6 Available 3D Printers

In this chapter, you will learn

  • 3D printers available in the makerspace
  • Differences between 3D printers

Choosing a Printer

The three different types of 3D printers you will find in the makerspace: the Ultimaker 2+, the Ultimaker 3 (which has two extruders), and the Formlabs Form 2 (an SLA 3D printer).
Figure 1. The 3D printers from the makerspace

Not all 3D printers are the same. There are three types of printers in the DSC: two Ultimaker 2+ extended, two Ultimaker 3, and one Formlabs Form 2. We typically recommend using Ultimakers as they create strong prints suitable for multiple needs and projects.
The Ultimakers 3 have dual extrusion, meaning you could use two different filament types for the same print, such as PLA and PVA (more on those materials in the next chapter) or you could use two different colours.
The Formlabs Form 2 has some important constraints to be aware of — for example, it will result in smaller, heavier prints, with a significantly longer process, and supplies are more expensive and therefore limited. You will find the relevant details for each type of printers outlined in the table below:

ULTIMAKER 2+
EXTENDED		 ULTIMAKER 3 FORMLABS FORM 2
Website Ultimaker Ultimaker Formlabs
Software Cura Cura PreForm
Location Makerspace Makerspace Makerspace
Enclosure One Ultimaker 2+ extended One Ultimaker 3 No
Size 22.3 x 22.3 x 30.5 cm 48.9 x 34.2 x 38 cm 52 x 34.5 x 33 cm
Filament PLA PLA & PVA Resin
Filament Type 2.85 mm 2.85 mm N/A
File Type .stl .stl .stl
Extrusion Single Dual N/A
When to Use Any print (creative, engineering designs, prototypes, etc.) Any print (creative, engineering designs, prototypes, etc.) Smaller, more detailed and intricate prints.

Note: Cameron Science, Technology, and Business Library has Prusa 3D printers that are used for the Library’s mediated 3D printing service. To learn more about this service, check out the webpage:

https://library.ualberta.ca/services/3dprinting

Test Your Knowledge

 

Formlabs. (n.d.) Form 2. Retrieved on August 23, 2021, from
https://formlabs.com/3d-printers/form-2/

Shop3D. (n.d.) Ultimaker 2 Extended+. Retrieved on August 23, 2021, from
https://shop3d.ca/products/ultimaker-2-extended

Shop 3D. (n.d.) Ultimaker 3. Retrieved on August 23, 2021, from
https://shop3d.ca/collections/ultimaker/products/ultimaker-3

License

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University of Alberta Library Makerspace Certification: 3D Printing Copyright © by University of Alberta Library is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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