The James and Anne Duderstadt Center

Fabrication Studio - Ultimaker 3

Ultimaker 3 - Class Support

The Ultimaker 3 is an entry level system aimed squarely at supporting coursework at the University of Michigan. The Ultimaker 3 features are tightly integrated with Cura, a popular open source slicer application, offering user centric features such a front facing USB port, a simple user interface, and auto-bed leveling. Those who are a bit more experienced can take advantage of the Ultimakers dual heads for 2 color printing or create more advanced geometries with water soluble support structure. The Ultimaker 3 is a perfect solution for class support and is available by faculty, instructor, or student advisor reservation only.


Availability: $5.75 Per 12 Hour Reservation by Faculty Request Only

Ultimaker 3D printers are available for academic use only and are not intended for production. Up to 5 machines can be reserved at a cost of $5.75 per printer/per 12 hour work day; 9:oo am to 9:oo pm. Additional reservation fees will be applied for print jobs that extend beyond 9:oo pm. Payment is due in the form of a short code transaction so faculty approval is required. We do not accept any other form of payment for Ultimaker reservations.

 

How to Reserve a 3D Printer for Your Class - Instruction for Faculty

Ultimaker 3D printers are available to faculty, instructors, and student advisors for their class by reservation only. To reserve a 3D printer you will need to find available time in the calendar below and complete the 'Ultimaker 3 Reservation Request' form.

After your reservation has been confirmed you will recieve an access code for your class reservation. This is particually helpfull for larger classes as your students can avoid conflicts by signing up for machine time within the date(s) reserved. Students will need your unique name, the class access code, and are required to complete the 'Ultimaker Certification'; details below.

 

Student Signup Sheet - Instruction for Students

After earning the Ultimaker Certification, students may signup for time on the Ultimaker in 3 hour blocks via the 'Ultimaker 3 Sign-Up Sheet'. Students will need the class access code and thier Prof. email. For 3D prints exceeding 3 hours students will be required to sign-up for additional consecutive 3 hour blocks. 3D print jobs that conflict with other student schedules will be canceled.

 

Learn How to 3D Print Using the Ultimaker 3

To learn how to design for, safely operate, and earn your Ultimaker certification see our Teaching and Certification page: http://www.dc.umich.edu/fs-certification.

To go beyond our basic certification training requirements additional learning materials are available at the Ground Connection Knowledge Base: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/groundconnections.


Understanding the Technology

What is FFF: In a process known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), aka Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), the Ultimaker 3 additively builds objects layer by selectively applying a heated thermoplastic polymer in layers, typically 100 micron thick, from the build tray to the top of the part. 

FFF Materials: Ultimaker 3D printers at the Fabrication Studio exclusively use PLA plastic for model material and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), a water solualbe support material. PLA is a biodegradable plastic that is made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. When compared to ABS, PLA is not quite as strong but the material uses less energy to form, is less likely to warp, is safer to use, and has less of an impact on the environment making it an ideal material for 3D prototyping.

FFF Benefits: FFF 3D printers, such as the Ultimaker 3, provide an easy to use, cost effective solution to additive manufacturing. Due to their relative simplicity, FFF 3D printers tend to be inexpensive. FFF printers are highly tunable allowing users to adjust model infil and layer resolution which can reduce print time and cost. Low cost hardware, flexibility, and a wide selection of materials make the FFF the most common choice for 3D printing.

FFF Disadvantages: Because objects are built up from a thin bead of material, typically measuring 0.4 mm in diameter, build times are measured in hours to days. The filament extrusion process also limits feature detail, provides low dimensional accuracy, and poor surface quality and part weakness between the layers in the z axis Support structure is required for overhanging geometries which must be removed and negatively impact surface quality. 



Ultimaker3 3D Printer Specifications