The Fabrication Underground operates four different industry-standard printers that offer a variety of capabilities. 3D printer technologies include:
- Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing – The Form 3 SLA 3D printer is a compact desktop machine that can produce parts with smooth surfaces and high feature detail in a variety of materials.
- PolyJet 3D Printing – The Stratasys J850 is an advanced high resolution multijet 3d printer that provides the best surface quality and dimensional accuracy. The J850 is capable of digitally blending up to 6 materials which allows for the production of clear, color, or rubber-like flexible parts. Even a combination of rigid and flexible bodies within the same part is possible.
- Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing – At an incredible 27µm pixel resolution, the Asiga Max X offers the highest feature detail and layer resolution of any 3D printer at the the Fabrication Underground. With its high resolution, the Max X is ideal for applications that require high feature detail to include audiology, jewelry, microfluidics and others that have yet to be defined.
- Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing – The BigRep is a large format dual print head machine capable of printing in a variety of materials. It is ideal for large parts up to 1 meter in length.
What we provide:
- Job quote
- Build set-up
- Materials
- Machine operation
- Post processing
To receive a quote, please submit your 3D computer model through our online 3DP quote request form and within 1-2 business days we will provide an estimate. If approved, we will print the parts for you and have them ready for pickup; typically within 5 business days. All 3D prints must be paid for with a U-M short code, no cash or credit cards.
Printer Capabilities “Quick Look”
Form 3
| Color | Monochrome | Low Color | High Color |
| Build Size | Micro Scale | Standard | Large Format |
| Surface Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Feature Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Material Selection | Prototyping | Tough | High Temperature |
Stratasys J850
| Color | Monochrome | Low Color | High Color |
| Build Size | Micro Scale | Standard | Large Format |
| Surface Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Feature Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Material Selection | Prototyping | Flexible | Full Color |
BigRep
| Color | Monochrome | Low Color | High Color |
| Build Size | Micro Scale | Standard | Large Format |
| Surface Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Feature Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Material Selection | Prototyping | Flexible | High Temperature |
Asiga Max X
| Color | Monochrome | Low Color | High Color |
| Build Size | Micro Scale | Standard | Large Format |
| Surface Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Feature Detail | Low | Medium | High |
| Material Selection | Bio Compatible | Flexible | High Temperature |
To ensure the best service please follow the steps below:
Step 1 – Inspect your model
Make sure your 3D computer model is in the STL or OBJ format, is scaled properly, and any errors have been corrected (such as intersecting triangles).
Step 2 – Upload your file
Make sure the file size is less than 100MB. If submitting multiple files combine them into a single ZIP file for submitting.
Step 3 – Confirm price/job
Within 1-2 business days you will receive a quote. 3D printing will not start until you approve the job. Once approved, we will queue your job and send an invoice with an estimated date of completion.
Step 4 – Pick up your part(s)
Payment is at the time the quote is approved. We accept payment in the form of a U of M shortcode only; no cash or credit cards. You will receive an email notification when your print job is ready for pick up. Please email or bring your approved invoice with you when you come for your parts.