Institute for Molecular Bioscience

3D Printing @ IMB

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Background 

In order to meet the growing demands of our users and the different sample chambers and dishes required for their experiments, the IMB microscopy facility has purchased an Ultimaker 3 3D printer. 

 

3D printing works by heating up different plastic materials and extruding them through a small, movable nozzle to build up a 3D object layer, by layer. 

 

Ultimaker 3 Specifications 

  • Dual Extrusion (2 different print heads, capable of multi-colour/material printing) 

  • Build volume (single material 215x215x200mm; dual material 197x215x200mm) 

  • Filament diameter: 2.85mm 

  • Layer resolution: 0.4mm nozzle: 20-200 micron 

  • Step accuracy: 12.5x12.5x2.5 micron 

  • Build speed: upto 24mm^3/s 

  • Nozzle temperature: 180-280 degrees C 

  • Build plate temperature: 20-100 degrees C 

 

Current Filament Stock 

  • Black PLA 

  • Green PLA 

  • Silver PLA 

  • White PLA 

  • Black ABS 

  • Polypropylene 

  • Nylon 

  • PVA 

  • White Breakaway 

 

Example Projects 

Zebrafish well agarose stamp 

3x8 well chamber slide stage insert 

Multi-well chamber insert 

 

Microscope stage inserts for CO2 incubation. 

 

Plastic sample holder for electrophysiology imaging.