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How does 3D printing compare to rapid prototyping?

uPrint SE 3D Printing is a faster, lower-cost alternative to traditional rapid prototyping that doesn't compromise quality. uPrint SE is designed to work as an affordable, professional-grade 3D printing system your whole office can use. And uPrint SE is faster, more convenient and more secure than sending STL files to an outside service provider.

How durable are ABS models?

uPrint SE�s ABSplus concept models are not the fragile lab beauties you get from some 3D printing systems. uPrint SE concept models are durable enough to withstand functional testing under real-world conditions such as wind tunnels, vehicles bouncing over rugged terrain and fluids under pressure. And, uPrint SE�s ABSplus models are as durable as the millions of actual products that are made with ABS plastic, so you can machine, sand and paint them.

Is the ABS material available in colors?

YES. uPrint SE Plus users may print in white, red, blue, black, gray, nectarine, florescent yellow, ivory and olive green ABSplus. We can even create custom colors for you.

The ABSplus material used with our uPrint SE 3D Printer is only available in ivory.

Do the models require post-processing?

The only post-processing that's routinely done on uPrint SE concept models is support removal. uPrint SE uses SST (Soluble Support Technology) which dissolves the support material in an agitated 70°C bath. After that, you can perform just about any further post-processing that your project requires, such as drilling, milling, tapping, sanding, painting and plating.

Where can I install a uPrint SE 3D Printer? Does it require special facilities?

uPrint SE is designed to work in any office environment. The printer plugs into a standard 120VAC 15A (or 220VAC 7A) wall outlet. No special venting is required. The optional support removal system utilizes a soluble solution, so a nearby utility sink is handy.

What CAD and modeling software works with uPrint SE?

Any CAD software that can export your 3D model design as an STL file is compatible with uPrint SE 3D Printing Systems.

What's an STL file? How do I prepare my CAD files for 3D printing?

STL is a standard CAD file format that describes the surface geometry of 3D objects. To prepare your 3D model design for 3D printing, import your STL file into CatalystEX (the software that comes with your uPrint system) and just click "print." Think of CatalystEX as a super print driver. It processes the STL file from your CAD software, slicing and orienting your model design for optimum build speed while automatically adding the support structure.

What workstation support does uPrint SE require?

uPrint SE and its CatalystEX software are compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems.

What comes with my uPrint SE 3D Print Pack? Do I need additional accessories?

A uPrint SE 3D Print Pack comes with everything you need to start printing 3D models in durable ABSplus plastic. The basic print pack includes the uPrint SE 3D Printer with one material bay; WaveWash Support Cleaning System, EcoWorks Cleaning Agent, modeling bases, material carriers and one starter spool each of modeling and support material; CatalystEX software and a start-up kit containing tools, cables and routine maintenance items.

The uPrint SE PLUS 3D Print Pack is the most complete 3D printing package because in addition to everything you get with our basic 3D print pack - it allows you to print in nine different colors, create larger models and print faster.

You may want to consider adding an additional material bay because it keeps you printing without stopping to reload materials. uPrint SE 3D Printers will automatically switch to a second material bay for uninterrupted printing.