This time in BIOE555  we learned how to 3D print using 2 different methods. The methods that we used were FDM and SLA.

First of all, I chose an Alpaca from Thingiverse because I thought it was a cute object and has movable legs. Here you can find the STL file https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2542369/files

Once I got the file, I imported it into PrusaSlicer software (Fun fact: I was able to download it from my laptop and 3D print it). When I imported it, I changed some of the settings. For example, for the type of printer (in this case I used the Original Prusa XL because the other printers were on used), for the filament I chose the Hatchbox PLA because it was specifically the one that was on the 3D printer, I also included printer supports as support on build plate only, added brim, for the infill 20%, a scale factor of 60% (so that it will fit in the small container) for the print settings I used 0.20mm then 0.15mm, but I did not see much difference.

Besides these, I had to change the nozzle diameter to 0.6mm because it is the diameter of this type of printer. After this, I exported the g code into a usb and connected it to the 3D printer. The printing for 4 items took around 2:20 hours.

Once I got the printed Alpacas, I removed the support material and some of the small hairs that appeared. I took a lot of time in this step because the support material was hard to remove on the bottom part of the Alpaca.

The next step was to print in SLA and I was really excited about it! First, I imported the file into ProForm software.

Then, the supports were added and it was ready to send it to the formlabs machine.

The time in this case was longer and it took 3 hrs and 45 min. Once the alpacas were ready, I washed them for 15 min to remove the excess resin and cured them for 15min at 60°.

I was really excited to see that the Alpacas looked so great! Then, I cut the supports with the help of some cutters.

The Alpacas were ready, but unfortunately I broke one leg of one of them while I was trying to bend the legs. I guess the inside of the legs was really sticky…

Finally, I put all the alpacas in their bubbles.

Cost Estimation

Materials                                      Price                 Source                           Quantity        Total

PLA                                                   $30.99                  Amazon                            1 spool                  $30.99

Resin                                                  $149                  SourceGraphics              1 cartridge                $149

Cutters                                               $7.63                      Amazon                           1                         $7.63

Labor

Prototyping Engineer          $54.08 per hour                Zippia                           5hours               $270.4

Overhead

Facility Cost                            $90 membership          TXRX Labs                      5hours                $90

Quality Control                      $20.83 per hour            Indeed                               5 hours              $104.15