3D Printing instructions for MAE 2250

MAE2250 offers teams the option to use the department's 3D Printing services on an OBJET Polyjet system or FDM systems (Dimension or UP!). Basic properties and prices are listed below. Please append "_OBJ",  "_Dimension". or "_UP"  to your file to indicate which service you would like. Prices are per single part or multiple parts submitted simultaneously in a single zip file.

Note: 3D-Printed parts are NOT food-safe certified by the FDA, unless printed in ceramics. Do not use printed parts in conjunction with food or drink. Wash hands after handling parts (see MSDS). If you are interested in testing 3D printed parts in conjunction with food, contact head TA for suggestions.

To request a 3D print, follow the following steps:

  1. Prepare your part(s) in SolidWorks and "Save As" in STL format.

  2. Name your files SectionTeam_Month_Day_ID_TYPE.stl, where ID is an optional ID number for you to use in case you must submit multiple files at a time, and TYPE is either OBJ or DIM or UPP. Example: "2A_10_13_1_DIM.stl" and "2A_10_13_2_OBJ.stl". (see section numbers - top left of sheet). Do not zip files - put each part in a separate file in the Box. If you are submitting multiple parts together, combine them into a single zip file and use the above naming convention.

  3. Upload your file to the the shared MAE 2250 3D-prints Dropbox Directory (If you have not received an invitation, request it from your TA). Note that files will be deleted after use. Please keep a copy.

  4. Collect your parts from a basket in the design studio (check a day or two later).

  5. Remember to count your prototyping cost against your project allowance (even if it didn't turn out as you had hoped or you didn't end up using the printed part in your final project). However, when costing your product, you only need to count the cost parts actually used in the final product (use Shapeways pricing with the actual final product material you would use if selling).

Common mistakes

  1. Not using the proper name. This is a biggy. We have a very sad story about a team who waited over a week for their part, only to learn it wasn't even in the system because it was named "Test7.sldprt" or something similar. Not only is this not an STL, it makes it impossible for us to find you unless your TA notices that this might be you. Again, follow the instructions.
  2. Not appending "OBJ", "DIM" or "UPP". If we don't know how you want it printed, we won't print it.
  3. Designing features which are too small. Look at instructions. Also use your engineering knowledge; we have had parts that, although meeting minimum feature size requirements, ended up being broken by the cleaning process because they were too weak.
  4. Improperly attempting to print entire assemblies. You can print an assembly in one piece, but you need a decent gap (.2mm) between anything that moves in order for it to be a slip rather than tight/fused fit.

 


Revised: Feb 7, 2015