At UPSC, we have two different 3D printers that use different printing methods and material. They can be used to print lab or pedagogical equipment like a falcon holder or a plant cell model, but also to make new objects that would help for specific experiments such as a black box for 6 well plate or customized microscopy stage inserts.
Printing time is free of charge. The material cost must be supported by the user’s PI (filament spool or resin).
3D printer Prusa i3 MK3S at UPSC
FDM 3D Printing: Original Prusa i3 MK3S (“Prusette”)
Our facility is equipped with a Original Prusa i3 MK3S, a reliable and versatile desktop Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printer. This technology works by melting thermoplastic filaments (specifically PLA and PETG) at temperatures exceeding 200°C and depositing them layer-by-layer to create physical objects with millimeter-level resolution.
Capabilities & Specifications:
- Build Volume: 210 × 210 × 250 mm (max printing size).
- Applications: The printer can be used to create functional prototypes, custom laboratory tools, replacement parts, and pedagogical figures of biological structures. These physical models are particularly useful for visualizing complex cellular or anatomical data captured via microscopy.
Workflow: To operate the printer, 3D designs must be converted into machine-readable G-code using the PrusaSlicer software: PrusaSlicer Downloads.
Inspiration: Explore pre-made models for biology and laboratory use:
Design Your Own: If you wish to create custom models, we recommend the following tools (free version available):
- Beginner Friendly: Tinkercad (Browser-based, easy to learn)
- Professional CAD: Autodesk Fusion 360 (Advanced parametric design)
For introduction (30min), please contact
Prusette is located in room B5-16-51
SLA 3D Printing: Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K (“Frozen”)
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K Frozen 3D printer
For applications requiring ultra-high detail, our facility features the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K, a Stereolithography (SLA) resin printer. This machine uses a UV light to selectively cure liquid photopolymer resin, achieving precision with an XY resolution of 22µm. This makes it ideal for fine printing.
Capabilities & Specifications:
- Build Volume: 165 × 72 × 180 mm (max printing size).
- Precision: 22µm XY resolution with adjustable layer thickness ranging from 10µm to 300µm.
- Applications: The printer can be used for printing intricate or small objects, micro-fluidic devices, and fine structures that require smooth surfaces and details.
Workflow & Resources: To prepare a model for printing, the 3D design must be sliced into layers This process generates the specific file format required by the printer.
Software Download: Chitubox Official Site
Post-Processing: To ensure the quality and durability of resin prints, we provide a dedicated Anycubic Wash & Cure station
Anycubic Wash Cure station at UPSC. This unit automates the cleaning of uncured resin and the final UV curing process, ensuring parts are safe to handle and dimensionally stable.
Location: Both the "Frozen" printer and the Wash & Cure station are located in Room B6-18-51.
For introduction (1 hour), please contact
Prior to the introduction to Frozen, one needs to have special education before starting to work with resin as it belongs to allergenic compounds. If you need such education, please contact Marta Derba-Maceluch.