General Information
Maximum Build Volume: 10″ x 10″ x 12″ (L x W x H)
Smallest Unsupported Geometry Size: 0.06″ x 0.06″
Available Layer Heights: 0.0100″ or 0.0130″
The Stratasys Dimension has two extrusion tips and uses two different types of filament:
- ABS Model Filament (white)
- Soluble Support Filament
Procedure
The 3D printing queue is designed to offer students a convenient way to utilize 3D printing services and provide the lowest prices to students for these services. File check times are scheduled Mon – Fri. During the file check, we slice the file in GrabCAD Print to determine pricing and print time. Once the job is verified for conformance with lab policies and safety protocols, it will be released to the printer.
Typically, turnaround time occurs within (3-4) business days. If there are no prints currently in the queue, the absolute quickest turnaround time for a 3D print is (2) working days. If other prints are in the queue, turnaround time can extend to over a week. It’s always recommended to submit models to the print queue at least a week ahead of project deadlines.
Please Note: Print time must be less than or equal to 20 hours. Payment is due prior to releasing jobs to the printer.
Process:
File Check & Submitting Prints to the Queue:
- Once students and faculty feel they have sufficiently modeled all geometry correctly in Rhino, they may email kyle.kithas@unlv.edu to schedule a file check.
- Bring .stl or .stp file(s) AND original Rhino file(s) saved on a USB drive.
- Files will be sliced using GrabCaD Print and all parameters of the files will be verified for conformance with lab policies and safety protocols.
- If the file is checked and approved, your RebelCard will be charged and the job will be added to the print queue.
Bonus: Download GrabCAD Print and check your model prior to your appointment. GrabCAD Print is free and offers some model repair features. Although repair is possible in this software, we always recommend producing clean geometry in the author software.
Additionally, GrabCAD Print allows support, infill, and layer height settings to be adjusted – each having an impact on time and cost. Students are encouraged to play with different settings to arrive at a time and cost they are comfortable with.
Picking Up a Job:
- At the completion of the print, an email will be sent. Completed jobs will be available for pickup in the lab during regular hours.
Safety Guidelines
File Preparation
GrabCAD Print is the software used to prepare files for 3D printing and send prints to the printer. Files can be exported from modeling software in .stl or .stp file formats and loaded into GrabCAD Print for preparation.
Please ensure all .stl or .stp files adhere to the following guidelines:
- The geometry must form a closed “watertight” solid
- There are NO naked edges or non-manifold edges
GrabCAD Print template: Dimension SST 1200es
Time
3D printers can produce remarkably detailed and complex parts, but often require many hours to do so. Typical 3D prints range in time from 6 – 18 hours and range in price from $10.00 – $100.00. In addition to the actual printing time, please remember to account for approximately 14 hours to dissolve the support material in the CleanStation.
If there are no prints currently in the queue, the absolute quickest turnaround time for a 3D print is (2) working days. If other prints are in the queue, turnaround time can extend to over a week. It’s always recommended to submit models to the print queue at least a week ahead of project deadlines.
The Digital Fabrication Lab NEVER guarantees prints will be completed by a certain date.
GrabCAD Print
We recommend that Students and Faculty download GrabCAD Print and check their model prior to the file check appointment. GrabCAD Print is free and offers some model repair features. Although repair is possible in this software, we always recommend producing clean geometry in the author software.
Additionally, GrabCAD Print allows support, infill, and layer height settings to be adjusted – each having an impact on time and cost. Students are encouraged to play with different settings to arrive at a time and cost they are comfortable with.
The maximum consecutive print time is 20 hours. If a model requires more than 20 hours of printing, it must be broken into multiple print jobs
Failed Prints
If your model meets all of our requirements and fails during printing, we will make an attempt to reprint. Sometimes prints fail due to extruder blockage or supports breaking. If multiple attempts are made to reprint, and a successful print can’t be completed, the cost of the print will be refunded.
If a model does not meet ALL of the Digital Fabrication Lab’s requirements
The print job MUST be less than 20 hours and MUST not pose a risk of damaging the printer. If these criteria are met, you may print at your own risk if your print does not meet another requirement. If you print at your own risk, you will be responsible for paying for the print even if it fails.
