Printers & Capabilities

Stratasys Fortus 450mc

Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Build Volume: 406 × 355 × 406 mm (16 × 14 × 16 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Prints high-performance thermoplastics such as ABS, PC, and ULTEM™
  • Heated, controlled build chamber for consistent, industrial-grade quality
  • Large format for bigger parts or multiple components in a single run

Ideal For:

  • Functional prototypes and production-ready parts
  • Aerospace, automotive, and medical applications needing robust, high temperature materials
  • End-use components with strong mechanical properties

Markforged Metal X

Technology: Bound Powder Extrusion (Metal 3D Printing)
Build Volume: 250 × 220 × 200 mm (9.8 × 8.7 × 7.9 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Prints metal parts (e.g., stainless steel) with a polymer-bound powder filament, then sintered to full density
  • Streamlines prototyping and production of complex metal components
  • Reduces costs associated with traditional metal manufacturing

Ideal For:

  • Low-volume or custom metal parts
  • Tooling, jigs, and fixtures for industrial environments
  • Functional parts requiring the strength and durability of metal

 

Formlabs 3L

Technology: Stereolithography (SLA)
Build Volume: 335 × 200 × 300 mm (13.2 × 7.9 × 11.8 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Large-format SLA for big or multiple detailed prints
  • High-resolution output with smooth surface finishes
  • Broad resin portfolio (general-purpose, tough, flexible, biocompatible, etc.)

Ideal For:

  • High-precision prototypes and visual models
  • Dental, jewelry, and industrial design requiring fine detail
  • Batch production of small-to-medium sized components

Sinterit Lisa

Technology: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Build Volume: 110 × 160 × 130 mm (4.3 × 6.3 × 5.1 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Prints strong nylon (PA12/PA11) powders without the need for support structures
  • Produces complex geometries with robust mechanical properties
  • Minimal post-processing with an efficient powder recycling system

Ideal For:

  • Functional prototypes and short-run manufacturing
  • Parts featuring internal channels, hinges, or complex shapes
  • Applications requiring durable, lightweight components

 

Markforged Mark II

Technology: Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (FDM-based)
Build Volume: 320 × 132 × 154 mm (12.6 × 5.2 × 6.1 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Prints nylon infused with continuous strands of carbon fiber, Kevlar®, or fiberglass
  • Achieves exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratios
  • Software-driven fiber placement for customizable reinforcement

Ideal For:

  • End-use parts that require superior strength and rigidity
  • Jigs, fixtures, and tooling in industrial settings
  • Lightweight alternatives to certain metal components

LulzBot TAZ 6

Technology: LulzBot TAZ 6
Build Volume: 280 × 280 × 250 mm (11.0 × 11.0 × 9.8 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Open-source hardware and software for maximum customization
  • Wide range of compatible filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG, flexible materials, etc.)
  • Reliable, user-friendly setup with automatic bed leveling

Ideal For:

  • Prototyping with diverse material options
  • Research, experimentation, and educational projects
  • Makers looking for an adaptable platform

 

Formlabs Form 2

Technology: Stereolithography (SLA)
Build Volume: 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7 × 5.7 × 6.9 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Produces high-resolution parts with smooth finishes
  • Intuitive interface and robust software ecosystem
  • Resin-based printing suited for detailed prototypes and functional components

Ideal For:

  • Small-to-medium sized parts requiring fine detail
  • Product design validation and small-scale production
  • Educational or research applications needing professional-grade prints

Prusa SL1

Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography)
Build Volume: 120 × 68 × 150 mm (4.7 × 2.7 × 5.9 in)

Key Capabilities:

  • Utilizes an LCD screen and UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer
  • Known for high detail and consistent results
  • Compact footprint ideal for smaller workspaces

Ideal For:

  • Tabletop models, intricate prototypes, and precise components
  • Dental models, jewelry, and artistic resin prints
  • Users seeking an accessible entry into resin 3D printing

 

How to Choose the Right Printer

  • Material Requirements:
    • Need high-performance plastics or metal? Check out the Fortus 450mc or Metal X.
    • Interested in carbon fiber reinforcement? The Markforged Mark II is perfect for ultra-strong composite parts.
  • Detail vs. Function:
    • SLA printers (Formlabs 3L, Form 2, Prusa SL1) deliver exceptional detail and surface finish.
    • FDM (LulzBot TAZ 6) or SLS (Sinterit Lisa) excel at functional prototypes and mechanical parts.
  • Size and Volume:
    • For larger models or multiple parts in a single print, consider the Fortus 450mc or Formlabs 3L.
  • Open-Source vs. Proprietary:
    • LulzBot TAZ 6 is highly customizable for research and experimentation.
    • Other printers feature specialized materials and integrated software ecosystems.

Each machine in our 3D Printing Center offers unique advantages to help you realize your vision. If you’re unsure which printer best suits your project, our team is here to guide you—just reach out and let us know what you’re looking to create!