APL New Tools 2024

Goal

Research 3D printers, user needs, and decide how to allocate budget for new machines

Needs

• A few research labs require the use of a polyjet printer (possibly specifically the Vero and Tango materials)
• Clubs would definitely use SLS nylon - likely other students as well
• Markforged X7 gets busy at the end of semesters.

J55

• Research Machine options ✅ 2024-07-02
• Get more feedback from users about polyjet needs (Hayden, Dominique, Ailin) ✅ 2024-11-06
• APL Polyjet Printer Purchase Summary for Executive Commitee ✅ 2024-11-06
• Follow up with Olivia 📅 2024-09-19 ✅ 2024-09-19
• Order J55 ✅ 2024-11-06
• Delivery ✅ 2025-01-10
  • Jose Rodriguez
    • Direct  415-657-3684 ← left vm 1/7 10a
    • Office  415-657-3600
    • George 408-690-0250, called 1/9: Scheduled delivery 1/10 between 10a-1p
• Schedule Installation/Training ✅ 2025-01-16
• Installation and Training
• Write bCourses ✅ 2025-03-10
  • Outline steps ✅ 2025-02-13
  • Take screenshots illustrating steps ✅ 2025-02-27
• Test GrabCAD access controls ✅ 2025-03-10
• Buy sous vide for soluble support removal? ✅ 2025-03-10

J55 Install

• Establish Delivery Address (Etcheverry, Jacobs Hall, or Richmond
  • Lifting capacity: 200 kg (441 lb)
• Purchase UPS (1000W, 0.9 Power factor, 15 min bridging time, double conversion online) - UPS recommended for power conditioning and 10-15 min of time to properly shut down printer ✅ 2025-01-31
  • Eaton Tripp Lite series 1000W 120V $502.99
  • BearBuy (25444531) - 1000W 1440VA is $737.91
  • APC by Schneider Electric Smart-UPS 1500VA $833
  • APC Smart-UPS SMT1500C (8 min at 800W)
• Set up ventilation ✅ 2025-02-28
  • Find/make connector for 4in to 4in (confirm size) ✅ 2025-02-28

J55 Serial: J5500902

Fuse 1

Once J55 is online, consider the Formlabs Fuse 1:

• Talk to schools that have a Fuse 1+
• With new J55, create space plan - Can we support a Fuse 1+ as well? 📅 2025-01-26

Strategy Variations

Option 1

• Replace both Objets with the Stratasys J55 Prime
• Add a Formlabs Fuse 1+

Option 2

• Keep one of our current Objet printers
• Add a Fuse 1+

Option 3

• Keep existing Objet260 and Objet350
• resurrect their maintenance contracts
• Downside: This leaves no space to bring in new machines

Option 4:

• Discontinue polyjet support
• Retire both of our current polyjet printers
• Add a Fuse 1+
• Possibly add a Markforged FX10

Machines to consider

• Formlabs Fuse 1+
  • Adds access to a new printing process
  • Prints nylon, nylon CF, TPU, and Polypropylene (PP)
  • Prints nylon, very similar to the Markforged. No solid fiber reinforcement of course but may offload some of the Markforged business
  • Would likely get a lot of use by clubs, as well as other users
  • System parts:
    • Printer
    • Fuse Sift (excavation)
    • sandblasting cabinet (optional post-processing)
    • inert gas source (optional for part quality)
• Stratasys J35 Pro or Stratasys J55 Prime
  • Stratasys J735 is the one that advertises Vero material capability
• Markforged FX10 would fulfill demand on our current Markforged X7
• Formlabs Form 4
  • Very Inexpensive compared to industrial printers
  • can eventually replace the current Form 3's. Slightly bigger but should basically fit in the same space

See also

See the full, evergreen Strategic Plan for the Advanced Prototyping Lab for more extensive history, usage data, and 3D printer research.

Notes for APL Strat Meeting