February 2024

New 3D Printer

Thanks to a generous donation the MakerSpace has a new 3D printer, the Bambu Labs Carbon X1. This updated printer can print multiple colors and has a higher resolution than our older MakerBot. This means higher quality prints with the ability to add color details.

Files made to be printed in multiple colors can be found on MakerWorld.com, but .stl files from Thingiverse.com and other 3D file sources can also be printed in a single color. You can also create your 3D models in a variety of 3D modeling software where you can design them to be printed in multiple colors. Here in the MakerSpace, we are just learning how to do this so more information will be shared as we learn.

Printing costs will remain the same 5 cents per gram of filament to be used. Also, the MakerBot and Anycubic Photon will still be available to use for your projects depending on what you need. The Photon resin printer is still better for smoother and miniature prints, but the new Carbon X1 is a great alternative to having to paint prints.

This new printer is very exciting and we would like to extend a big thanks to our donor.

Images: (Left) Grogu "baby yoda" print with 3 colors and support material. The purge tower next to it is created when changing colors in each layer. Support material is made to be easily removed.

(Right)Pictured from left to right print from Bambu Labs Carbon X1, MakerBot Replicator +, Anycubic Photon.

The X1 also in the purging process will make these little spirals that are often referred to as poop. So this is our first "pooping" 3D printer in the MakerSpace. We are looking into ways to reduce and reuse the purge materials so that it doesn't go to waste.