3D Printing in the FabLab

Your model can be created in any software you like, but you need to ensure it can export to STL (stereolithography) format. STL is a specific file format that is supported by 3D printers. Some examples of software that export to STL include:

• Cinema4D
• Rhino
• Blender

Requirements

• Hollow, Semi-Solid or Solid
  
  
  

  Hollow

  A hollow model means the interior of your object is not solid. Making your model hollow is the #1 trick to making your print cheaper and turnaround faster.

  
  
  

  Semi-solid

  Semi-solid models have interiors partially filled. Some 3D printers allow you to customize the density, ranging from 0 to 100.

  
  
  

  Solid

  Solid models have interiors completely filled, are stronger and harder to break. These models tend to be more expensive than hollow models.

• Fits on Bed Size
  

  The bed size refers to the size of the printer bed. This is the surface your model gets printed on and it won’t print if it exceeds this size.

  Refer to http://mactech.sheridanc.on.ca/fabrication for the 3D printers and their bed sizes.

   

  Make sure you know exactly what size your model should be and in which measurements, otherwise you might end up with a print that’s too big or too small.

  
• Water Tight

  Water tight refers to models that contain no holes or unstitched surfaces, creating a solid body. Ensuring your model is water tight is critical so that your print does not give you different results or fails completely.

• File Size Less than 1mb
  

  

  
  
  

  Submitted files must be less than 1mb. Large file sizes take a long time to download and slice, and sometimes won’t even print.

  File size too large? Simplifying your model and reducing the amount of polygons it contains will significantly minimize your file size.

• Print Orientation
  
  
  

  Laying your print flat or changing the orientation can produce better results and save time while printing.

• Reduce Overhangs by 45° or Less
  

  

  
  
  
  

  Does your model have any overhanging parts? Overhanging pieces of 45 degrees or more require support material.

An STL (stereolithography format) file is mathematically sliced and oriented in the software. Each slice is a single layer of plastic, and is laid out one after the other.

Slicer software is needed to convert STL files into a language understood by printers. Slicer software does literally what it’s called – it chops up the STL model into thousands of flat 2D layers that the 3D printer can then print into a physical object.

3D prints are $0.75 per gram, including material and support. The FabLab will contact you via sheridan email or SMS. When you submit your file, you request your preferred contact method.

Please speak with a Mactech if you'd like to see your 3D print in process. Prints may take 3-4 business days to complete and class projects may take a bit longer. Models are also grouped and as such, may take longer than the suggested print time in 3D software.

Please note, printer malfunction will not be charged to you. Build corruption, incorrect scaling, and incorrectly formed builds will be charged to you. Please use your software's preview to ensure you are printing what you desire