3D Printing & Modeling

Ultimaker 3 dual extrusion 3D printer printing a functional mechanical part

3D Printing & Modeling

AstraCore Lab provides practical 3D printing and CAD modeling services for prototypes, functional parts, fixtures, enclosures, and custom components. Whether you have a finished design file or just an idea, we can help you move from concept to a manufactured part.

Services

  • 3D Printing (FDM): Prototypes, replacement parts, brackets, adapters, mounts, jigs, and fixtures
  • CAD Modeling: Design from sketches/photos, edits to existing models, fit checks, and revisions
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Strength improvements, printability adjustments, tolerance tuning
  • Post-processing: Support removal, cleanup, and light finishing as needed

Printer & Capabilities (Ultimaker 3)

  • Printer: Ultimaker 3 (dual extrusion)
  • Build volume: 215 × 215 × 200 mm (8.5 × 8.5 × 7.9 in)
  • Dual-material printing: Yes — enables soluble support or breakaway support for complex parts
  • Typical layer height: 0.10–0.20 mm (0.004–0.008 in) depending on geometry/finish needs
  • Recommended minimum feature size: ~0.6–0.8 mm for reliable thin walls (part-dependent)

Materials / Filaments

We select material based on strength, heat resistance, flexibility, and finish requirements. Common options include:

  • PLA / Tough PLA: Best for prototypes and general-purpose parts
  • PETG / CPE: Tougher and more temperature-resistant than PLA
  • ABS: Higher heat resistance; good for functional parts (may show more warp on some geometries)
  • Nylon: Durable and wear-resistant for functional components
  • Polycarbonate (PC): High strength and heat performance (geometry-dependent)
  • TPU (flexible): Gaskets, bumpers, vibration isolation (part-dependent)
  • PVA (soluble supports): For complex internal channels/overhangs (when applicable)
  • Breakaway support: Clean support removal with dual extrusion (when applicable)

Accuracy & Fit

3D printing is an additive process, so final fit depends on geometry, material, and orientation. As a practical guideline, many functional parts land within ±0.2 mm after tuning, but tight mechanical fits may require a small test print and iteration. We can recommend clearances for press fits, sliding fits, and mating parts.

Accepted Files

  • For printing: STL, 3MF, OBJ
  • For modeling/editing: STEP, IGES, STL (mesh edits limited), or clear dimensioned drawings

How It Works

  1. Send your file (or describe the part and include reference photos/dimensions)
  2. We confirm feasibility and provide a quote (price + lead time)
  3. Modeling (if needed) + approval of the design
  4. Print + quality check
  5. Pickup or shipping

Request a Quote

Email your files and specifications to:
chadmcb@astracorelab.com

Include these details:

  • Part purpose (prototype, cosmetic, functional load-bearing, heat exposure, etc.)
  • Overall dimensions and any critical tolerances
  • Preferred material (or describe the environment/use case)
  • Quantity
  • Desired finish level (standard / refined / cosmetic)
  • Deadline / desired turnaround
  • Shipping address (if shipping)

Typical response time: 24–48 hours. If you need a rush job, include your deadline in the subject line.