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3D Printing at UIUC

A brief guide to 3D printing and 3D printing resources on and around the UIUC campus brought to you by the IDEA Lab.

Filament

At the IDEA Lab, there a multiple filaments available to print with. Each material reacts differently to different environmental stresses like heat, pressure, or light. So, it is important to know what material you would like to work with, especially if making a model that will undergo any sort of stress. If you would like to learn more about the different filament materials out there, then please read the Lulzbot 3D Printing Filament Guide. Here is a list of all available filaments in the IDEA Lab:

  • PLA
  • PETG
  • ABS
  • HIPS
  • Polycarbonate
  • TPU

Cleaning Tools

In 3D printing, the process does not stop once the extruder stops flowing. In fact, the clean-up can be half the battle. It is a good idea to have these tools on hand before even starting your printer. What is great about all of these tools is that they can be found rather universally at most hardware and super stores. Common tools that you will need for cleaning up a 3D print are:

  • Sand Paper
  • A file
  • Pliers
  • Flush cutters
  • Deburring Tool
  • Dremel
  • Acetone
  • Wipes/Paper towels

All of these materials can be bought from your local hardware store (i.e. Lowes, Home Depot, Hardware Freight etc.)