3D Plastic Printer-Soluable Support Material (SSM)
1.
 Printing Volume 8" Wide x 8" Deep x 12" High
2.
 Material Cost Printing Costs:

  • September 1 through June 30: $8.40 per cubic inch
  • July 1 through August 31: $16.80 per cubic inch
3.
 Stl File Format The Plastic Printer only accepts ".stl" files to print.

The following applications can export files directly to ".stl" format: (select .stl binary when given the option)
  •  3D Studio Max
  •  AutoCAD
  •  Form Z
  •  Rhino
Maya is not recommended, as converting Maya files to other formats lose many file properties. If you want to try your Maya file, export it as a .igs file and convert it to an .stl in Rhino.

Please Note: These files need to be solids not surfaces for proper printing.

4.
 3D Printing Procedures

1. Move your model to the origin (0,0,0).
2. Check and set you scale.
3. Check and set your units to either inches (preferred) or millimeters.
4. Export your 3D model as an .stl file (if given the option between binary and ascii, choose binary).

  • From Rhino: Apply the join command to your model, then create a polygon mesh of your object (Tools --> Polygon Mesh --> From NURBS Object) before exporting it as a stl.

5. Open your .stl file in Geomagic. Check your model for the following:
- Holes: Ensure all parts of your model are joined together, there should not be any holes.
- Thickness: If you file is composed of surfaces use the "Thicken" (Polygons --> Thicken) command in Geomagic and apply a thickness.
Your minimum thickness must be 1/32 of an inch or 0.8 millimeters.
View the Geomagic tutorial for assistance.

6. Copy your STL file to the 3D-Printer-Dropbox on Archserver1


5.
 3D Printer Access

 1. Once your model has been reviewed and fixed (if necessary) in Geomagic, save the file (keep the .stl binary format) and see a DM staff member to submit the model for printing.

2. 3D Models will be printed on a first come first serve basis. Please plan accordingly.

3. All 3D models will be printed AS IS. Students are responsible for proper Orientation, Scale, Position, Weight, and Thin Fragile Models.

4. The model's cost will be calculated by volume of both the build and support material.

5. All models need to be removed from the machine by a Digital Media Staff Member BEFORE they can be collected by students. If a model is removed by someone other than a DM Staff Member then a flat charge of $150.00 will be added to the cost of the model. (No exceptions)

6. All models will be billed to a student's bursar account or to a class / studio budget. If these models are billed to a class / studio budget, then prior written permission from the instructor needs to be obtained first.