I HAVE NEVER USED COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD) SOFTWARE BEFORE. ARE THERE ANY OTHER ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PRINT MY PART?
Your part must be created in a software package that includes conversion to STL (STereoLithography) format. The Cimetrix website has a long list of software packages that can be used for 3D modelling.
WHO CAN USE THE 3D PRINT CENTRE?
The Rapid Prototyping Centre is for use by current students, staff and faculty at the University of Waterloo. Individuals using the Rapid Prototyping Centre must have a University of Waterloo email address as quotes can only be sent to valid University of Waterloo email addresses.
CAN I USE THE 3D PRINT CENTRE FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES?
The primary focus of the 3D Print Centre is undergraduate student projects. The 3D Print Centre can be used for research projects up to a maximum of 8 hours per job so long as those print jobs do not interfere with undergraduate student use of the machine (at the discretion of the operator). For those with larger research jobs who we can not accommodate or who require more advanced 3D printing capabilities we would be happy to provide a quote for our 3D printing partner Hyphen located in Kitchener.
I AM NOT IN THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING. IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO PRINT SOMETHING?
Yes. This service is available to any Waterloo Students, staff, and faculty members — you do not need to be in engineering.
WHAT ARE THE MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS FOR PRINTED PARTS?
The Fortus 360mc can make parts up to 10 inches long × 10 inches wide × 14 inches high. Visit our in house technology page
HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE TO BUILD A PART?
Build time depends on size and surface finish. The operator will give you an estimate when they process your CAD file.
WHAT MATERIAL SHOULD I USE TO PRINT MY PARTS?
PC-ABS (polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the default material that works well for most applications. The operator will recommend the best material for your application.
WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE FINAL PIECE THAT IS PRINTED?
We will try our best to describe what the finished part will look like before we start printing. If you are not satisfied with the part and it's our fault (operator or machine error) we will be happy to reprint or reimburse.
3D PRINTING IS TOO EXPENSIVE. IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOWER THE PRICE?
Unfortunately, no. This is a non-profit service — the price that is charged covers the cost of materials and basic machine maintenance.