The Ultimaker 3 features higher resolution 3D printing capabilities in comparison with the Lulzbot Taz6 or Stratasys UprintSE, with accuracy down to 25 microns. However, the Ultimaker also has a smaller print envelope, meaning it can only print small objects. For tiny items that need high levels of detail, the Ultimaker 3 is ideally suited.
Ginsburg Library has 2 types of filaments available with this printer. PLA is a common material used in FDM 3D Printing. It is readily available and makes great thermoplastics for rapid prototyping. PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) plastics are also used as a support material. This material dissolves in water, and is used to hold objects in place and support them while they are being printed, allowing for the printing of more complex objects.
PLA and PVA are considered standard filaments while specialty filaments like TPU and certain ABS and PLA plastics are considered non-standard. Standard filaments will be available for free up to 50 grams and non-standard filaments are available at the standard rate of $0.20/gram.
| PLA (Polylactic Acid) | PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) |
|
Silver (Standard FDM Material) |
Natural (Standard Water- Soluble Support Material) |
