3D Printers
Contacts:
Slack: #resource-3dprinting
Email: 3dprinting@makeitlabs.com
Resource Manager: Bill Schongar
FDM Printers
Two of these are available
These are general-use, space-owned printers with mid-sized, heated beds
These can print in non-abrasive filament requiring up to 260C(*)
* - Swappable high-temp nozzle must be used for materials over 240C
These printers use Flashprint to prepare files for printing
Self-guided training is available online: (INSERT LINK)
Example review with specifications: https://top3dshop.com/blog/flashforge-adventurer-4-3d-printer-review
Two of these are available
These are high-end, high-performance FDM printers
They support a wide range of normal and abrasive, as well as low and high temperature (Nylon, PC) filaments
These printers use Bambu Studio to prepare files for printing
Self-guided training is available, but you must meet one of two prerequisites to receive final authorization:
Option 1 - Have an existing authorization for the MakeIt Labs Flashforge FDM printers
Option 2 - Demonstrate existing experience operating FDM 3D printers to the RM
Specifications: https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon
Resin Printers
Anycubic Photon 5S
Fast, General purpose Resin Printer
Geared toward any type of Resin printing
Uses any standard 405nm curing resin
Training provided by the Resource Managers
Phrozen Sonic Mega 8k
Fast, LARGE resin printer
Primarily geared towards very large, detailed prints like cosplay parts or figurines
Uses any standard 405nm curing resin
Training provided by the Resource Manag
FAQs
Can non-members have prints made at MakeIt Labs?
MakeIt Labs resources are reserved for the use of our members, and this includes the 3D printers. We do not offer a commercial printing service, *however* if you are a Nashua-area non-profit and looking for help getting something 3D printed please reach out via email to 3dprinting@makeitlabs.com and we may be able to assist.
Do the training classes cost anything?
MakeIt Lab members may take our self-guided or in-person training for our 3D printers at no cost. Non-members are welcome to look through resources on this Wiki, which covers most of the basics.
Does using the printers cost anything?
Members can use the equipment at no additional time cost, however materials are Bring-your-own for the Adventurer and Resin printers, and at-cost (bulk material purchase price) for the X1C printers (Bambu Labs RFID'd filament spools). Note that all machines are subject to reasonable use guidelines, so do not harbor any expectation of running a print farm on MakeIt Labs printers.
Where do I get files for 3D printing?
Free repositories such as Printables, Thangs, MakeWorld and Thingiverse exist where people often share their designs for free. Additional repositories, such as Cults3D often have paid models available, and a significant number of subscriber-based platforms such as Patreon have creators who provide their models for a monthly fee. From these sources you can download a model file (such as STL, OBJ, or 3MF) and load it into software (a "slicer") to prepare it for print.
Some users choose to create their own designs , either in a CAD program (such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, OnShape or Tinkercad) or a Modelling program (such as Blender, Rhino, or others). If you are looking to create your own designs consider what software you may already have experience with, as well as what types of designs you want to create. Almost all CAD and Modelling software will export STL files that you could then load into software (a "slicer" to prepare it for print.
How do I prepare ("slice") a file?
Different software is often used for dfferent printers, so instructions will vary. For our printers we use Flashprint (for the Adventurer 4), Bambu Studio (for the X1Cs) and Chitubox (for the Resin printers). Each of these pieces o software is covered in the training/authorization for the appropriate printer, or you can find good tutorials online.
Do I need to be physically present to print?
Starting a print must be done in person, or by convincing another authorized member to do in for you in person. This ensures the printer is properly checked before the print starts. The first few minutes of every print must be monitored in-person for failures, but once the first few layers have completed the Member may leave the print and return within a reasonable window of expected print completion time; this means if the print is going to run for 4 hours you should expect to return in 4 hours or otherwise arrange for the part to be removed so the machine is available for the next user.