The Digital Lab is a dust-free facility containing one 3-D printer and two laser cutters. The Digital Lab contains its own computer workstation that supports Mastercam, Maya, Rhino, AutoCad, Solid Works, and FormZ applications.
The Lab’s Dimension BST 3-D Printer uses acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic to print solid objects up to 8” x 8” x 12” in size at extremely high resolution directly from 3D CAD files in *.stl format. The ABS models are built up in layers 0.01 in. to 0.013 in. thick. The resulting models are white, sturdy, and can be sanded, drilled etc. with typical hand and power tools. The 3-D printer features the patented Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM™) system that allows the manufacture of real production thermoplastic parts that are stable and have no appreciable warpage, shrinkage, or moisture absorption, like the products of other systems utilizing resins and powders. The FDM process does not employ dangerous materials and requires no special venting. FDM enables students to manufacture real parts in just three steps: loading a file, manufacturing a part and removing the support material.
The Digital Lab’s two laser cutters are available for use during 90-minute time slots that must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
The Digital Lab is governed by its own set of policies, guidelines, and hours. Please check the CALA website for further information, including the current sign-up schedule and fees.
