3D Printing
3D printing is the transformation of a digital model into a physical, solid, three-dimensional object by depositing numerous thin layers.
These layers are repeated numerous times, often reaching hundreds or thousands of layers until the entire object is completed along its vertical dimension.
In the MCHL Makerspace we have a Prusa XL (for large scale models) and two Bambu Lab X1 Carbons for plastic filament printing.
A Wiiboox Light 280 LCD SLA for Resin printing.
We use PLA filament at 0.2mm layer height by default. If you require special filament like PETG or TPU or a different layer height, please let us know in the comments field of the 3D Print booking form. Prior arrangement must be made with Makerspace staff to use your own 3D filament.
PLA - Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a polyester made from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp
PETG - Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, which is a thermoplastic polyester that provides significant chemical resistance, durability, and excellent formability for manufacturing.
TPU - Thermoplastic Polyurethane' and is a very elastic and flexible material. It is smooth to the touch, but at the same time extremely durable and strong.
We print resin at 0.2mm layer height with supports enabled. Please let us know in the comments field of the 3D Print booking form if you need any changes made to your print job.
With resin printing, we’ll use the colour that is currently in our vat. Changing the resin is an involved process, so please communicate early with Makerspace staff if you require a specific colour (we don’t stock lots of colours).
A slicer is a piece of 3D printing software that acts as a link between the digital model (generated on a computer) and the actual model (constructed by the 3D printer itself). The 3D printing slicer software transforms the digital model into printing instructions, called G-code.
We use PrusaSlicer for the Prusa XL, Bambu app for the X1 Carbons and Wiiboox Slicer for Wiiboox Light 280. We can support STL files edited in another slicer and saved as a .3mf, but we can't print from gcode, as gcode is specific to a 3D printer.
When sending your print request, please make sure your file is an STL, OBJ, or 3mf. Makerspace staff accept no responsibility for imperfect or failed prints.
Supports are the added part to a model that supports the overhanging structure or bridge structure of the model. Think of a nose on a face, this is in the middle of the model and has nothing to rest on when it comes to print it, so it needs supports underneath, so it prints nicely. Supports need to be removed after printing.
Users may see slight imperfections in their 3D prints. Small bumps or holes and rough edges at the base of an object may occur with 3D printing. These imperfections can often be minimised with fine sand paper or other tools.
Our charges are based on materials used, not on machine usage. Please consult our price list for more information.