3D Printing
We currently have over 60 3d printers at the Studio, which can print in a variety of materials, sizes, and resolutions:
- 40 Ultimaker 2’s – FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), PLA, ABS, Nylon and other thermoplastics. Single extrusion, approx 9″ x 9″ x 9″ build area. Very reliable workhorse.
- 5 Ultimakers 2 Extendeds – Approximately a 9″x9″x12″ build area. This just like the Ultimaker 2’s but taller.
- 4 Ultimaker Go’s – Smaller, portable printers great for training and classroom use.
- 2 Makerbot 5th Gen – Desktop printer.
- 1 Markforged – High Strength 3d printer for making “usable parts” that isorders of magnitude stronger than traditional 3d prints.
- 5 Printerbots – FDM, PLA plastic, single extrusion, approx 6″ x 8″ build area. These “hacker” printers are much less plug-and-play but much more controllable. We’re working on a networked solution for these printers.
- 3 FormLabs 1 – SL (Stereolithography), UV-curing resin, approx 6″ x 4″ build area. This printer uses a different technology to print from the other 5, which allows for much higher resolution prints and different possibilities with geometry, at a higher cost. We encourage students to test their designs in the FDM printers, and then do a “final” print on the FormLabs if the geometry or resolution offers an advantage.
- 2 Formlabs 2 – Improvements in many areas from Formlabs 1 printers
- 1 Open Gigabot – Large format 3d printer.
- 1 Mcor ARKe – Desktop color 3d printer.
Cloud Service Printing
Our 3D printers are connected to and managed by a cloud system called3DprinterOS – www.3dprinteros.com. This open platformed is licensed by OIT for all of Duke. Any member of the Duke community can use this software to manage their print jobs, even remote printing is possible. Stop into the lab to get an access code and a quick run down about how to use the system.
To get started with 3d printing at Duke, we have a full online course available at Duke Extend. The course will get you up and running on our 3DPrinterOS system. Check it out at Duke Extend.
