FabLab Auburn Hills 3D Printer @ Work!

We're officially open!  Our FabLab is stocked and ready to print new 3D objects on 2 x MakerBot Desktop Replicators and 1 x 3D Systems Cube.  The above picture demonstrates the Cube printing a neon green vase.  I used an iPhone app called Cubify to select this vase from a list of free models, chose the color to apply on the model while rotating the object for review on my app, configured print settings, and sent the model via WiFi to the Cube to be printed.  This vase took over 10 hours, but it turned out great.

All three printers will read from a USB flash drive to print 3D models.  Currently, only the Cube is connected to WiFi, but eventually we plan to put the MakerBot printers on the network and utilize its built-in camera to watch print jobs in progress through the MakerBot software.

PLA Plastic

Characteristics:

• Bio-based material
• Biodegradable at end of life
• Environment-friendly
• Excellent part quality, surface finish and resolution
• Excellent dimensional stability
• High stiffness
• Good barrier properties
• Ease of printing

Applications:

• Prototypes and models
• Toys and consumer goods
• Durable goods
• Packaging applications

ABS Plastic

Characteristics:

• Light weight engineering thermoplastic
• High impact resistance and toughness
• High impact resistance even at cold temperatures
• Excellent creep resistance (or resistance to deformation under mechanical stress)
• Easy secondary operations like finishing, welding, and bonding

Applications:

• Durable and functional prototypes and models
• Protective gear
• Automotive parts
• Cases and housing for electronics
• Electronics accessories
• Protective carrying cases
• Toys and sporting goods

The MakerBot printers print using PLA plastic filament only while the Cube prints using both ABS and PLA.