To build areas of a print that overhang, the printer builds scaffolding on which it builds the overhanging area.
Unlike FFF printing, SLA prints typically have a solid infill to avoid liquid resin from being trapped inside the model. In SLA printing, the level of detail or smoothness is determined by the size of the point of the laser, creating prints with finer detail than is typically possible with FFF printing. A laser traces the path to be cured, and successive layers are built by raising the printing plate slightly, and curing another layer of resin to the previous layer. With SLA printing, a printing plate is submerged in a vat of resin that can be cured, or made solid, by being exposed to ultraviolet light.
Our Form 2 printer uses a process called Stereolithography (SLA). If your model doesn’t need to support weight, handle tension, it will significantly reduce print time to use a lower percentage infill in printing. A denser mesh results in a stronger model, so, depending on how your model will be used, it may require a higher density of infill. Infill is usually described in percentages – a higher percentage of infill is a denser mesh. This interior structure of the model is called “infill”. To avoid wasting plastic, and reduce print time, the interior space of a FFF print can be filled with a looser mesh of plastic. The level of detail or smoothness of the print is determined by the height of each layer of plastic. The model is built by printing many thin layers of plastic. With FFF printing, plastic filament is melted and squeezed through a nozzle, laying down one layer of extruded plastic at a time. Our Zortrax printers use a process call Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). All 3D prints require some level of finishing, and depending on what printer you use, the amount of finishing necessary may vary. Plan your project to allow for enough time to make multiple versions, and to allow for enough time to finish it by sanding and/or painting. Also, keep in mind that the output of a 3D printer is a prototype – it is not usually considered to be a final product. Additionally, after it is printed, it may need to be cleaned in a chemical bath before it is ready for pick up. Small models can often take hours or even days to print. Understanding the basics will help you to make an informed decision about what printing process is right for your project.ģD printers are considered to be “rapid prototyping devices” – but that doesn’t always mean that it is a quick process. You will be notified of the revised start time, but it will be considered automatically confirmed, unless you respond with a cancellation prior to the start time of the print.Īt Art & Design, we have several 3D printing options. If you confirm the estimate after 24 hours, the cost will likely remain accurate, but the projected start time may change. After you receive this estimate, you must confirm the estimate to reserve your place in the queue within 24 hours.A print estimate with the estimated cost and projected start time for your print should be expected within 1-2 business days.Immediatly after you submit this request, you will receive an automated email reply.Request an estimate at go./art3DprintEstimate.You will receive a second email when your print starts. You will receive an email when your request has been processed and added to the queue.Submit your Zortrax 3D print files to the queue by filling out the online form (you will be prompted to upload your file after you submit the form) or bringing your file on a USB stick to the Digital Output Support Lab Assistant in 235A.For info on preparing the file, consult the Zortrax Quickstart Guide on the Tutorials & Templates page. Prepare your file for printing in Z-Suite (available on all lab computers).