3D Powder Printer
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Printing Volume and Specifications

8" Length x 10" Width x 8" Height, 300 X 450 dpi, and a printed layer thickness of .0035 -.004 inches


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Material Cost

September 1 through June 30
Monochrome: $6.38 per cubic inch (Includes CT sales Tax)
Color printing: $7.44 per cubic inch (Includes CT sales Tax)

July 1 through August 31:
Monochrome: $12.76 per cubic inch (Includes CT sales Tax)
Color printing: $14.89 per cubic inch (Includes CT sales Tax)
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Stl File Format

The Powder Printer will accept .STL, .VRML, PLY, 3DS, and ZPR file formats for printing.
The following applications can export files directly to ".stl" format: (select .stl binary when given the option)

  • 3D Studio Max
  • AutoCAD
  • 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.

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    3D Printer Access and Printing Procedures

    1. 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.
    - Scale: Set the correct scale of your model.
    - Thickness: To print your model hollow, use the Shell command in Geomagic to apply a thickness.
    Review the Geomagic tutorial for assistance.
    2. 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.
    You can also prepare your model with texture mapping and color--review this tutorial.
    3. 3D Models will be printed on a first come first serve basis. Please plan accordingly.
    4. All 3D models will be printed AS IS. Students are responsible for proper Orientation, Scale, Position, Weight, and Thin Fragile Models.
    5. The cost of the model will be calculated by determining the cost of materials: binder, powder, and print cartridges.
    6. All models once completed must be removed by students, after a maximum of 1 hour for the model to cure in the bed. A DM Staff member can remove model/s at owners risk to prepare printer for next job if the model is not removed by the owner in a timely manner.
    7. All models will be billed to a Students Bursar Account or to a Class or Studio Budget. If these models are billed to a Class or Studio Budget, then prior written permission from the instructor needs to be obtained first.
     


    Post Finishing     Options


    You can purchase from ZCorp:
    1.     HIgh-cost Z-Bond 101 Dipping Kit (approx $150.00 per 16 oz. bottle)
    Instructions:
    1. Make sure printed part is dry before applying Z-Bond.
    2. Put on gloves and protective eyewear.
    3. Lay down a protective sheet.
    4. Have paper towels handy.
    5. Empty both bottles of Z-Bond 101 into gray container.
    6. Dip part in gently.
    7. Remove the part and drain excess liquid.
    8. Let part cure on protective sheet for 15 min.
    9. Quickly remove any Z-Bond that has spilled on surfaces.
    10. Funnel Z-Bond 101 back into bottles    .

    Or, you can use one of the following methods:
    2. Water infiltration with Epsom Salt    :
    Fill the spray bottle with Epsom Salts to the 6-7 oz. mark (190 ml).
    Add warm tap water to the 16 oz mark.
    Shake 1-2 minutes until all crystals are dissolved.
    Adjust spray nozzle until it is a fine mist.
    Coat one side of the model, flip it over, and spray the other side.
    If it is fragile, let it dry first before continuin    g.
    Dry it with a hair dryer or fan, or put it in an oven for 2-4 hours at 70 deg. Celsius    .

    3. No Cost-Bake in your oven:
    Preheat your oven to 175 deg. and bake for approximately 20 minutes    .

    4. Medium Cost-Coat with Rubber Cement:
    Paint your model with Rubber Cement.

    5. Low-cost surface finish:
    Spray your model with Lacquer in the Shop Spray Booth.