Introducing the 3D printer

Rachael BradyPaul Bell

Visualization Technology GroupOctober 10, 2003

Zcorp 3D printerLocated in Room 130B North

Purchased with Herbert Edelsbrunner’s Research Funds

Printer De-Powder Unit

Software InterfaceThe Zcorp Printing Software Accepts the Following File Formats:

• VRML2 (matlab supports this format)

•PLY (designed for molecule specification.. VMD)

•STL (no color information)

•BLD

•ZBD

•ZCP

•SFX

•ZEC

Correcting Non-physical Models

Virtual Objects are not always closed surfaces.

To fix items such as holes, gaps, and incorrect surface normals, use

Raindrop Geomagic

Studio

Zcorp Software Screenshot

ThermoJet Software Screenshot

Herbert also has a ThermoJet wax printer

•Cons:

•No Color

•Needs Scaffolding

•Thin Models are Brittle

•Pros:

•Faster

•Precise Edges

Usage Policy

•New Users Must Go Through Training

•Material Recovery fee is $8 per Cubic Inch

(A typical model runs about $250-$300)

•Each User must Clean and Rest the Printer for the next Person

•Several Models can be printed in each run

•Prints are first come, first served

•Edelsbrunner’s group has priority in the case of conflicts

How it Works

Feed

Bin

Build

Bin

Waste

Bin

PrintHeads

Cleaning

Station

Note: Models can be as large as 8”x10”x8”

Mechanics of Removing a Print1. Excavation

Mechanics of Removing a Print2. Careful Removal from Build Bin

Mechanics of Removing a Print3. De-Powdering

Mechanics of Removing a Print4. Infiltration

Lesson’s Learned•Powder Recycling

33/66 old/new

Sift old powder

•Color Consistency

•Setting Time

Longer Setting Time makes Stronger Models

•Infiltration

5005 (Superglue)

Zmax (Epoxy)

Vicky Choi’s Models