SPOKE EQUIPMENT: New Ultimaker 3 ‘Extended’ 3D Printer.

Above: The new Ultimaker ‘Extended’ 3D printer building a stage insert for a novel microscope system.

The Bioimaging Research Hub has recently purchased an Ultimaker 3 ‘Extended’ professional 3D printer. The printer will allow users to 3D print bespoke pieces of scientific equipment or generate scale models  of microscopic samples for use in their research as well as for teaching, outreach and engagement activities (examples can be  found  here and here).

The 3D printer utilises FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printing technology and has a range of advanced features allowing the fabrication of professional quality, high resolution 3D prints. The printer can print in two different colours or a single colour in addition to a dissolvable PVA support scaffold, thus allowing complex overhanging structures to be printed at high fidelity whilst significantly reducing  finishing time.

The printer has a large build volume (215 x 215 x 300mm), supports a range of materials (nylon, PLA, ABS, CPE and PVA) and has a print resolution of 20-200 microns.  The printer is wi-fi enabled with an internal webcam so that users can remotely monitor the progress of their 3D prints.

Further details of the equipment are available through our equipment database.

Further reading:

AJH