Design Studio: 3D Printers

Designing for the 3D Printer

Materials & Cost Estimation

• By default, parts will be printed in ABS plastic, and there is no choice on material color.
• Other plastics may be printed by request. See this link for more material options for the available printers.
• There is no charge for use of the 3D printers for class projects; however, you may be asked to estimate part costs. Conservatively, assume $3.25 per cubic inch and estimate part volume on your CAD software.
• (Optional) You can use GrabCAD to preview part print times, orientations, and other print controls. Click here for detailed instructions on using GrabCAD for 3D print previews.

Design Considerations

• 3D printing should be used for smaller, geometrically complex shapes that require low-to-medium part durability.
• Consider shelling part designs with large volume envelopes. Avoid overly thin shells (<1 mm), as they do not print well.
• Do NOT 3D print parts that could easily be purchased as off-the-shelf components or manufactured easily by hand. Here are examples of what NOT to print.
• If you are wondering whether 3D printing is the right option for your part, please request a design consultation with one of our TAs. Simply email them at: 3dprintfab@udel.edu
• 3D printing is an additive manufacturing operation, and this is important to consider in designs that need a particular kind of fit (e.g., press fit, slip fit). See demo boards in The Fab Lab for examples of different types of fits that can be achieved.
• Precision: Our 3D printers have a planar (x-y) accuracy of +/- .002 mm/mm and a z-accuracy of 0.127-0.330 mm for ABS.
• Additional design resources for 3D printed parts:
  • “How to design parts for FDM 3D printing”
  • “Xometry- Design Guide: FDM”
  • “Ultimaker: What are the 3D model design guidelines for printed parts?”
  • “3D printer tolerancing recommendations”

File Formatting, Submitting, & Processing

• All files submitted for 3D printer must be in SOLIDWORKS Part Document (.SLDPRT) format. Other file types (.stl) are taken by request only.
• Read and carefully follow the design considerations above before submitting a part to be 3D printed.
• Once you’re all ready to submit your part, complete the 3D Print Request Form. It will ask you for the following information.
  • Information about your project (course, team number, your contact info)
  • Your .SLDPRT file
• A TA will look over your request and will approve or reject your part for processing. The TA will correspond with you on the status of your part.
• It generally takes 7-10 days for processing, and your part will be delivered to you as specified by your particular course, e.g., put into your project bin or pick up in designated location.
• If you have questions about the status of your order, please contact the TAs via 3dprintfab@udel.edu.