Research Guides: 3D Printing: Home

3D Printing

3D printing is a manufacturing process used to create a physical object, most commonly, by adding layer upon layer of plastic material.

Why would you be interested in 3D printing?

There are many reasons to use a 3D printer. Here are a few examples:

Prototype a new idea or design
Make items to sell or give as gifts
Print small replacement parts

There are many terms and words specific to 3D printing which can be intimidating. HP offer's a great 3D Printing Glossary to help us learn more about this technology.

Filament 3D Printers

The following printers use filament materials to create 3D objects by heating and extruding plastic. If you are interested in using one of these printers, please reach out to the Innovation Lab staff for assistance and guidance.

Ultimaker S3 & S5 3D Printers

Build volume

Ultimaker S3: 230 x 190 x 200 mm (9 x 7.4 x 7.9 inches)
Ultimaker S5: 330 x 240 x 300 mm (13 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches)

In the Innovation Lab:

8 Ultimaker S3 printers
2 Ultimaker S5 printers

Bambu Lab X1E 3D Printer

Build Volume

256 x 256 x 256 mm (10.1 x 10.1 x 10.1 inches)

In the Innovation Lab:

4 Bambu Lab X1E printers

Resin 3D Printers

The following printers utilize resin and various chemicals to produce detailed objects. If you're interested in using one of these printers, please reach out to the Innovation Lab staff for assistance and guidance.

Formlabs Form 3 Resin 3D Printer