In FabLab Enschede we have about thirty 3D printers.

With a 3D printer, you can go from a digital 3D model (to a real-life product in just a few hours). 3D printing is excellent for fast prototyping and show your idea to others. Because of our wide variety of printers and materials in the FabLab, we can achieve results with various levels of detail, strength, and finishes in different budget ranges.

The FDM printers are easy to operate yourself. You can prepare your design in your preferred 3D software, such as Solidworks, Fusion, or download one of the many free available 3D models from the 3D libraries, listed below. When you come to Fablab you can prepare your design in the user-friendly software on one of our desktop computers. By using our tutorials and Fablab-wiki we are confident you will be able to do this without any assistance, but of course; don’t hesitate to ask our student assistants to help you out.

It does not matter which technique is used, with 3d printing, the product is always built up from layers. But there are different ways and different materials it can be built with. Down below are a couple 3d printing types shown, these will inform u about what their differences are and it will teach u about which type u should choose depending on the usage of the object.

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), a string of plastic is extruded/pushed through a hot nozzle while the nozzle is being moved over the build plate. By doing so the first and bottom layer of the design is created. When the first layer is done printing, the bed will lower (or the nozzle will rise) to make room for the second layer. This technique is most common.
• SLA (Stereo Lithography Appartus), a photosensitive liquid resin is cured locally with high-energy light (often UV). This technique is more specialized in getting small details.

Design and create your own model in a 3D design software: Solidworks - Fusion - TinkerCAD - Inventor - Blender

Make use of 3D models libraries: Thingiverse - YouMagazine - PrusaPrinters - Pinshape - MyMiniFactory - Cults3D - Grabcad

The basic steps you have to do to get a 3D print, are:

1. Slice your 3D design (stl./obj./3mf. file): Begin by setting up your 3D model using software like Cura. Adjust settings as needed for your desired outcome.
2. Export to printer: export the G-code to a device, such as an SD card or an USB.
3. Prepare the printer: Insert the carrier, power up the FDM printer, and set temperature parameters.
4. Start printing: Initiate the print process trough the control panel or software interface.
5. Retrieve the print: Once finished, carefully remove your completed print from the printer's bed.

BE AWARE!! Each 3D printer has its own specifics and ways of handling. See the technical specification below or check out the Wiki page for FDM printing and SLA (resin) printing.

The table below provides a overview of their key specifications, including print volume, layer resolution, and supported materials. Delve into the specifics to make logic decisions for your 3D project.