- How does 3D printing compare to rapid prototyping?
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uPrint 3D Printing is a faster, lower-cost alternative to traditional rapid prototyping that doesn't compromise quality. uPrint is designed to work as an affordable, personal 3D printing system, which means you're not waiting in a central print queue to get your model. And uPrint is certainly faster, more convenient and more secure than sending STL files to an outside service provider.
- How durable are ABS models?
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uPrint ABSplus™ models are not the fragile lab beauties you get from some 3D printing systems. uPrint 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. uPrint ABSplus models are as durable as the thousands of actual products that are made with ABS plastic, so you can machine, sand and paint them.
- Is the ABS material available in colors?
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YES. uPrint Plus users may print in white,red, blue, black, gray, nectarine, florescent yellow, ivory and olive green ABSplus.
The ABSplus material used with our original uPrint is only available in ivory.
- Do the models require post-processing?
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The only post-processing that's routinely done on uPrint models is support removal. uPrint 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 printer? Does it require special facilities?
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uPrint is designed to work as a personal 3D printing system 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?
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Any CAD software that can export your 3D model design as an STL file is compatible with uPrint 3D Printing Systems.
- What's an STL file? How do I prepare my CAD files for 3D printing?
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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 Catalyst®EX (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 and automatically adding the support structure.
- What workstation support does uPrint require?
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uPrint and its Catalyst®EX software are compatible with Windows 7, Windows® XP and Windows Vista® operating systems.
- What comes with my uPrint printer? Do I need additional accessories?
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A uPrint Personal 3D Printing System comes with everything you need to start printing 3D models in durable ABSplus™ plastic. The basic system includes the uPrint printer with one material bay; modeling bases, material carriers and one spool each of modeling and support material; Catalyst®EX software and a start-up kit containing tools, cables and routine maintenance items.
The two accessories we highly recommend adding to your uPrint system are a second material bay, which keeps you printing without stopping for material reloads; and the support removal system for convenient, hands-free support material removal.
