3D Printing Services
3D Printer
The Technical Services recently acquired an Ultimaker 3 Extented 3D printer to create functional prototypes and end-use products. Its dual extrusion capability allows the printing of two different materials or two different colors simultaneously. See the full product specifications here.
Software
To optimize printing parameters and create the code readable by the printer, Ultimaker uses the free software Cura. Parameters such as type of material, print core nozzle diameter, layer height, infill, and the option of generating needed support material will determine the time of print and the amount of material used. As a customer, you are not required to install and use the software. All the information can be provided with your job submission and we will take care of the rest.
The latest version of Ultimaker Cura can be downloaded here and you can refer to this Online Manual on how to use it.
Material Available
The following materials are currently available for printing:
| Type | Description | Color Available | Cost/g |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Ideal for cheap and quick print. Good surface quality. | Silver, Black, Blue, Red, White | $0.10 |
| PLA composite | Mixture of PLA filament with other material. Great surface finish and texture. | Wood | $0.10 |
| PC | (Polycarbonate) High strength and temperature. | White | $0.16 |
| Nylon | High impact and strength-to-weight ratio. | Black | $0.16 |
| TPU 95A | Flexible material with a durometer of 95A. | Black | $0.16 |
| PVA | Water-soluble support material. | $0.23 | |
| Breakaway | Breakaway support material. | $0.16 |
This table will be regularly updated as more material is acquired. If you require a material and/or color not listed in the table, you can request it with your job submission and we will let you know if we agree to acquire the new material. You can also provide your own material if it is compatible with the printer.
Not all material can be combined for dual-extrusion. Refer to this table for material compatibility.
Available print cores are:
- AA 0.25
- AA 0.4
- BB 0.4
Job Submission
To submit a part for printing, send an email to 3dprint@phas.ubc.ca and include the following information:
- Your Name
- Speedchart
- Description of how the part will be used
- Type of material 1
- Color of material 1
- Type of material 2 (Support material might be needed to prevent sagging of overhang)
- Color of material 2
- Layer height: 0.06, 0.1, 0.15, or 0.2 mm (Typical: 0.15 mm)
- Infill: 10-100% (Typical: 20%)
- Part finishing: Yes or No (Example: remove support material and build plate excess material)
- Post-processing: Describe any post-processing procedure (Example: hole reaming or threading)
Also, attach the model of the part(s) that you want to print. Accepted file formats are .3MF, .STL, .X3D.
Following your submission, a quote will be sent to you within 24h. Your authorization will be required before proceeding with the print.
Service Charges
The following formula is used to determine the cost of the submitted job:
Basic Cost = (weight of material 1 * cost/g) + (weight of material 2 * cost/g) + (time of print * $0.70/h)
Optional = (number of parts to finish * $5.00) + (Post-processing time * mshop services rate)
*The mshop services rate are $30/h for inside department user or $50/h for outside department user.
Inquiry
For any questions regarding 3D printing, please contact 3dprint@phas.ubc.ca.