NOTE

This is an old section. Please use the workshop specific 3D Printing page.

At the moment there is no 3D printer available. We are currently building up the new workshop. As soon as this is done we will provide a new documentation on 3D printing here. (est. 03/2021)

3D Printer Status: NOT WORKING if you have troubles please write a request (following the report guideline) to simon.haller@uibk.ac.at.

HANDLE THE PRINTER WITH CARE !!!

• The Form 2 is a precision tool. When used properly, it will help you create beautiful prints. Like any professional equipment, you should treat the printer, materials, and accessories with respect and care to ensure a safe working environment and a long-lasting machine.

Following Resins are available.

• Clear Resin 1L (GPCL02)
  Clear Resin polishes to near optical transparency, making it ideal for working with light or showcasing internal features. Supports print resolutions: 100, 50, and 25 microns.

Formlabs currently sells several resins that are compatible with the Form 2. Their general-purpose hard plastic resin is available in different colors: clear, white, grey, black. In addition, the company sells a resin specialized for casting, a flexible resin, a tough resin, and a resin for intraoral surgical guides.

• Technology: Stereolithography (SLA)
• Self-heating Resin Tank
• Build Volume: 145 × 145 × 175 mm
• Layer Thickness: 25, 50, 100 microns

• Design guide from Formlabs

Choose a CAD or 3D Software which can handle stl files (examples: MeshLab, Blender, Bricscad, QCad, FreeCAD, VariCad, Open CASCADE, Cycas CityEngine, BRL-Cad, Draftsight, LibreCAD, …)

Create your 3D model and save it as STL file.

You can also have a look at the makerbot thingiverse library - where you can find free (gpl licensed) 3D models ready for printing: http://www.thingiverse.com/

• PreForm prepares your models for printing on the Formlabs printer.
• The Software will be available on a Laptop stationed besides the Printer.

To print 3D files you have to use the original PreForm software which will will be available on a Laptop stationed besides the Printer (Download: PreForm)

1. Prepare your .STL or .OBJ files for Print.
2. Start the PreForm Software.
3. Open your .STL or .OBJ files. Most parts print better when support at an angle. For automatic set-up, use PreForm tools to “orient all,” “generate all,” and “layout all.” PreForm will do these steps in sequence if you select “One Click Print.”
4. Confirm the print's material and layer height, then click the orange print icon. Select “which printer to upload the file to” from the printer dialogue.
5. You will see your file uploading to the print queue on the printer's touchscreen. Select the file name and confirm the print by pushing the button on the printer.
6. Before printing, the resin tank will fill and heat up to around 35° C. Once the tank is full, your print will automatically start.
7. When your print is finished, wear gloves to remove the build platform. Turn the platform over to prevent dripping while transferring to the finish kit. Make sure to close the printer cover.
8. Attach the build platform to the jig and slide the removal tool under the base of your prints to release the part. Use the removal tabs for easy entry points.
9. Fill two rinse buckets with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Keep the lids closed. IPA is flammable!
10. Drop your print in the rinse bucket and leave for 10 minutes. Agitate your part and repeat with the second rinse bucket. This two step process will help your IPA last longer.
11. Once dry, use the flush cutters to remove supports from your print. You can sand support marks and polish your parts for a clean finish. You may need to UV post-cure your part if using our Functional Resins.

PreForm Software is designed to take care of generating support structures so that you can focus on creating great models and prints. But there is an more advanced support structure options to give you greater control. Keep in mind that adjusting these settings can affect your print for better or worse.

Advanced Support Structure Settings

Also be aware to follow the finishing Steps after your 3D model is printed !!!

Basic Finishing Steps

Instruction for old MakerBot …out of service !!!