Rapid Prototyping Facilities Description
Rapid Prototyping Facilities Description
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Rapid Prototyping Facilities

Rensselaer offers a variety of rapid prototyping technologies including:

  • Stratasys Dimension FDM Machine 
  • Stratasys UPrint FDM Machine 
  • Z-Corporation Z310 3D Printer

How to Order a 3D (Rapid Prototyped) Part

(Version 9/4)

  • E-mail a copy of the .STL file for your part to 3Dprint@rpi.edu
  • You will be contacted by a technical staff member once your  .STL file is received to discuss details related to the best process and machine (ZCorp or Dimension) to use to produce your part
  • Get an estimate for your part from the staff person
  • Complete a 3D-RP Request Form
    • The form is on the back of this sheet, outside the Core Engineering Office (JEC 3018), and posted in the shop areas.
    • If you are paying by check or cash fill out sections 1&2 on the form
      • Note - RCS account numbers are not accepted as payment
      • If you are using a Rensselaer Department Account fill out 1&3 on the form  
        • Design Laboratory projects (senior capstone) and MILL will use a department account.  See your team advisor for an account number.
        • Return the completed form to the Core Engineering Office in JEC 3018
        • You will be notified by e-mail when your parts are complete
        • Pick-up all finished parts in the Core Engineering Offic

Things to Consider When Ordering a Part 

  • Every effort is made to deliver parts as quickly as possible.  You should expect a 4 to 5 day turnaround time for most parts.  This delivery time will increase during the last 3 weeks of the semester.  Check with the staff member for an expected delivery date before you order your parts to be sure you will have your parts as expected. 
  • You are responsible for sending accurate .STL files.  Parts will be printed as per your files supplied.  Discuss build orientations, support removal, and resolution details with technical staff member before your files are built.
  • You must pay for any file printed in your name so please make sure your files are correct before printing.
  • Information related to printing parts can be found at http://www.eng.rpi.edu/manufacturing/fabproto/index.cfm
  • E-mail Sam Chiappone (chiaps@rpi.edu) with any additional questions.

 

How much will my part cost?

Enter the Volume of your part in cubic inches:


What machine would you like to use?


What material would you like to use?


What finishing technique would you like to use?


Your final price will be:
$

What programs can I use to create my parts?

Any program that will export .STL files should work. All mainstream CAD programs will output .STL files with no problem, and most 3D modeling programs will as well. However, be warned that many 3D modeling programs that are not strictly CAD platforms (3D Studio Max, Rhino 3D, or Maya for example) will say they output .STL files, but will produce corrupted or incorrect files. These programs will usually have to be imported to SolidWorks (or another CAD platform) first, and then saved as an .STL file. Rhino users, see next FAQ.

How can I use Rhino 3D to create valid .STL files?

Rhino produces horribly corrupt .STL files, these files must be first exported as an .IGES file and then opened in SolidWorks. Once the file is opened in Solidworks, you can then save as a .STL file from within SolidWorks to produce a good file.