3D Printing
Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) is dedicated to supporting our maker community in their creative process by providing shared space, shared tools, software, materials and a knowledge base to turn their ideas into reality.
The 3D Printing Area at PPM consists mostly of Level 2 equipment.
Additional training is required to use our Level 2 equipment.
3D Printing Area hand tools should be marked with orange tape or paint.
Safety First
Members must know the following information:
- In case of emergency, call 911.
- Our physical location is:
- 735 East Pikes Peak Avenue
- Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- use this when ordering pizza or an ambulance
PPM Fire Escape Plan
- Fire Escape Plan maps are posted throughout the Makerspace.
- There are 7 fire extinguishers on the fire escape plan map. Review the PPM Fire Escape Plan for locations.
First Aid
- There is a FIRST AID Supply Cabinet in our Kitchen Area.
- FIRST AID Kits are available in four areas: the Kitchen, Metal Shop, Wood Shop and CNC Room.
Eye Wash Stations
- Emergency Eye & Face Wash Stations are mounted in four areas: the Kitchen, Wood Shop, CNC Room and Vented Room.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear protective equipment in all Wood and Metal Shop Areas.
- Wear gloves when using Isopropyl Alcohol and other cleaners.
Hazardous Chemicals
- All hazardous chemicals must be stored in the yellow hazardous chemical storage cabinet located in the Vented Room.
- Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information of unknown products before use.
- SDS information is available via the QR code on the hazardous chemical storage cabinet or this spreadsheet.
- Do not bring dangerous chemicals to the makerspace.
- Spray paint, stains, and other approved items must be stored in the hazardous chemical storage cabinet in the Vented Room.
- Please DO NOT paint indoors.
Impairment
- The use of PPM equipment requires you to be alert, attentive, and focused.
- Do not use any PPM work area, or any PPM tools, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Classes and Training
New Member Orientation
Instructor — Josh Rafail
Area Contact — Mathew Palfenier
- To help out in the 3D Printing Area contact us on Slack.
Classes
- Pikes Peak Makerspace announces its Upcoming events, including classes, on Meetup
Training
- FDM vs SLA 3D Printing — according to the "new Bing"
- "FDM and SLA are two different types of 3D printing technologies that use different materials and methods to create parts. FDM stands for fused deposition modeling, and SLA stands for stereolithography. Here are some of the main differences between them:
- FDM uses a heated nozzle to extrude melted plastic filament one layer at a time on a build platform. SLA uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin one layer at a time in a resin tank.
- FDM can print with a variety of thermoplastic materials, such as ABS, PLA, PETG, and nylon. SLA can print with different types of resin materials, such as standard, engineering, and dental resins.
- FDM has more color options and similar strength in the X and Y directions than SLA. SLA has better surface finish, detail, and speed than FDM.
- FDM is cheaper, more user-friendly, and more reliable than SLA. SLA is more expensive, requires more post-processing, and is more sensitive to environmental factors than FDM.
- FDM is suitable for basic proof-of-concept models, quick and low-cost prototyping, and simple parts that might be machined. SLA is ideal for high-detail parts, molds, patterns, and functional parts that require tight tolerances and smooth surfaces."
- Intro To 3D Printing — new class info from Josh Rafail
For Additional Help
- Use the PPM Slack channel #3d-printing
- List of all PPM Slack channels
- Note that we have a Slack channel (#job-board) for members to post, discuss, or accept job opportunities either within PPM or from the community.
Equipment Lists
3D Printers
Picture | Item | Manufacturer/ Model |
Print Volume |
Upgrades | Reference Materials |
3D Printer | PRUSA RESEARCH
Prusa MK3 |
9.8 x 8.3 in,
8 in tall |
MMU —
Multi Material Unit (5 filaments) |
||
3D Printer
#1 |
PRUSA RESEARCH
Prusa MK2.5S |
9.8 x 8.3 in,
8 in tall |
|||
3D Printer
#2 |
PRUSA RESEARCH | ||||
3D Printer
#3 |
PRUSA RESEARCH | ||||
3D Printer |
Monoprice
Mini E3D Edition |
4.7x4.7x4.7" | SD card only.
PLA ONLY. |
||
Picture | Item | Manufacturer/ Model |
Print Volume |
Upgrades | Reference Materials |
3D Printing Equipment — Level 1 Equipment
Picture | Item | Manufacturer/ Model |
Reference Materials |
3Doodler create | 3Doodler
STAR TREK |
Getting Started | |
lab oven / dryer
with timer (12"x12"x12" interior) |
Curtin Matheson | ||
IMPULSE HEAT SEALER
12" w cutter |
Midwest Pacific,
MP-12C |
||
filament dryer box | PPM | ||
Fume Extractor | PACE
8888-0825 |
||
Picture | Item | Manufacturer/ Model |
Reference Materials |
3D Printing — Computers
Picture | Item | Application Software |
Manufacturer/ Model |
CPU | Memory/ Storage |
System Software |
laptop computer | PrusaSlicer |
Dell | Windows 10 | |||
Picture | Item | Application Software |
Manufacturer/ Model |
CPU | Memory/ Storage |
System Software |
Hand Tools
- 3D Printing Area hand tools should be marked with orange tape or paint.
- Return all tools to their proper location after use. This rule applies to all areas of our Makerspace.
Donations Received
Wish List
- Pikes Peak Makerspace is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so we can provide a receipt for any donations you make.
Benefits and Policies
- PPM members enjoy discounts at the following local merchants:
- (bring proof of membership)
Company | Website | Benefit | Directions to |
Woodcraft of Colorado Springs | 10% discount | 4438 Austin Bluffs Parkway | |
CO Lumber Specialties | 10% discount | 3636 Stone Avenue | |
GENERAL AIR | 10% discount | 3031 N Nevada Ave. | |
ACE Hardware Uintah Gardens | 10% discount | 1830 W Uintah Street | |
- Map of stores that provide PPM member discounts
- Map of helpful local resources curated by our makers
- At home LightBurn subscriptions can be purchased at a discounted rate for being a PPM member.
- The discount code is saved as a Pinned Message in our 'laser-cutter' channel in Slack.
PPE
- Donate for PPE
- Or, leave donations in a black payment box, or use a QR code.
Materials
Picture | Filament | Size/ Color |
Website | Sale Price |
Copolyester
Factory Sealed) |
2.85mm
White |
chromastrandslab.com | $20 | |
PETG
Factory Sealed) |
1.75mm
Clear |
ic3dprinters.com | $20 | |
PETG
Factory Sealed) |
1.75mm
Clear |
villageplastics.com/ | $20 | |
Picture | Filament | Size/ Color |
Website | Sale Price |
- Donate for "3D Print Filament" via PayPal: bit.ly/ppmstuff
- Filament Cost $0.029 per Gram
- Or, leave donations in a black payment box, or use a QR code.
Red Tags
- If equipment needs repairs, place a Red Tag on it and report it via the Pikes Peak Makerspace Slack channel #red-tags-issues
- This advises others on the malfunctioning equipment and ensures that actions can be taken to service/repair the equipment.
Scrap and Trash
- Trash day is TUESDAY (Extra pickups can be called from Waste Connections for around $75)
- Recycling day is MONDAY (96 gallon tote should be placed out back by the dumpster)
- Single Stream Recycling provided by Waste Connections. Paper, cardboard, cans, glass, and one time use plastics.
- Empty interior trash cans into our dumpster at the back (south side) of the building.
- Always leave the space better than you found it.
Related Software
Modeling sw
- Autodesk Fusion 360 — integrated, cloud-based CAD and CAM software
- Blender — for creating 3D printed models (and much more)
Slicing sw
- PrusaSlicer — prepare ("slice") 3D models for 3D printing
Member Showcase
- For even more member projects, visit our #showcase channel on Slack.
Related Pages
Links to related PPM Wiki pages:
Curated Links
Links to member-recommended external sites:
- PRUSA KNOWLEDGE BASE
- Prusa 3D by Josef Prusa — YouTube channel
- Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide — SIMPLYFY3D
Other Fun Stuff
Links to external sites:
- https://www.3dbenchy.com/ — 3D torture test
- https://www.etsy.com/market/lithophanes
- https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=lithophanes
- "Things we've built", including 3D-printed robotic hand (2015)
Search the PPM Wiki — include Content pages as well as Multimedia.
Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.