3D Printing Request

Submission guidelines and timelines

There are two steps required to submit a 3D print request.

For each file that needs printed, use the EPICS-3D request form.

Send an email to epics-ugta@ecn.putdue.edu and attach the STL file(s) that need printed. Screenshots also can be provided of how files need to be oriented when they are printed, if that will help provide production details.

Queue policy: Prints are processed in the order they are received.

Peak times: Expect significantly longer wait times during the weeks leading to design review. EPICS recommends submitting files early to account for maintenance and high-demand periods during the semester.

EPICS 3D printing information

For rapid prototyping, 3D printing is a powerful tool. Printing can sometimes be a final product, but the EPICS lab is not intended for high-volume production. EPICS can print a few copies of a part. If many copies are needed, reach out to discuss needs.

It is always a good idea to consult with undergraduate teaching assistants (UGTA) about printing needs. They can share past experiences and how to best incorporate features to make a print successful. Students can consult early in the design process to account for ideas they want to try. Visit UGTAs in the evenings during work hours or email.

While EPICS provides in-house printing, Purdue also offers several other facilities across campus. Use the links below to explore other campus resources or submit your request to the EPICS undergraduate teaching assistants.

EPICS has a variety of printers that the undergraduate TAs choose for printing files. The printers in the EPICS lab are Ultimaker 2E, Ultimaker 5s, Makerbot MethodX, Raise 3D Pro and Bambu H2D.

The UltiMaker 2+, Single Extrusion

Build volume: 22 cm by 22 cm by 20 cm (~8.5” by 8.5” by 7.75”)

Extruder size: 0.8 mm nozzle

Filament provided by EPICS: PLA, black, white, sometimes other colors

Filament size: 2.85 mm

Heated bed 20-100 C. We only print PLA on this printer.

Layer resolution of 0.8 mm nozzle - 20-600 microns.

Max nozzle temp. 260 C (500 F)

Max build plate temp: 140 C (284 F)

Slicer used: Cura

Ultimaker S5, Dual Extruder

Build volume: dual nozzle printing: 330 by 240 by 300 mm (~13 by 9.5 by 11.75 inches)

Filament provided by EPICS: PLA (other filaments may be possible for prints if your team purchases and supplies the filament for the print). There occasionally are other filaments available. Check with UGTA for filament support.

Filament size: 2.85 mm, black, white, sometimes other colors

Layer resolution: 0.4 mm nozzle - 20-200 microns; 0.8 mm nozzle - 20-600 microns

Extruder size: Extruder 1 (AA) - 0.4 mm or 0.8 mm, PLA filament; Extruder 2 (BB) - 0.4 mm or 0.8 mm, PVA dissolvable support material.

Print speed: 24 mm/s

Max nozzle temp. 280 C (536 F)

Max build plate temp: 140 C (284 F)

Slicer used: Cura

Bambu H2D Dual Extruder

Build volume: dual nozzle printing: 300 by 320 by 325 mm (~11.75 by 12.5 by 12.5 inches)

Filament provided by EPICS: PLA (other filaments may be possible for prints if your team purchases and supplies the filament for the print). There occasionally are other filaments available.

Filament size: 1.75 mm

Extruder size: Extruder 1 - 0.4 mm, Extruder 2 - 0.4 mm

Max build plate temp: 120 C, (248 F)

Slicer used: Bambu Studio

Raise3D Pro (Hyperspeed) Dual Extruder

Build volume: dual nozzle printing: 255 by 300 by 300 mm (~10 by 11.75 by 11.75 inches)

Filament provided by EPICS: Hyperspeed PLA (other filaments may be possible for prints if your team purchases and supplies the filament for the print). There occasionally are other filaments available.

Filament size: 1.75 mm

Extruder size: Extruder 1 - 0.4 mm, Extruder 2 - 0.4 mm

Max nozzle temp. 300 C (572 F)

Max build plate temp: 120 C (248 F)

Slicer used: ideaMaker

Other 3D print resources:

Purdue 3D Print Club: This is an excellent way to get design support on campus or to print files that aren’t printed in the EPICS lab.
3D Printing at the Library of Engineering and Science (WALC)
BoilerMAKER Lab (Polytechnic, KNOY 155)
Bechtel Innovation Design Center
Mechanical Engineering 3D Print Lab (must be a current ME student)

Individuals who use the EPICS 3D printers must comply with Purdue University policies. EPICS reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. Finished objects are subject to review for compliance.

Specifically, the printers may not be used to create material that is:

Prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Prohibited by university policy.

Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.

Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the education environment.

In violation of intellectual property rights.

Prints must be for personal use, educational and research purposes.