3D Printing

3D printing is a quickly emerging technology in the manufacturing industry. With 3D printing, manufacturers are able to print parts at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. 3D printing is now becoming more affordable for consumers and small businesses. The process begins with making a 3D model through a modeling software or scanning an object. Then in a process known as fused deposition modeling the object is printed using an extruder and a continuous filament of a thermoplastic material. The plastic is added layer by layer allowing for the production of very complex shapes or geometries.

Tech Kits are part of the walk-in service provided by Innovate Labs. There are three levels of difficulty meant for different users and their experience with the different technologies. Many of the Tech Kits build off each other as you progress.

Beginner

3D Printing Pen

Length: 30 Minutes

Description: 3D printing with pens introduces a hands-on way to explore additive manufacturing, where objects are built layer by layer using melted plastic. Unlike traditional printers, 3D pens allow users to manually draw structures in three dimensions, offering a tactile experience that blends creativity with engineering principles. This technology is often used for prototyping, artistic design, and educational exploration, helping learners visualize spatial relationships and structural integrity. By understanding basic concepts like filament types, temperature control, and design stability, students can begin to grasp how digital models translate into physical forms through controlled extrusion.

Intermediate

Prusa i3 MK3

Length: 45 Minutes

Description: Slicing software of “Slicer” refers to the division of a model into individual material layers called 'slices'. This software allows complete control over every aspect of a 3D print including the material, orientation, layer height, supports, and infill of the model. The 3D printer receives this information in the form of a gcode file which provides the 3D printer with necessary information to print a 3D object with the user selected settings to minimize the chance of a print failure.

Advanced

FlashForge Creator Pro 2

Length: 60 Minutes

Description: 3D printing is a technology that creates physical objects by layering material based on digital designs. The FlashForge Creator Pro 2 is a dual-extruder printer that allows for more complex builds, including multi-material and multi-color prints. It uses fused deposition modeling (FDM), where thermoplastic filament is melted and deposited layer by layer. This method is commonly used for prototyping, custom parts, and educational models. The printer’s enclosed design improves temperature control and safety, making it suitable for classroom and lab environments. Its practical applications span engineering, design, and manufacturing, offering hands-on experience with digital fabrication.