Design Guidelines

This page contains guidelines and tips to help you design your own STL file. Don’t forget to review the software and equipment page before you begin creating a file. Blue Print technicians are available for consultations if you need help at any point of the design process.

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Design Checklist

Your object must meet every one of these requirements to be printed. Check off each item and click “Ready to submit” when you are sure you’ve created an acceptable STL file(s).

Checklist

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Avoiding the Box of Disappointment

Blue Print receives unprintable STL files every day. These prints end up in our “Box of Disappointment.” Below are the most common design mistakes that lead to such a sorrowful fate. Avoid them. Period.

    • Gravity – it’s a thing: Keep in mind our 3D printers build vertically, from the bottom up. A spindly, thin bottom supporting a top heavy object will probably end up crushing your project, hopes, and dreams.
    • Don’t Go Overboard:  Overhangs more the 40 degrees will probably crest into failure.  Remember to include support structures.
    • Details, details… details: Even with an awesome high resolution capacity, and a wall thickness of at least 70-microns – textures and detail less than that thickness may not be printed. In other words, expect realism, not magic.
    • A good foothold: Objects print best with a base or flat surface. A tall print without a corresponding balanced base may become… unbalanced. Make sure your object can be situated with a flat surface on the print bed.

You don’t want your object to end up here!

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Printing FAQs

What is the file format needed to 3D print?
We can only accept the .STL file format (Standard Tessellation Language). Most of the design software will give an option to save a file with a .stl file extension.

What is the price to 3D print?
It is free for a limited period of time.

Who can use the services of Blue Print?
Beginning Spring semester 2016, the studio will be open to all of UD community.
The studio is currently only open to students who are printing designs for course work.

Should I design 3D parts to print with holes for screws or should I machine this feature after printing?
Print the screws holes. However, it depends highly on your design and what you are going in to use this part for. Request a consultation if you are unsure.

What material is used to 3D print?
We currently use only PLA. We also have support material which takes more time to print. See the Software and Equipment page for more information.

How long does it take to print an object?
It depends on the design of the object and how it is sliced (how the printer understands to print the object). Times can range anywhere from 15 minutes to over 12 hours.

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