About
3D printers use digital models to fabricate three-dimensional objects, a layer at a time. The process of 3D printing - called additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping in engineering and commercial settings - has been around for almost 30 years. Low cost 3D printers, do-it-yourself kits and open source software are bringing the technology into broader use.
Our 3D Printers
- Prusa Mini. This is a smaller version of the MK3S+. Useful for printing items that don't need the larger print bed on the full sized printer.
- Prusa i3 Mk3S+ upgraded to MK4. This is one of the best options in its category, offering both incredible print quality and great usability.
- Prusa XL with 5 toolheads. With five toolheads, the XL offers unmatched multi-material performance and speed with extremely fast tool changing and advanced technologies to deliver high-quality and colorful 3D prints with minimal-to-zero waste.
Filament Types
- Common
- PLA (Polymer Polylactide): is a plastic made from plants (usually corn or sugarcane) this is also labeled with a 7. PLA plastics don’t contain BPA; no safety concerns have been raised about using PLA plastic with food. Quicker print speeds than other 3D printable plastics.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS has a strong resistance to corrosive chemicals and/or physical impacts. Stable up to 150° C. Should be printed in a vented location. Print times are longer than PLA and are susceptible to some shrinkage so that has to be considered when designing something using ABS.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Similar to both PLA/ABS, although PETG is stronger but takes longer to print with. It's also slightly more flexible than PLA.
- PLA (Polymer Polylactide): is a plastic made from plants (usually corn or sugarcane) this is also labeled with a 7. PLA plastics don’t contain BPA; no safety concerns have been raised about using PLA plastic with food. Quicker print speeds than other 3D printable plastics.
- Special
- Woodfill
- Metal composite
- TPU other flexible materials
- Transparent
- Dissolvable support material
3D Printing Tips
- File Format: Please provide a Stereolithography file, with an STL extension (.stl). Most CAD programs as well as some free 3D modeling software packages can save or export in this format.
- Dimensions: Your 3D model must fit within the build envelope of our printer, which is 25 x 21 x 20 cm or 9.84 x 8.3 x 8 in. The minimum thickness of a layer is 0.15 mm so the smallest features that will accurately be produced must be at least this value. It is recommended that part thicknesses be at least 0.15 mm or greater.
- Other print settings such as infill percentage, infill shape, print speed, etc : Consult with us if you have questions.
How to Submit Jobs
- Please send printing requests to 3Dprinting@ceoas.oregonstate.edu. Include your .stl file and any specific printing parameters (resolution, infill, material, etc) needed for your print. If you have questions or need help with your model we do offer 3D design consultation and support, just let us know.
- This service is primarily for rapid prototyping, replication of research-based models, and providing models for teaching aids in the classroom. There is no cost associated but if you need a lot of printing done we may ask you to furnish your own filament.
- Submit your 3D print request well in advance of when you need it. Due to the nature of the tech there is no such thing as a rush job so please plan accordingly. At a minimum, plan to submit at least 1 week (7 days) in advance of the day needed.
Helpful Links
- OSU Library 3D printing information
- OSU College of Business 3D printing guide
- OSU EECS Department Tekbots 3D printing, laser cutting, and PCB design
Where to Find Things to Print
- Google Sketchup's 3D Warehouse
- Autodesk 123D Instructables Library
- Makerbot Thingiverse Library
- Prusa Printables Library
Software Available for Creating Your Own Printable Files
