Submitting a Model for 3D Printing

Our Service Desk staff will use the following submission process for accepting Stratasys UPrint SE:

1. Standard processing of 3D Prints and Washing (support removal) is scheduled from 7-7:30PM nightly.  Any prints waiting for printing or washing will be started during that time window (unless a critical mass has already been reached and jobs were started earlier to optimize production).
2. If a student submits a model that takes up 75% or more of the bed (8"x6") or the wash volume (8"x6"x8"), submit print/wash immediately.
3. If a student submits a model that takes up less than 75% of the bed, they have 3 options:
   1. Only print this model if it can be combined and submitted on or before (date), otherwise cancel and notify.
   2. Wait until (date) to combine, then print by itself if necessary.
   3. Print ASAP, combine if possible.
4. When a model is received the student can be notified of the distribution of support material created by the SMART fill option, and can opt to have the print automatically placed in the wash queue for the following day.
5. Due to the possible savings of combining files in both the build and wash, we encourage all student who are attempting to combine files to pay for their model after it is completed.
6. If a group of students come together to the desk and submit models that take up >75% of the bed, that set of models can be started immediately.
7. Models will generally take one day (overnight) to print and one day (overnight) to wash.  So generally, models can be picked up in the morning 2 days after they are submitted if using an ASAP option or 2 days after they are combined and submitted based on dates you provide.  These general time estimates will not hold during times of large print volume when there is a backlog.  When printing that use only a raft of support material, processing time is 1 day (i.e. print only).

Submitting you digital file:

1. Export the .stl file in your 3D modeling software of choice.
2. Use the upload process at http://www.shapeways.com/create?li=nav to test your .stl file.  If the model tests OK for "plastic, white strong and flexible", we shouldn't have any problems making it on our 3D printer.
3. Bring your prepared file on a thumb drive to the Service Desk to be approved and priced.  If the staff finds something wrong with your model but you wish to proceed, you will not be eligible for any refunds.
   1. Please note that our software only allows us to confirm that your model is closed polygon, meaning we can only see the outside faces of the object. If there is an issue with the internal structure, we may not be able to notify you at the time of submission. Please review the model submission guidelines for more information.
4. Payment is made at submission using BevoBucks.
5. When your file is submitted for printing by the desk staff, you will receive an email about its completion.  For ZPrints, you will receive an email saying when your print will be ready for excavation and post-processing.