3D PRINTING and SCANNING
Multiple 3D printing formats meet a variety of cost and resolution needs, and a variety of photogrammetry solutions can 3D scan small to medium scale objects. 3D printing appointments are for all printers. Specify the printer you want when you arrive.
Prusa Mini FDM Printers
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The Prusa Mini is an efficient FDM (fused deposition modeling) printer that produces a surprisingly high-res model at an affordable price. It is the most popular 3D printer in the VFL.
3D printing appointments are for all printers. Specify the printer you want when you arrive for your appointment.
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Flexible TPU
PLA
PLA is the most commonly used material printed on the VFL’s FDM printers. White, grey, and black filament are usually in stock.
Individuals may bring in their own 3D printing filament, but outside materials must be approved by VFL staff. Contact vfl.digifab@sva.edu for alternate filament approval or recommendations.
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Flexible TPU $0.27/gram
PLA $0.12/gram
Pricing is calculated based on how much filament a file requires to print. This is calculated in the Prusa slicer software.
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STL, OBJ files
6.8 × 6.8 × 6.8 inch maximum print volume
VFL staff can assist to ensure that files are properly sliced and prepared for 3D printing.
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1 hour and 2 hour appointment time slots are available. File set-up can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, so schedule accordingly.
2 hour appointments are recommended for first time 3D printing users.
Print time varies based on the complexity and scale of the design. Some prints take a few hours, some take days. Plan project timelines accordingly.
VFL staff will send an email when the 3D print is ready for pick up.
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Sometimes 3D prints fail. If a print fails due to machine error, the job will be reprinted again at no charge. If the print fails due to user error or design flaw, the full amount due for the print will be due.
Post-processing (removing supports, sanding, etc.) is the responsibility of the VFL user and can take many hours depending on scale and complexity of design. Plan project timelines accordingly.
VFL 3D printers may become busy at peak times during the semester (midterms, finals). The VFL prints on a first come, first serve basis. It is possible that prints may be added to a “queue” and will be printed as soon as there is a printer available. The VFL is not responsible in any way for print projects being completed by assigned deadlines.
VFL staff reserve the right to restrict how many 3D printing jobs an individual can have running simultaneously.
Raise3D Pro3 Plus FDM Printers
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Raise 3D printers are dual-extruder, FDM printers with a large build volume, making them well suited for larger-scale production and multi-sized rapid prototyping.
3D printing appointments are for all printers. Specify the printer you want when you arrive for your appointment.
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Flexible TPU
PLA
PLA is the most commonly used material printed on the VFL’s FDM printers. White, gray, and black filament are typically in stock.
Individuals may bring in their own 3D printing filament, but outside materials must be approved by VFL staff. Contact vfl.digifab@sva.edu for alternate filament approval or recommendations.
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PLA $0.12/gram
Flexible TPU $0.27/gram
Pricing is calculated based on how much filament a file requires to print. This is calculated in the slicer software.
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STL, OBJ files
11.8 × 11.8 × 23.8 inch maximum print volume
VFL staff can assist to ensure that files are properly sliced and prepared for 3D printing.
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1 hour and 2 hour appointment time slots are available. File set-up can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, so schedule accordingly.
2 hour appointments are recommended for first time 3D printing users.
Print time varies based on the complexity and scale of the design. Some prints take a few hours, some take days. Plan project timelines accordingly.
VFL staff will send an email when the 3D print is ready for pick up.
-
Sometimes 3D prints fail. If a print fails due to machine error, the job will be reprinted again at no charge. If the print fails due to user error or design flaw, the full amount due for the print will be due.
Post-processing (removing supports, sanding, etc.) is the responsibility of the VFL user and can take many hours depending on scale and complexity of design. Plan project timelines accordingly.
VFL 3D printers may become busy at peak times during the semester (midterms, finals). The VFL prints on a first come, first serve basis. It is possible that prints may be added to a “queue” and will be printed as soon as there is a printer available. The VFL is not responsible in any way for print projects being completed by assigned deadlines.
VFL staff reserve the right to restrict how many 3D printing jobs an individual can have running simultaneously.
Formlabs Form 3BL SLA Resin Printers
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The VFL’s Formlabs are state of the art, professional SLA (stereolithography) printers offering a great surface finish with a variety of resin options at a competitive price.
3D printing appointments are for all printers. Specify the printer you want when you arrive for your appointment.
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V4 White Resin
V4 Black Resin
Durable Resin
Elastic 50A Resin
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V4 White Resin $0.37/mL
V4 Black Resin $0.37/mL
Durable Resin $0.50/mL
Elastic 50A Resin $0.50/mL
Pricing is calculated based on how much resin a file requires to print. This is calculated in the Formlabs software during an appointment.
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.STL, OBJ files
13.2" × 7.9" × 11.8" in (33.5 × 20 × 30 cm) maximum build volume
Objects printed on the Formlabs printer must have a drain hole built into the file if the the object is not completely solid.
VFL staff can assist to ensure that files are properly sliced and prepared for 3D.
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1 hour and 2 hour appointment time slots are available. File set-up can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, so schedule accordingly.
2 hour appointments are recommended for first time 3D printing users.
Print time varies based on the complexity and scale of the design. Some prints take a few hours, some take days. Plan project timelines accordingly.
VFL staff will send an email when the 3D print is ready for pick up.
-
Sometimes 3D prints fail. If a print fails due to machine error, the job will be reprinted again at no charge. If the print fails due to user error or design flaw, the full amount due for the print will be due.
Post-processing (removing supports, sanding, etc.) is the responsibility of the VFL user and can take many hours depending on scale and complexity of design. Plan project timelines accordingly.
VFL 3D printers may become busy at peak times during the semester (midterms, finals). The VFL prints on a first come, first serve basis. It is possible that prints may be added to a “queue” and will be printed as soon as there is a printer available. The VFL is not responsible in any way for print projects being completed by assigned deadlines.
VFL staff reserve the right to restrict how many 3D printing jobs an individual can have running simultaneously.
3D Scanning - Einstar Scanner
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The Einstar Shining 3D Scanner is a handheld 3D scanner intended to create high resolution 3D data.
3D scanning does not consume material and does not incur a charge at the VFL. However, files will require a way to be stored and removed. Please plan accordingly and attend appointments with a laptop or auxiliary drive.
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CreGenerates .OBJ file and .PNG image textures
Scanning speed up to 14 FPS
Most successful with items larger than a grapefruit. No maximum size.
Effective Working Distance: 160mm-1400mm; Optimal Working Distance: 400mm
If scanning shiny or reflective surfaces, use anti-glare spray.
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2 hour appointments only
Set-up and file processing for 3D scanning can take multiple hours, even for small objects.
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3D scanning is an acquired skill. The VFL will assist individuals in getting started, but it cannot guarantee the quality of 3D scans. Individuals should expect that it will take multiple attempts to get an effective scan and should therefore come prepared to put in the time to practice in order get strong results.
Often, 3D scanning files will require significant post-processing before they are ready for 3D printing or other output. The VFL is not responsible for post-processing 3D scanned files but can refer individuals to external resources for support.
Contact VFL Shop Assistant, Neal Cashman, with any questions about using the Einstar 3D scanner or other photogrammetry needs.