Please
note that the AICT 3D printer is intended for the academic usage by
faculty and students of the University of Alberta. Affiliates
of other Canadian universities or government institutions will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
The AICT 3D printer is a machine that builds finely detailed plaster
sculptures using data from 3D-modelling software. With this remarkable
technology, you can quickly and inexpensively transform your design
ideas or scientific data into hand-held, concrete reality.
3D printing is valued in commercial settings for its ability to
streamline the design process. Prototype designs that once had to be
milled or molded by hand can now be "printed" in a matter of
hours, and at a fraction of the cost of older methods. To bring the
benefits of rapid prototyping to researchers and students AICT has
acquired a 3D printer for the use of the University community.
This printer, a Spectrum Z™510 Color 3D Printing System, by Z
Corporation (www.zcorp.com),
uses four inkjet printer heads to selectively harden thin layers of
plaster dust with a glue-like binding agent. These print heads use
clear, cyan, magenta, and yellow binder to print models in full 24-bit
colour.
Turnaround time for models submitted to the AICT 3D printer is usually
48 hours, and the average cost is $30-$60. For detailed information
about prices, click: Prices.
How
does it work?
The AICT 3D printer works with 3D data files in VRML or STL
(stereolithograph) format. These files can be created with popular
commercial programs like AutoCAD or Rhino3D, or with free, open-source
software like Blender or Wings 3D. (AICT's resident 3D printing
technician and visualization specialist Chris Want is a volunteer
developer on the Blender project.)
Using VRML or STL files as source data, the machine "prints"
cross-sections of your model on a bed of plaster dust, using a
sugar-water binding agent instead of ink. First, the machine spreads a
thin layer of plaster, 0.004 inches thick on top of a large piston.
Next, four inkjet printheads deposit the binding agent, either clear,
or yellow, magenta, or cyan. Wherever the binding agent touches the
plaster, the dust hardens, creating a solid cross-section of the
digital model. The printer continues adding and hardening layers of
dust until the model is complete.
The model is then excavated from its bed of plaster dust and gently
air-cleaned. Please see the following videos to see our 3D Printer in
action. The first shows the z510 laying down successive layers of
plaster and binder, working towards building four of our promotional
coins. The second video shows the coins after they have been removed
from the machine and most of the excess powder has been brushed off.
The air compressor removes the last of the powder dust.
What
are the models like?
The completed models are durable enough to hold, study, and pass
around. For a small additional fee, they can be coated with wax for a
more polished look and extra durability.
Each layer of the models is .004" (0.1mm) thick, so a high level
of detail and precision is possible (each print head's resolution is
600 x 540 dpi). The maximum size the machine is capable of printing is
10" x 14" x 8" (254 x 356 x 203 mm).
The printer can build models of great complexity. Models may have
hollow sections, interlocking pieces, and even functional moving parts.
To see an array of sample models have a look at our: Image
Gallery or Project
Sampler pages.
What can I use the models for?
Visualization of scientific data.
Turning computer modelling projects into hand-held sculptures.
Experimenting with new product or part designs (a common industrial use
of this technology).
Making replicas of valuable or rare items.
Creating teaching aids.
These are just some of the potential uses of 3D printing. New uses for
this young technology are being devised all the time. To see how others
have used the printer, see our Project
Sampler page.
Prices
and turnaround time:
The cost of building a model with the 3DPrinter is determined as
follows:
$3.00 per cubic inch volume of material used.
$10.00 per inch of height operation time charge, with a minimum charge
of 2 inches. Taller models take longer to print than short models, and
that is reflected in this pricing.
$5 handling fee.
$1 optional waxing charge.
GST will be added to the final price.
Accepted file formats are STL (for monochrome models) and VRML (for
colour).
Also note:
The AICT 3D printer is intended for the academic usage by faculty and
students of the UofA. Affiliates of other Canadian universities or
government institutions will be considered on a case by case basis.
Payment is made through our Product Sales department.
How
do I submit a file for printing?
If you are new to 3D printing, we recommend that you make yourself
familiar with VRML or STL format before beginning to design your model.
You may find it useful to browse the links at the bottom of this page.
Also, our local 3D Modelling web pages may be useful: http://www.ualberta.ca/AICT/RESEARCH/Vis/3DModeling/index.html
Please note that if you have questions about creating a
printer-friendly file, feel free to contact us at: 3dprinter@mailman.srv.ualberta.ca
.
Once you have generated a VRML or STL file, take note of its size. If
the file is smaller than 10 MB, send it to 3dprinter@mailman.srv.ualberta.ca
and we will send you an estimate of the cost and turnaround time. If
the file is larger than 10 MB, e-mail us at that address and we will
make alternate arrangements for file transfer.
Models can usually be printed within 48 hours, provided that the model
has no geometric irregularities that make it unprintable. Models are
also printed on a first-come, first-served basis; this could affect
turnaround time.
Contacting
Us:
If you would like more information about the AICT 3D printer, or would
like help getting started, please feel free to contact us at: 3dprinter@mailman.srv.ualberta.ca
List of external links that you
can use as references:
Other universities using
rapid-prototyping technology:
The web pages of the San Diego Supercomputing Center's
Tele-Manufacturing Facility have detailed information
on various 3D printer technologies and formats: www.sdsc.edu/tmf
