The department of mechanical engineering at UH offers a 3D printing service to its students but it is important to understand the process to be able to utilize this service.
Step 1. RSVP for a Workshop
In order to make the 3D printing process more effective, a workshop outlining requirements for potential prints is provided monthly. RSVP here!
Step 2. Take the Pre and Post Quiz
After you RSVP, you will receive an email with a video and pre quiz to be completed before the workshop time. After the workshop, you will be eligible to complete the post quiz. After all requirements are met, you will be qualified and approved to submit 3D prints.
Step 3. Submit a Design
During the workshop, you will learn what makes a design eligible for printing. Using this information you will submit a .stl file of your design to be printed.
Step 4. Start the Print
When your print design is received, it will be checked to ensure it meets all standards outlined during the workshop. Then it will be set up to print. Even designs that look like they should print can run into unexpected issues.
Common Design Flaws:
- Designing unnecessary overhangs
- Exceeding printer volume constraints (8"x8"x8")
- 3D printing a load-bearing part
- Using excessive amounts of material
- Not including tolerances in the design file
- Not specifying the material (ABS, PLA, SPLA, nylon, PETG, etc.)
- The design could be easily bought or assembled
- Using incorrect units of measurement
- Not submitting dimensions in millimeters
About the 3D Printing Lab
Who can print?
3D printing is available to all Mechanical Engineering students who have completed the workshop and received a score of 100 on the pre and post-quiz.
What can be printed?
The 3D printing service can be used for school projects, research, or personal projects. All prints will be given priority based on their relevance to the mechanical engineering department. All students and project groups will be limited to two rolls of printing material.
How long will a print take?
Print times vary based on a variety of factors. The size of the design, amount of infill, orientation, and the number of designs in progress will all influence the print time. Because of these factors, it is best to submit your print requests at a minimum of 2 weeks before the time they are needed.
Why did my print get denied?
Prints can be denied for a variety of reasons. Most likely there was a challenge in your design or print request that made it difficult or impossible to print. Review the requirements for 3D prints and edit your design to make it better for 3D printing then resubmit the print.
Who will be completing my print?
The 3D printing team will complete your print. Below is a picture of the 3D print technicians for the ME Printing Lab.
Where can I find the 3D printing lab?
The 3D printing lab can be found in Engineering Building 2 in room W242. A map showing the location of Engineering Building 2 can be seen below.
