Prototyping-3D Printing and Laser Cutting

Prototyping-3D Printing and Laser Cutting

Definition:

Securing funding for your product idea becomes much easier once you're able to demonstrate a working prototype to your potential investors.

3D Scanning —so you can start by building off of existing designs
3D Modeling—short lessons that let you develop your product just the way you want it
3D Printing—make your idea a reality by turning your model into a physical object

Laser cutting and engraving—build your prototype out of materials like wood, acrylic, paper, or cardboard by cutting it out, or put the finishing touches on glass or metal with a custom engraving.

Uses:

How is it used:

We hope you come up with new and inventive uses, but past success stories include the following:

Packaging redesigns such as 3D scanning a Lay's Stax can and modeling or printing new variants
Creating "place holders" that weren't functioning prototypes, but helped investors to envision the future product
3D printing a helmet concept that monitors impact strength and tells you right away if you may have received a concussion

Where: There is a 3D printing lab at the BYU campus Library in Provo Utah

You can find it on Level 2 in the central portion of the library (directly below Circulation). Map It is open from 8 am to 9 pm Monday–Thursday, 8 am to 6 pm Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm Saturday. For exceptions to regular hours see Library Hours Exceptions. Contact them by phone at 801-422-2987 or email at sciencehelp@byu.edu.

Why:

All our services that don't use consumables are free, such as 3D scanning and modeling classes. Professional-grade modeling software is free to students and can be downloaded to Macs or PCs. 3D printing is cheaper than any commercial provider we have seen.

Limitations:

3D Scanning:

Objects with flat colors don't scan as well as those with variation.
Shiny objects don't scan well unless you can put talcum powder on them.
Printers work by building layer upon layer. Each layer is .2 mm high, so layers are visible to the naked eye. The most narrow a single bead of plastic can be is .6mm wide, so very narrow objects don't print well. There are many more intricacies involved with making your job print well. Library employees will consult with you if you go in and talk with them.
Plan ahead because this is a popular service and we would hate for you to not meet your deadline because you didn't get put into the queue soon enough. *

Taken from the BYU 3D Printing Lab Manual.