Our Workshop
Below is a helpful list of the tools we use in our projects. You can use the links in the text and images below to get them for yourself!
We in no way endorse or support any products or brands on this list.
Categories
3D Printers
Additive manufacturing is a phenomenal rapid prototyping tool; most of the prototypes (and many end use parts) we make involve 3D printing in some manner.
Prusa i3 MK3S MMU2S
A reliable workhorse. Not much can compare to the MK3S/+ on price/performance ratio when it comes to FFF/FDM.
The MMU2/S unit does have some issues, but I mainly use mine to keep 5 different materials/colors loaded. If any issues are encountered it occurs at the start or end of a build and is a minor inconvenience.
I have my machine set up inside a custom version of the Prusa Lack Enclosure V2 with an LED light strip and magnetically removable acrylic panels, source files coming soon.
PrusaSlicer is also an amazing software tool, I try use it for all printers I work with.
Kudo3D Bean
A small MSLA printer that I crowdfunded many years ago. I had some initial issues with the unit as-shipped and it sat in my closet until the summer of 2022 when I gave it a tune up and updated the firmware. The machine functions well now but it does have its downsides. It’s only accessible through a web interface but machine doesn’t having intrinsic Wi-Fi capabilities (I’m currently using a cheap repeater for untethered access). The built in slicer is also as bare-bones as can be, with no support generation capabilities.
Being an early generation MSLA, the machine is not equipped with a monochromatic display and is significantly slower than comparable current generation machines. Using standard resin, a full height print of 160 mm takes about 20 hours to complete. I’m not using this machine in a production setting and FFF/FDM will always be faster than SLA/MSLA for prototyping so this is a non issue for me.
Unfortunately this machine is not available for purchase currently.
Tempest
A custom IDEX 3D printer that I began designing towards the end of 2017. The design was finalized in 2019 and built towards the end of 2021.
The intent of this project was to create a large-format FFF printer that has a high resolution (10 micron XY), large print volume, and above all can print nearly any geometry with minimal post processing by using soluble supports. Independent leveling sensors for each tool allow for different nozzle offsets to simplify calibration of the machine.
The end result runs off Reprap firmware with genuine Hiwin rails, Wi-Fi control, a 300 mm square, AC-heated bed with a textured PEI print surface and a 7” touch screen user interface.
Resin Printing Accessories
Post-processing and tools – resin printing requires a fair bit more equipment than FFF.
Anycubic Wash and Cure 2.0
A quick and easy two-in one unit for washing and curing resin prints, takes only a few minutes for each process. For larger MSLA machines you can purchase their Wash and Cure Plus. I like that this has removable inserts for the wash bucket suck as a cage or shelf for the build plate at various heights. Even though I’m not using an Anycubic printer and the build plate is smaller than the one the wash is designed for, I am able to make use of the features with an adapter or by simply rotating the build plate.
I also have an extra wash bucket to help with draining and filtering waste.
Anycubic AirPure
A set of two small activated carbon filtration units, the carbon unit is replaceable. If you’re afraid of VOC’s this can be a cheap mitigation step. They’re meant to be placed inside the printer to absorb and filter particulate generated during curing but I also use them in the curing unit as well.
I definitely find that they limit the smell from printing but it’s still far from eliminating it. My resin printers have limited room in the rear corners so I use a printed spacer attached to the base of the purifier to give enough clearance for the resin tank.
If the AirPure is out of stock, Elegoo has their own version which is basically the same unit. Multiple options of carbon filter replacements exist.
3 Speed Fan – 7”
I use this simple fan to dry resin prints between washing and curing; leave models on the build plate, point the fan up, and lay the build plate on its side over the fan and allow the air to flow around the side of the model, flipping as needed.
If IPA is present during curing it can affect the mechanical properties of the part or cause it not fully cure in wet areas. IPA can take time to evaporate from concave surfaces, especially if diluted with resin, a fan can speed up post processing by decreasing the drying time.
Lab Stand
Resin printing can occasionally involve straining resin or even waste wash fluid. Having a lab stand can prevent you from having to stand there and hold items such as a resin tank or funnel during this process. I definitely recommend a taller unit, roughly 24” in height. The quality of the QWORK brand unit I’ve been using is good, but if purchasing other units read the reviews and look out for cheap clamp units.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
Also known as isopropanol, this handy chemical can be used as a near universal cleaner – apart from being needed to wash most resin prints. It is a chemical though, so make sure to wear some PPE!
For cleaning resin prints, it’s important to use high-concentration IPA. Lower concentrations such as 50% or 70% generally contain glycol additives or glycerin which can leave your prints feeling tacky post-wash and affect the final cure. We use this to clean most things (except acrylic) and go through a fair bit so we get a shipment every 3 months. Larger size bottles would be better in order to reduce waste, but it’s hard to find 99% IPA at this cheap per unit price and we generally use the bottles for other things – like temporary storage of waste IPA. The bottles are also HDPE so the raw material has other uses, such as being recycled into filament.
Put it in a spray bottle!
Flush Cutters
Arguably one of the most important tools in all 3D printing – regardless of the machine. This is an essential piece of equipment for support removal from resin prints but is also great for a whole host of other applications for FFF/FDM printing (getting that perfect cut for loading filament, trimming blobs off prints, trimming zip ties, etc.) and can even be used on occasion to separate fused SLS prints.
This multipack is a great resource – I keep one by each machine and one at my desk.