Prototyping services

TechSpark’s team is available to provide professional prototyping services for research. These range from creating 3D models in CAD, preparing files for fabrication, running equipment, assembling components, checking tolerances/fit, and final implementation.

To learn more about these services for your unique project, stop by the Hamerschlag Office (HH C124) for a consultation before submitting an official request.

Services available

  • Machining
  • Fabrication
  • Welding
  • CNC
  • 3D Modeling
  • Laser cutting

Requests

To submit an official request for professional prototyping services, log in to the FBS request system . If you do not have an account already, contact Shop Manager Ed Wojciechowski.

Cost

There is a rate of $83/hour for professional prototyping services plus an additional $27/hour for machining time paid by a CMU account using an oracle string.

3D printing services

TechSpark offers 3D printing for educational, personal, and research needs.  Our experienced staff can advise you on the feasibility and cost associated with any project.

3D printers available

Bambu X1C

  • Single Head FDM Printer with AMS
  • Material: PLA
  • Accuracy: 7 microns (0.007mm)
  • Min Layer Height: 0.08mm
  • Build Volume: 10 x 10 x 10 inches (256x256x256mm)

Stratasys F170

  • Dual Head FDM Printer
  • Material: ABS + Soluble Support
  • Accuracy: 0.008” (0.20 mm)
  • Min Layer Height: 0.005” (0.127mm)
  • Build Volume: 10 x 10 x 10 inches (254 x 254 x 254mm)

Requests

3D print jobs can be submitted through the FBS request system.

  • Be prepared with Oracle account or pay alias.
  • 3D file formats accepted: .stl .obj .3mf and .zip.
  • A student worker or staff member will contact you when your parts are complete.

For more information on submitting requests to FBS, please view our FBS user guide (coming soon).

If you do not have an FBS account, contact Jen Hitchcock for account setup or if you have questions.

Cost

  • PLA (X1C) - $0.65 per gram
  • ABS (F170) - $1.30 per gram

3D printing totals are calculated by our slicing software. Incurred expenses are paid by a CMU account using an oracle string or Andrew HUB account.

3D printing for research

Research labs are permitted to provide their own externally sourced filament. The 3D printing setup is still handled by TechSpark staff members. Research personnel are not permitted to operate the 3D printer. Printing with externally sourced filament is permitted for research purposes only. 

Externally sourced filament

Material requirements
  • 1.75 diameter filament
  • Clean
  • Dry and free of moisture
Acceptable materials
  • PLA
  • PVA
  • PVA
  • PETG
  • PET
  • Support for PLA/PET
  • PC
  • PA
Unacceptable materials
  • TPU
  • ABS & ABS-GF
  • ASA
  • PET-CF/GF
  • PPA-CF/GF
  • PPS & PPS-CF/GF
  • PA-CF/GF

Staff reserves the right to reject any materials deemed unfit for usage.

Request

Please stop by the Hamerschlag Office (HH C124) before submitting an official request for a consultation on your projects and materials.

Submit requests through the FBS system, using the “3D Printing for Research” form.

Costs

There is a rate of $83/hour for job setup plus an additional $27/hour for print time paid by a CMU account using an oracle string.