Expanded 3D Printing #
Expanded 3D printing encompasses several 3D printing processes and associated equipment that is operated by staff only. 3D printed objects that are unsuitable for our Pursa MINIs (see 3D FDM Printing ) can potentially be printed using:
- Original Prusa i3 MK3S & MK3S+
- Prusa XL FDM 3D printer
- Formlabs Form 4 SLA 3D printer
- Formlabs Form 2 SLA 3D printer
- see 3D SLA printing for more information on preparing, printing and post-processing resin prints
Expanded 3D printing allows you to print:
- outsized objects (bigger than the Prusa MINIs build size)
- resin prints
- complex sculptural prints requiring PETg/ a different support material
Note: there are costs associated with these prints (see HatchLabs Shop ).
How to get started #
Printing with the expanded 3D printing equipment is project dependent. The printers themselves are operated by staff only and you must book in time to speak with the HatchLabs technicians who will advise on suitable equipment and offer next steps.
Please email us with your project idea and a screenshot of your model: hatchlabs@doc.gold.ac.uk
Prusa XL #
The Prusa XL is Prusa’s new flagship multi-material FDM printer featuring 5 print heads allowing for a variety of materials to be useed in tandem.
The Prusa XL excels in producing larger prototypes, multi-material prints, and functional parts, making it ideal for complex designs, engineering projects, and advanced multi-color or multi-material applications not feasible on the Prusa Mini.
- Build Volume 360×360×360 mm
- Max nozzle temperature 290 °C / 554 °F
- Max heatbed temperature 120 °C / 248 °F
- Compatible Materials: PLA, PETG, Flex, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB
- Available Materials: PLA, PETG
If you wish to use a material not usually stocked, make sure you have spoken to a member of staff.
Formlabs Form 4 #
The Form 4 is Formlabs flagship SLA model.
The Form 4 is ideal for producing intricate prototypes, jewelry patterns, and engineering components with fine detail and smooth surface finishes, offering capabilities beyond FDM printers like the Prusa Mini for applications requiring superior precision and material properties.
- Build Volume: 200 × 125 × 210 mm
- Available Materials: Clear Resin v5, Rigid 10k
Formlabs Form 2 #
The Form 2 is an older Formlabs model of SLA printer.
It is still capable of sharp and highly detailed results for initricate prototypes for jewellery and engineering components. The clear resin won’t be as clear as with the Form 4, and it will be a slower print time, but if demand is high we will use this printer as a backup with all other things being the same.
- Build Volume: 145 x 145 x 175mm
- Available Materials: Clear Resin v4