3D Printing in the ATC

The ATC currently has three 3D printers available to the University community. While they each have unique features, here’s what they have in common: they all print relatively small objects from either .OBJ or .STL image files. These files can be created in powerful 3D design software like Sketchup, Fusion, or Inventor, or at the relatively simple design site tinkercad.com.

The Lulzbot Taz 6 is the ATC’s most popular printer at the moment. We are encouraging experimentation and exploration by offering free printing to students, staff, and faculty on this machine. It has the largest build space of the three printers – approximately 10” x 10” x 9”.

The Formlabs Form2 stereolithography 3D printer uses a laser to harden layer after layer of warm resin into a solid shape. We have a variety of resins on hand, each with different levels of brittleness, durability, flexibility, and heat resistance. Costs to use this printer depend on the size of the model built and the type of material used. The maximum build size for the Form2 is 5.7” x 5.7” x 6.9”.

The Stratasys Mojo 3D printer is particularly suited for creating objects containing tubes or convoluted open spaces because it prints with both ABS plastic and a dissolvable support material. The support material helps the print hold its shape while the print is warm and being build layer by layer. When the print is finished, the supports can be washed in a special solvent. Prints on the Mojo are limited to 5” x 5” x 5”.

Questions? Email ATC@slu.edu or visit us in person. We have samples and examples of objects created on each of these devices.