3D Printing

From Grand River Makerspace Wiki

3D Printing Area

⚠️ SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED WHEN REMOVING SUPPORTS OR POST-PROCESSING ⚠️


Desired Tools

Tools and equipment we would like to acquire for this area.

FDM / FFF Printers

  • Enclosed FDM Printer - For ABS/ASA and temperature-sensitive prints
  • Large Format Printer - 300mm+ build volume
  • Multi-Material Printer - For supports or multi-color
  • High-Speed Printer - For rapid prototyping

Resin Printers

  • MSLA Resin Printer - For detailed prints
  • Large Format Resin Printer
  • Wash and Cure Station

Support Equipment

  • Filament Dry Box / Dehydrator
  • Enclosure with ventilation
  • Air Filtration - HEPA + activated carbon
  • UPS / Battery Backup

Post-Processing

  • Heat Gun
  • Soldering Iron - For smoothing and repairs
  • Rotary Tool (Dremel)
  • Sandpaper and Files
  • Spray Booth - For painting

Tools We Own

FDM / FFF Printers

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: FDM Printer Prusa MK4 250x210x220mm, direct drive Yes Link
Example: FDM Printer Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 256x256x256mm, enclosed, AMS Yes Link
Example: Large Format Creality CR-10 300x300x400mm Yes Link

Resin Printers

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: MSLA Printer Elegoo Saturn 3 218x123x250mm, 12K resolution Yes - Mandatory Link
Example: Wash & Cure Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus 192x120x290mm capacity Yes Link

Support Equipment

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Filament Dryer Sunlu S2 Dual spool, up to 70°C No Link
Example: Air Filter BOFA 3D PrintPro 3 HEPA + gas filtration No Link

Post-Processing Tools

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Rotary Tool Dremel 4000 Variable speed, flex shaft Yes Link
Example: Heat Gun Wagner HT1000 750-1000°F Yes Link

Safety & Usage Information

General Safety Rules

  • Complete training before using any printer
  • Sign in/out on equipment log
  • Never leave prints unattended for extended periods (especially first layer)
  • Report jams, failures, and maintenance issues
  • Clean up after your print job

FDM Printer Safety

  • Hot surfaces - Nozzle reaches 250°C+, bed reaches 100°C+
  • Do not touch nozzle or heated bed during or immediately after printing
  • Allow parts to cool before removing from bed
  • Use scraper carefully to avoid injury
  • Keep flammable materials away from printer
  • Ensure adequate ventilation, especially for ABS/ASA

Resin Printer Safety

  • Nitrile gloves are MANDATORY when handling resin
  • Safety glasses required when working with resin
  • Uncured resin is toxic and a skin sensitizer
  • Work in well-ventilated area or use enclosure with extraction
  • Do not pour resin down drain - cure and dispose properly
  • UV light can damage eyes - never look directly at UV source
  • Wash skin contact immediately with soap and water
  • Keep resin away from heat and direct sunlight

Fume Safety

Material Fume Risk Ventilation Required
PLA Low Recommended
PETG Low-Medium Recommended
ABS High - Styrene fumes Required - Enclosed + Filtered
ASA High - Styrene fumes Required - Enclosed + Filtered
Nylon Medium - May emit irritants Required
Resin (all types) High - VOCs Required - Enclosed + Filtered

Post-Processing Safety

  • Wear safety glasses when removing supports
  • Use dust mask when sanding
  • Heat guns can cause burns - use carefully
  • Sharp tools (scrapers, knives) - cut away from body
  • Spray painting - use spray booth or outdoors, wear respirator

Material Storage

  • Keep filament dry - use sealed containers with desiccant
  • Store resin in cool, dark place
  • Resin has shelf life - check expiration
  • Label all materials clearly

Approved Materials

FDM Filaments

Material Enclosure Required Notes
PLA No Beginner-friendly, low odor
PETG No Good strength, easy to print
TPU/TPE No Flexible, requires slower speeds
ABS Yes Requires enclosure and ventilation
ASA Yes UV resistant, requires enclosure
Nylon Yes Moisture-sensitive, needs drying
PC (Polycarbonate) Yes High temp, requires approval
Carbon Fiber filled No Abrasive - use hardened nozzle only

Resins

Resin Type Notes
Standard UV Resin General purpose, good detail
Water Washable Resin Easier cleanup, still requires gloves
ABS-Like Resin More durable, higher shrinkage
Flexible Resin Shore hardness varies
Castable Resin For lost wax casting - requires approval

Waste Disposal

  • Failed PLA prints - can go in trash
  • Failed ABS/other prints - check local recycling
  • Uncured resin - cure with UV before disposal
  • Resin-contaminated IPA - evaporate and cure residue, dispose properly
  • Never pour resin or contaminated liquids down drain

Emergency Procedures

  • Fire extinguisher location: [TO BE FILLED IN]
  • First aid kit location: [TO BE FILLED IN]
  • Emergency contact: [TO BE FILLED IN]
  • Eye wash station location: [TO BE FILLED IN] (required for resin area)
  • Skin contact with resin: Wash immediately with soap and water
  • Eye contact with resin: Flush with water for 15 minutes, seek medical attention