About
The Digital Fabrication lab, better known as DFAB, contains various types of equipment used in rapid prototyping. DFAB is the main area students use most frequently. This room houses our 3D printers and mini-CNCs. It's split into two main sections. The first section hosts our Craftbot 3D printers and Othermills. Any student can use the Craftbot 3D printers for their class projects, student research, technical projects, or hobby projects. The second section contains our advanced 3D printers. These machines can be used for student projects but are operated by only our staff.
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CraftBot + and CraftBot XL
About
Texas Inventionworks is home to 27 White CraftBot XL 3D printers and 16 Blue CraftBot+ 3D printers. CraftBots are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers that utilize PLA and PETG filament for rapid prototyping purposes. CraftBot print quality is low compared to other staff operated printers, so for the most accurate and high-quality products, it is best to print final products on the staff operated printers.
CraftBots print 3D objects created in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software that have been sliced in a slicing software. We recommend Fusion 360 CAM software as it is FREE to download for students, easy to use, and a plethora of online video tutorials exist. CraftBots use the CraftWare slicing software to convert 3D files to .gcode files.
Access
While there's no formal training to get started printing, you must read the CraftBot User Guide.
The White CraftBot XL printers are used on a first-come, first-serve basis. While the Blue CraftBot+ printers are reserved by classes for class projects.
Cost
There machines are free to use for Research, Class, and Engineering Student Organizations.
Resources
- It is recommended to download our staff developed CraftBot Presets for PLA and PETG.
- A link to a failed print Troubleshooting Guide.
- A link to the Fusion 360 Download. Make an account with your @utexas.edu email.
- We highly recommend viewing the Fusion 360 Video Tutorials to learn and develop your CAD skills.
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White Printer = Orange USB | Blue Printer = Blue USB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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