Bluesmith 3D Printing Service
In addition to the general-access makerspaces, the Co-Lab operates the Bluesmith 3D Printing Service. This provides cost-recovery access to advanced 3D printing technologies. These printers allow for different materials and higher resolutions. This service is accessed through the Bluesmith Portal.
Markforged Mark 2
High Strength 3D printer for making "usable parts" that are orders of magnitude stronger than traditional 3D prints. Prints a Nylon base material with optional reinforcement via continuous strands of carbon fiber, nylon, or kevlar.
FormLabs Form 2
SLA (Stereolithography). UV-curing resin with approx 5.5” x 5.5” x 6.5” build area. Completed print requires both postprocess cleaning as well as 24hr UV curing. Substantially higher resolution prints than the Ultimakers and affording different geometric print possibilities. Layer height of as low as 25 microns with 140 micron laser spot size.
Open Gigabot
Large format 3D printer. This is a standard FFF printer in concept but with a very large build volume. This printer can create objects just short of a cubic meter.
Mcor Iris
A laminate 3D printer that allows for full color 3D printing. This system uses standard copy paper reinforced by mastics. Because it is paper, photo printing processes can be applied to achieve realistic surface textures.
3DSystems MJP 3600
An amazingly accurate system with “meltable” supports. This system creates extremely precise parts with crisp edges. The support material uses a heated removal strategy that requires only that we place it in an oven for a few minutes.
Stratasys J750
The king of the hill, state of the art polymer 3D printer. This system allows us to print with a variety of materials...all at once. This lets us mix materials in interesting combinations for full color prints and digital materials that have novel properties. The build size is very large and allows for a two cubic foot build volume.
Cloud Service Printing
Our 3D printers are connected to and managed by a cloud system called 3dprinteros.com This open platform is licensed by OIT for all of Duke. Any member of the Duke community can use this software to manage their print jobs; even remote printing is possible Stop into the lab to get a quick run down about how to use the system.
To get started with 3D printing at Duke, we have a full online course available at Duke Online. The course will get you up and running on our 3DPrinterOS system. Check it out here