3D print request guidelines 

Before submitting a request: 

  • Make sure your design is complete and ready to print. 

  • Verify that the model has the correct dimensions, orientation and scale.  

  • Check that the file opens correctly and contains the intended geometry.  

  • If you are unsure whether your design is suitable for 3D printing, ask the EPICS Undergraduate 3D Printing Teaching Assistants (UGTA) before submitting your request.  

Submitting a request:

  • Include all requested information, including your name, team, project, file, quantity, material/color and any special instructions. 

  • Submit the final version of your file. If you change the design after submitting a request, you will need to contact UGTA printing support using your Purdue email account to cancel your print request and submit a new 3D printing request. 

  • Do not submit duplicate requests for the same print.  

Print queue:

  • Print requests are processed in the order received.  

  • The order of the queue may change when equipment maintenance, printer problems or other operational issues occur.  

  • Large or complex prints may take considerably longer than small prints.  

  • Design-review deadlines do not automatically guarantee priority printing.  

  • During the weeks leading up to design reviews, expect significantly longer wait times. Submit your files as early as possible.  

After submitting: 

  • Please do not submit multiple requests or contact the lab repeatedly to check your position in the queue.  

  • EPICS UGTAs may contact you if there is a problem with your file or if additional information is needed. Please monitor your Purdue email account and Teams messages. 

When your print is complete:

  • You will be notified when your print is ready for pickup. 

  • Completed prints can be picked up at anytime, and the pickup location is ARMS B096 (in the basement). 

  • Pick up your print promptly so completed parts do not accumulate in the printing area. 

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 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:

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.

  • 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.