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Resource Area Manager:
MakeIt Labs currently has two types of 3D Printers: Fused Deposition Modelling (or FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA), which is more commonly referred to as resin printing.
FDM Printers use fillaments made of a form of thermoplastic material. Spools of filaments are fed into a heated print head where they are melted and a nozzle deposits them in layers on top of either a build plate (for the initial layer) or the previous layers of melted filament. Stepper motors control the positioning of the print head in X,Y, and Z axes with relation to the build plate. As each layer is deposited, the object is created based on the model file.
SLA printers use a liquid resin that is provided in a reservoir or vat. The resin is photosensitive and hardens when light is applied. For most such resins, the light used to harden the resin is in a specific range of UV or near-UV wavelengths. A build plate is mounted on a vertical axis to rase it layer-by-layer out of the vat. For each layer, the light is applied to harden the resin then the build plate lifts for the next layer. Once the printing of the object is complete, it can be removed from the build plate and treated to fully cure the resin.
Each king of printing has different benefits and drawbacks as well as requires different techniques to produce successful prints. Training classes are offered for both.
For those already familiar with FDM printing techniques, there is self-guided training available. For those with experience with SLA/Resin printing, contact the resource area manager to discuss accessing the printers.
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