The InnoventX is a binder jetting system suitable for single part prototyping and materials development. The system uses inkjet printing (the same process as in 2D office printing) to jet a binding agent into a bed of powder material. Following binder deposition, the part is chemically, thermally, and mechanically processed to consolidate it into its finished form. After printing, parts can be finished or joined using various material-compatible processes (e.g. sandblasting, machining, welding, etc).

Build Size (mm): 160 x 65 x 65

Minimum Feature Size: 800 dpi (x/y), ~30um (z)

Materials: Metals, ceramics. See all materials here, sort by “X-Series” – https://www.desktopmetal.com/materials

Debinding is done on-site at MIT. Sintering is done off-site using local vendors. Printed materials, and their geometries, must be compatible with the sintering process.

Typical Applications: Binder jet parts are characterized by generally low density (~98%), higher throughput or lower cost production (when compared to laser-based additive manufacturing processes), and fine feature sizes. Small, one-off prototype parts or material development exercises are ideal for the system.

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dsh0c3rmigwvyivxb5ude/20231016_Spec-Sheet_InnoventX.pdf?rlkey=0g4mhbobd91aaoy8u32dypgmj&dl=0

Access and Training: System is located in an individual faculty laboratory. Access is available to MIT community and is managed directly by the faculty member and their research staff on an ad hoc basis.

The Build Additive 3DCP System is a large format extrusion system for cementitious composite materials. Cement is hydrated, mixed, and pumped directly into a gantry-controlled nozzle for continuous printing of large-format objects.

Build Size (meters): 2.4 x 2.4 x 1.8*

*Height is artifically limited due to install site conditions, but could expand to 2.4 if necessary.

Minimum Feature Size: ~13mm

Materials: Cement blends, including CSA Mortar Mix (RapidSet), Portland cement (often just called “cement”), and custom materials.

Typical Applications: Pedestrian infrastructure, integrated formwork, light-duty structures, architectural and artistic facades

Software: Custom slicer implemented in Rhino/Grasshopper

Access and Training: System is located off-campus at the Autodesk Build Space in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood. User training and direct access available to repeat users from the MIT community. For one-off projects for MIT community members, as well as for external non-MIT users, parts can be produced under collaborative projects with MIT APT staff.

The VRC GenIII and Raptor systems are cold-spray systems. Particles are accelerated to a critical velocity, aided by gas expansion, impact a substrate, and bond to the base material via adabiatic shear. The Gen3 system is a fully enclosed, gantry-based, numerically-controlled system for discrete part production, repair, or coating applications. The Raptor is a portable system suitable for field repair or coating applications.

Build Size (mm): GenIII: ~600 x 600 (x/y). Raptor: Nominally unlimited in X/Y if operator can access substrate, practical limit to Z is deposition quality and application- and material-specific

Minimum Feature Size: Difficult to define; common applications are in surface coating or repair. Typical layer heights <100um. Discrete parts manufactured using this process are rough in form and must be finished to final dimensions (e.g. via milling).

Materials: A wide range of metals are compatible, including and especially softer materials (e.g. copper, aluminums). Higher-strength, higher-hardness materials (e.g. stainless steels) can also be printed. Printed materials must be compatible with the substrate material, and/or an interface layer may be used to facilitate bonding.

 Typical Applications: Discrete part manufacturing of difficult-to-print materials (e.g. copper) or near-net shape parts. Repair and coating of higher-performance materials.

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/eq8jznizkfoaddtvngyrw/MKS0006-Rev-D-VRC-Raptor-Cold-Spray-System-Brochure-03-14-2024.pdf?rlkey=6l1tc14k4jrn4p79y0xcta6l1&dl=0

Access and Training: The VRC systems are owned and maintained by APT collaborators at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Experimental work, prototype projects, and machine/workflow demonstrations are available on an ad hoc basis.

The Insstek MX-Lab is a powder-based directed energy deposition system suitable for mixed metals materials development. The system combines four cooperative powder hoppers for in-process alloying of different metal compositions. It is predominately used for materials exploration and process research rather than part manufacturing.

Build Size (mm): 150 x 150 x 150

Minimum Feature Size: System is predominately used for making coupon specimens of novel material combinations rather than discrete part production.

Materials: Wide range of metals in powder form, ranging from high-temperature refractory materials (e.g. niobium, tantalum), to standard printing materials (e.g. nickel superalloy, steels).

Typical Applications: Alloy invention and process development

Spec Sheet: https://www.insstek.com/products/mx-lab?ckattempt=1

Access and Training: System is located in an individual faculty laboratory. Access is available to MIT community and is managed directly by the faculty member and their research staff on an ad hoc basis.

The Stratasys Fortus450MC is a workhorse thermoplastic extrusion (“FDM” or “FFF”) printer suitable for a wide range of general purpose applications. Material parameters are already encoded into the build preparation software, leading to high-quality builds with minimal user intervention.

Build Size (mm): 406 x 355 x 406

Minimum Feature Size (um): ~120

Materials: Common thermoplastics including ABS, ASA, Nylon12. High-temp materials including PEEK (“Ultem”) formulations. Chopped carbon fiber composites. Full list available here: https://www.stratasys.com/en/materials/materials-catalog/fdm-materials/

Typical Applications: Jigs and fixtures, tooling, ducts, concrete formwork, low-duty mechanical parts, enclosures and housings, other general purpose

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a4mfx3rnywdd4kjqpfjji/pss_fdm_fortus450mc_0721a.pdf?rlkey=cic32nuo47x64c3dr0pefcfx6&dl=0

Software: GrabCAD Print (general slicer), Stratasys Insight (advanced toolpathing)

Access and Training: Requires 1h machine familiarization training. Access only available during standard business hours (8a-12p, 1-5p).

The Ultimaker S5 is a low-cost general purpose thermoplastic extrusion printer.

Build Size (mm): 330 x 240 x 300

Minimum Feature Size (um): ~7 (x/y), 2.5 (z)

Materials: Common thermoplastics including ABS, PLA, and many others. 2.85mm diameter filament is required. Multiple modeling materials can be printed simultaneously.

Typical Applications: Jigs and fixtures, low-duty mechanical parts, enclosures and housings, other general purpose

Spec Sheet: https://ultimaker.com/3d-printers/s-series/ultimaker-s5/

Software: Cura (slicer)

Access and Training: Requires 1h machine familiarization training. Access only available during standard business hours (8a-12p, 1-5p).

The EOS M100 is a laser powder-bed fusion (also called “DMLS” or “SLM”) metal printing system. The system uses a scanning laser to selectively melt metal powder into a finished shape. After printing, parts can be finished or joined using various material-compatible processes (e.g. sandblasting, machining, welding, etc).

Build Size (mm): Circular build plate with diameter of 100mm, 97mm height

Minimum Feature Size (um): ~45

Materials: Nitrogen-compatible L-PBF materials (e.g. stainless steels) with a particle size distribution of 15-45um

Typical Applications: High-performance mechanical components including shape-optimized or lightweighted parts for aerospace, medical, defense, and various other applications

Software: Materialise MAGICS, EOSPrint

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jnh3brpphdef089mbtde3/EOS_System_Data_Sheet_EOS_M_100_en_WEB.pdf?rlkey=wvgb086fuqtc00lv9k2gacl8n&dl=0

Access and Training: System is located in an individual faculty laboratory. Access is available to MIT community and is managed directly by the faculty member and their research staff on an ad hoc basis.

The Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 is a material jetting system. It uses inkjet printing (the same process used in 2D office printers) to selectively jet droplets of liquid UV-curable photopolymer resin, followed by exposure to UV light to cure the droplets in place to form a complete part. Resin formulations are dosed with color in a CMYK scheme, allowing for the production of full-color, photorealistic parts.

Build Size (mm): 203 x 203 x 76

Minimum Feature Size: 1200dpi (x/y), 28um (z)

Materials: Only compatible with one photopolymer model and support material (in different colors), linked here: https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/mimaki-3d-model-ink-mh-100/sk/MZZ7FKY1?srsltid=AfmBOopf2wS4_v-CVa2LAQTpeNiIWokjWWH6srr7QVGy8ic-aeuDbmhI

Typical Applications: Full-color photorealistic applications, typically models for gaming, education, signage, prototyping, and so-forth.

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/f4ks0mdjn9b9s5ebornsj/Mimaki_3DUJ-2207_specs.pdf?rlkey=44ich6sb4z3meiew0ifc6wdh2&e=1&st=9bysexfn&dl=0

Software: Texture-mapping is required for full color (e.g., using Blender). Mimaki 3DLink (slicer).

Access and Training: Requires 1.5h machine familiarization training. User must be registered as an MIT.nano user, complete required MIT.nano “Fab.nano” training regime (Full details here: https://nanousers.mit.edu/access/steps-become-mitnano-user/new-users – when asked, state you are pursuing access for the “5th floor prototyping” facility). Once trained, equipment is available for 24/7 unsupervised use.

The Formlabs Form3 and 3L are vat photopolymerization stereolithography (“SLA”) printers. Light-actuated photopolymers, in a resin feedstock formulation, are selectively polymerized by a scanning laser. Formlabs equipment is designed for user-friendly, easy printing. While the same materials are used in both the 3 and 3L, the 3L has a larger build volume.

Build Size, Form 3 (mm): 145 x 145 x 185

Build Size, Form 3L (mm): 335 x 200 x 300

Minimum Feature Size (um): ~85 (x/y), 25 (z)

Materials: Formlabs is expanding options for custom materials, but typically Formlabs-supplied materials are run in these machines. A full list is available here: https://formlabs.com/materials/?print_technology%5B0%5D=SLA

Typical Applications: Parts have excellent surface finish and dimensional resolution, especially when compared to thermoplastic extrusion, and the process is most suitable for applications benefiting from those properties. Precision jigs and fixtures, low-duty mechanical parts, visual models, low-temperature tooling (molds and dies). 

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3jkjupjzxhffsouovy65f/Form-3-3L-2-comparison-ENUS-0.pdf?rlkey=khuo9xotwu470ixh8174gylyl&dl=0

Software: PreForm (slicer)

Access and Training: Requires 1-1.5h machine familiarization training. Access only available during standard business hours (8a-12p, 1-5p).

The Stratasys OriginOne is a vat photopolymerization printer with an extended height build volume. It uses projected light (“DLP”-style printer), rather than a scanning laser, to selectively polymerize individual pixels of a layer of liquid resin. This system is best used for specialty applications requiring fine dimensional features, and especially for those taking advantage of the extended build volume. It is also suitable for custom/novel chemistries.

Build Size (mm): 192 x 108 x 370

Minimum Feature Size (um): ~50

Materials: Stratasys-supplied photopolymer materials are linked here: https://www.stratasys.com/en/materials/materials-catalog/?filter=Origin_One

Custom chemistries, including colloidal resin formulations with ceramic or metal nanoparticles, can be explored.

Typical Applications: High-precision devices including microfluidics, medical devices, scientific instrumentation (e.g. sample holders, jigs)

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bx8ps1otxgnpm4dfbqduu/Stratasys_Origin-One_specs.pdf?rlkey=s5mgumrkgyv9s4khkx0tcfj1j&st=mdjn3nm8&dl=0

Access and Training: Requires 1.5h machine familiarization training. User must be registered as an MIT.nano user, complete required MIT.nano “Fab.nano” training regime (Full details here: https://nanousers.mit.edu/access/steps-become-mitnano-user/new-users – when asked, state you are pursuing access for the “5th floor prototyping” facility). Once trained, equipment is available for 24/7 unsupervised use.

The BMF MicroArch s240 is a high-resolution vat photopolymerization printer. It is uses projected light (“DLP”-style printer), rather than a scanning laser, to selectively polymerize individual pixels of a layer of liquid resin. This system is best used for specialty applications requiring fine dimensional features. It is also suitable for custom/novel chemistries.

Build Size (mm): 100 x 100 x 75

Minimum Feature Size (um): ~10

Materials: BMF-supplied photopolymer materials are linked here: https://bmf3d.com/micro-3d-printing-materials/

Custom chemistries, including colloidal resin formulations with ceramic or metal nanoparticles, can be explored.

Typical Applications: High-precision devices including microfluidics, medical devices, scientific instrumentation (e.g. sample holders, jigs)

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1ml18ybpgjk8d4vcirdm0/DATA-SHEET-microArch-S240-081624.pdf?rlkey=cqzqqi6231aodkz3org751hyy&dl=0

Software: VoxelDance (preferred), Materialise MAGICS

Access and Training: Requires 1.5h machine familiarization training. User must be registered as an MIT.nano user, complete required MIT.nano “Fab.nano” training regime (Full details here: https://nanousers.mit.edu/access/steps-become-mitnano-user/new-users – when asked, state you are pursuing access for the “5th floor prototyping” facility). Once trained, equipment is available for 24/7 unsupervised use.

The UpNano NanoOne is a 2-photon polymerization (“2PP”) style printer. It is similar to other photopolymer-based printing processes insofar as energy is selectively deposited into a vat of resin to form the part material. 2PP is characterized by extremely fine feature scales.

Build Size (mm): 100 x 120 x 40

Minimum Feature Size (nm): ~200 (x/y), 500 (z)

Materials: UpNano supported materials are linked here: https://www.upnano.com/resins/

Custom chemistries, including colloidal solutions with ceramic or metal nanoparticles, can be explored.

Typical Applications: Microfluidics, medical devices, MEMS devices

Spec Sheet: https://nanousers.mit.edu/prototyping-facility/nanoone

Access and Training: Requires 1.5h machine familiarization training. User must be registered as an MIT.nano user, complete required MIT.nano “Fab.nano” training regime (Full details here: https://nanousers.mit.edu/access/steps-become-mitnano-user/new-users – when asked, state you are pursuing access for the “5th floor prototyping” facility). Once trained, equipment is available for 24/7 unsupervised use.

The FARO Quantum S Max arm is a multi-axis, portable system for dimensional inspection and characterization. The system combines blue-light scanning and contact measurement for a complete inspection system. Special features include the ability to generate comparison reports between scanned results and CAD models.

Scannable Part Size (meters): 1 x 1 x 1*

*Practical limitation at current installation site. System can be mounted to a portable cart and brought to location for larger scans.

Minimum Feature Resolution (um): ~15

Materials and Geometries: Most materials and geometries can be scanned. High-reflectivity surfaces may require an assistive coating or application of reference targets. Optically occluded areas can be measured via the integrated contact probe. An accompanying rotary stage can be used for 360 degree scans.

Typical Applications: Reverse engineering, quality evaluations (e.g. CAD comparisons), digitalization projects (e.g. historical artifacts, AR/VR asset creation)

Spec Sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7x56zqjxr1eezvhr3spfu/Brochure_QuantumMax_3DM_LTR_ENG-1.pdf?rlkey=n1debx0rbrrf6nfhrueuwm9y9&dl=0

Note: Specs provided are specific to the scan head (“LLP” in FARO terminology) used. MIT has one of each of the 3 scan heads listed in that document (xS, xR, xP)

Access and Training:Requires 30m machine familiarization training. Access only available during standard business hours (8a-12p, 1-5p).

The Keyence VK-X1050 laser confocal microscope is used to characterize surface profiles at high-resolution (nm-scale). The system is easy to use, with minimal setup or training required.

Field of View: 11 to 7398um

Magnification: 42 to 28800x

Spatial Resolution: ~1 nm

Accuracy: Height: .02 L/100um, Width:+-2%

Typical Applications: Surface measurements, thin film characterization

Access and Training: System is located in an individual faculty laboratory. Access is available to MIT community and is managed directly by the faculty member and their research staff on an ad hoc basis.

The Zeiss XRadia 620 Versa is a high-resolution computed tomography (“CT”) system located in MIT.nano. It was acquired with support from the MIT APT program, but is managed by MIT.nano staff.

Access procedures and system specifications can be found here: https://nanousers.mit.edu/characterizenano/focus-facilities/xray-diffraction/zeiss-xradia-versa-620-micro-ct

The Lumafield Neptune system is an X-Ray Computed Tomography (“CT”) device used for inspecting parts in bulk, especially to assess optically occluded features, including porosity. The system is designed to be user- and facility-friendly.

We have only recently installed this system, and more information will be provided as we become more familiar with its limitations and requirements.

Spec Sheet: https://www.lumafield.com/products

Access and Training: Only available to MIT community members for direct use, external members must collaborate with an MIT APT staff member to coordinate part scans. Training is done in two-stages: (1) General radiation safety training must be completed with MIT EHS Radiation Safety Officers. (2) 1.5hr machine and software familiarization training provided by laboratory staff. Access only available during standard business hours (8a-12p, 1-5p).