“3D Printing” is a form of additive manufacturing, where a three-dimensional object is created by various techniques. The most common of these are known as FDM (or FFF), SLA or SLS.
The Reprap Mendel is an open-souce 3D printer that can print most of its own components. At Fab Lab Limerick we have two Reprap Mendel’s built by staff and students working together. It can produce objects up to 210mm x 190mm x 140mm with layer accuracy of 0.2 to 0.3mm. It can print a large variety of plastics including PLA, ABS and Nylon. More info about the Reprap Mendel is available here and here.
Factory built open-source 3D printer. Ultimaker uses an additive manufacturing technique called Fused Filament Fabrication to lay down material in layers. The max build size is 230 x 225 x 205 mm with layer accuracy of 0.06mm to 0.2mm.
The 2040 is a very popular delta printer produced by Wasp in Italy. The Wasp also prints by Fused Filament Fabrication, in a variety of plastics. The print volume of the Wasp is 200 x 200 x 400mm, with a high accuracy and a default layer height of 0.1mm.
The 4070 is a larger printer, very similar to the 2040, but offering a build volume of 400 x 400 x 700mm.
Reprap Mendel Build Size: The printer can build objects up to 210mm x 190mm x140mm (lxbxh).
Ultimaker 2 Build Size: The printer can build objects up to 230mm x 224mm x 205mm (lxbxh).
Wasp 2040 Build Size: 200mm diameter, 400mm high (cylindrical build volume)
Wasp 4070 Build Size: 400mm diameter, 700mm high (cylindrical build volume)
We keep a good supply of white PLA plastic. Many other materials are available for 3D printing but we may not have them in stock. ColorFabb has a good selection of good quality plastics to purchase. We can order the material you like but we also welcome people bringing their own material in to use on our machines. New materials are being developed regularly including metal composites. Examples are on display in Fab Lab Limerick.
| Individual | Cost/hour * |
|---|---|
| SAUL Student | €0 |
| Student | €5 |
| Non Profit | €7.50 |
| Commercial | €10 |
* Minimum charge is for 30 mins. Set Up charge (subject to availability) at €10/job. White PLA plastic is included in the hourly rate. If you wish to use other materials there is an extra cost per/hour (varies by material).
The Form2 is a printer from Form Labs, which uses a method of printing called StereoLithography,
To use any of our printers, you need to book here. Each printer is available to be booked by the hour, and you should book as many slots as estimated by your slicer software. If you have any queries, send us an email.