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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Additive ManufacturingSubtractive Manufacturing |
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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 These 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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Gigabot
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About
Texas Inventionworks has 1 GigaBot 3+ and 1 GigaBot X (currently unavailable). The GigaBot is also a FFF printer that utilizes a 3D object → .gcode process. Use the GigaBot if you need to print very large parts or have a print that exceeds 6 hours.
Access
The GigaBot is staff operated. If you wish to print something on the GigaBot you must bring in your own filament, a .stl file, and ask a staff member on duty. You will be required to fill out a print form. You are not required to stay for the duration of the print.
Cost
These machines are free to use so long as you buy and bring in your own filament. The filament you bring in absolutely must be 2.85 mm PLA or ABS filament.
Resources
| GigaBot | |
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| Build Volume: | 590 x 600 x 600 mm 23.2 x 23.6 x 23.6 in. |
| Layer Resolution: | 100-300 Micron |
| Position Precision: | X,Y: 4 Micron Z: 2.5 Micron |
| Filament Diameter: | 2.85 mm |
| Bed Temp MAX: | 100 °C |
| Head Temp MAX: | 350 °C |
| Nozzle Diameter: | 0.4 mm |
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Markforged
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About
Texas Inventionworks maintains three Markforged 3D pritners- 1 Onyx Ones and 2 Mark Twos. The Markforged printers print high-quality and high-strength engineering plastics nylon material called "Onyx" with carbon fiber inlay capabilities. While carbon fiber inlay is not required, where and how much carbon fiber you place in your part (all done with guide of a staff member) can dramatically increase strength.
The Markforged printers are a large step up from the CraftBots in terms of quality and strength- use this machine when you need to print very strong parts.
Access
The Markforged printers are staff operated. Please bring a .stl file to a staff member on duty to set a print up. You will be required to fill out a print form. You are not required to stay for the duration of the print.
Cost
The Markforged printers are not free; rather, a small fee is charged for the materials and labor that go into operating the machine. For example, a small part the size of a contact case or a golf ball would cost around $7.
| Onyx One | Mark Two |
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| Build Volume: | 320x132x154 mm 12.6x5.2x6 in |
| Layer Height: | 100 micron |
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Formlabs SLA
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About
Texas Inventionworks has 4 Form Labs SLA printers- 3 Form 2s and 1 Form 3. The Form Labs SLAs use Low Force Stereolithography technology to produce high resolution (25 micron) pieces with 20+ resin types. We offer a select variety of resins (but you may buy your own resin and bring it in for use if approved by Roger Rose). This printer should be used if you are looking for high surface quality or very very small parts.
Access
The From Labs printers are staff operated. Please bring a .stl file to a staff member on duty to set a print up. You will be required to fill out a print form. You are not required to stay for the duration of the print.
Cost
Similar to the Markforged printers, the From Labs printers are not free; rather, a small fee is charged for the materials and labor that go into operating the machine. For example, a small part the size of a contact case or a golf ball would cost around $7.
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| Build Volume: | 14.5x14.5x18.5 cm 5.7x5.7x7.3 in |
| Layer Height: | 25-300 Micron |
| Resolution: | X,Y: 25 Micron |
