Knowledge Base does not hold the answers you seek, come have a chat and we will guide you in the right direction.
* **Print with us!** Submit your prepared files by following the [Job Submission](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/job-submission/job-submission-platform) process, we will review it and print it for you. 

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There is a queue that can get busy during the key submission times across the semester with a fluctuating turnaround time, so **get files in early!**
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## SLA Print Farm Workflow

1. Review the [Design for 3D Printing](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/3d-printing/3d-print-submission-checklist/general-file-set-up) and [Modelling for ](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/3d-printing/fdm/modelling-for-fdm)SLA guides.
2. Prepare your files in Rhino (or a software of your choice).
3. Slice and export your files using [Preform](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/3d-printing/introduction-1/preform-quick-start).
4. [Create a job](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/job-submission/job-submission-platform/creating-a-job) in the Fab Lab queue.
5. Upload your file to Sharepoint.
6. Pay for your work online.
7. Self-[Collect ](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/job-submission/job-submission-platform/collecting-your-job)your completed prints at Fab Lab. 

## Formlabs Form3/3+ and 3BL

<figure><img src="https://1705907971-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LXb8cACCUE4sAj3yO3X%2Fuploads%2FDJTTq2CuzEKuR43dWZRa%2FFormlabs%20Printers.JPG?alt=media&#x26;token=79228e83-16d9-4a84-8aa5-ed324ed2002e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Fab Lab is home to 5x **Formabs Form 3/3+** and 1x **Formlabs 3BL** for SLA 3D Printing.

<table><thead><tr><th width="114">Printer</th><th>Build Area</th><th>Resin Choices</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>3/3+</strong></td><td>145 x 145 x 185</td><td>White, Grey, Black, Clear, Draft</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3BL</strong></td><td>335 x 200 x 300</td><td>White, Clear</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Materials + Colours

The Fab Lab bureau currently offers 4 standard SLA Resin choices.&#x20;

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Black Resin" %}

<figure><img src="https://1705907971-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LXb8cACCUE4sAj3yO3X%2Fuploads%2FCwKM8x0MrEA4aCkFsBWO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d362757c-d850-4b7c-8ca6-6007aeedf330" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Black Resin is perfect for general-purpose prototyping and design, and models with intricate details. With a matte surface finish, opaque appearance, and precise details, prints are ready to use right off the printer. Its neutral undertone makes a great base for parts that will eventually be painted or undergo other finishing processes.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="White Resin" %}

<figure><img src="https://1705907971-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LXb8cACCUE4sAj3yO3X%2Fuploads%2FLKa1wCAXnw7dfnAgpmj7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e4ae575f-59c1-4414-aa3b-e9563bc99958" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

White Resin is perfect for general-purpose prototyping and design, and models with intricate details. With a matte surface finish, opaque appearance, and precise details, prints are ready to use right off the printer. Its neutral undertone makes a great base for parts that will eventually be painted or undergo other finishing processes.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Grey Resin" %}

<figure><img src="https://1705907971-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LXb8cACCUE4sAj3yO3X%2Fuploads%2FYjCFG3dXBX5NQbUErkyh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bafc8abd-92d9-4c17-956a-2a7949b34d66" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Grey Resin is an exceptionally versatile General Purpose Resin, offering an optimal balance of fast print speed, high accuracy, presentation-ready appearance, strong mechanical properties, and an easy, reliable workflow.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Clear Resin" %}

<figure><img src="https://1705907971-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LXb8cACCUE4sAj3yO3X%2Fuploads%2FgPZIEGMY0tYEDQtHXabB%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=80d5b973-3231-43c3-a036-4fe4bf559c39" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Clear Resin is a rigid material that polishes to near optical transparency. It is ideal for working with light or showcasing internal features, printing see-through models and devices. Use Clear Resin to create clear prototype parts, LED housings, windows, molds, optics, lighting, and any parts requiring translucency.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Draft Resin" %}

<figure><img src="https://1705907971-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LXb8cACCUE4sAj3yO3X%2Fuploads%2Fq2iseJh2XwuppKSIGk6w%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=43f0a675-4eed-4807-bc20-ea01d8b86ee3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
Choosing draft resin can significantly reduce the turn around time for your print!
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Draft Resin prints up to four times faster than Formlabs' General Purpose Resins on Form 3 Series printers, making it ideal for rapid iterations. Parts printed with Draft Resin exhibit a smooth grey finish and high accuracy.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Other Materials

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Fab Lab has a limited selection of specialty resins which can be accessed on a consultation basis. &#x20;
{% endhint %}


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