Cofa's 3D printer

Cofa's 3D printer is located in the Digital Print and Copy, Level 1 F Block , Room F110.

The Dimensions SST 1200 series printer is capable of printing 3D objects in ABS plastic in sizes up to 254 x 254 x 305 mm at a detail resolution of 0.25mm or 0.33 mm . The printer uses an FDM type technology , employing an inkjet printer like mechanism to deposit plastic along a drawn path. The printer builds up may layers of these ‘paths’ to create the three dimensional model. Adjacent to the path, where necessary, the printer also deposits a support material.

The model is made from ABS, and the support material from corn starch based plastic. Once the model is completed it is placed an alkaline bath which dissolves the support material to reveal the completed model. The ABS plastic model can then be sanded and painted if required. ABS plastic is a durable, recyclable plastic used in applications such as motor vehicle bumper bars.