Once your .STL is exported, you can use the Preform software installed on all AOC computers to ensure that it will process correctly, as well as to estimate the material costs of your file. Preform is a free program and is available for Mac and PC so you can install it on your own computer by visiting Formlabs’ website.

1) First, you'll need to select a machine to run quotes on. At this time we only have Form 3 available, so select that device.

2) Next, select one of the materials. For a reference of all of our materials, please go here: https://sites.saic.edu/aoc/formlabs-materials/ Some materials we cannot print due resin lifespans not being compatible with consumption rates (not printed enough before they expire). Select a compatible material with our services.

3) Select a resolution. We do not natively offer 0.025mm resolutions because it prints very slowly and isn't always needed on most parts. If you think your part warrants this resolution, speak to staff first.

4) Keep this option at default. Legacy is no longer supported.

5) We have the new build platforms for Formlabs, so feel free to check this. At this time we do not believe it will change model settings, but if you're attempting to replicate our process, this is what we recommend.

6) Apply the new settings.

Now that your model is imported, you'll need to change the orientation that is ideal for printing. Formlabs printers print best when building off a single point, due to how the support structures work. After you orient your model, you may be confused at the selected orientation, but trust it is chosen to be the most efficient way to build the model for material usage and support placement. 1) Skip the top two icons. We do not use the auto wizard and the second icon is for scaling, which you should have done in the program you designed your model. We'll focus on icons 3 (rotation) and 4 (supports) in this process. 2) Details section of the screen shows your time estimate (for printing. Not part turn around. Our queue and post processing will extend this time.) The important information here is the volume which is used to calculate cost. 3) Section 3 covers health checks of your model. We make sure all health checks clear before printing.
First go to the orientation tab and select auto-orient all.
In this example, it'll flip the dinosaur over as this allows most of the model to build from a single point and reduces the amount of support required to stabilize the build. The pink portions of the model are where support is needed. If you have high areas of detail, you may wish to instruct staff to avoid placing support on those sections. We may even opt for a custom orientation based on your notes.
After auto generating supports, you'll see your model with all the support material added. 1) In the latest version Preform offers breakaway supports. If you opt for this, it will create a structure that is easier to break off in pieces. The example below goes into more details on this. 2) With support added we'll see the updated volume and that the health checks have cleared.
If you opt for breakaway supports, the software will generate thinner sections in the support as seen in image 2. These thinner section will allow the support to tear away much easier after printing. This option is not yet available on all materials but we can select it if you leave a note. If it ends up not being available on the material in question, we'll let you know and default to the standard supports. In this example, it increases the amount of material by 8.73mL or ~$3.50 but it would save you time and effort later. You'll need to weigh out the cost/time aspects of your project to see if this is something you'd want to pursue.

At this point, you can estimate your cost. On the right of the software, you will see a panel of information under Job Info. The important value here is the ‘Volume’ which will be displayed in milliliters. Use this value along with the equation below to calculate your estimated cost.

model consumption x model cost = TOTAL COST

80.69mL x $0.40/mL = $32.27

Since we round down all prices in Papercut, this would come to ~$32.00 roughly. This will give you a ball park on the model. Note that when we process it, the price could vary based on the orientation and staff experience in optimizing printing. You will always get a quote before we proceed.

NOTE: Material and cost totals calculated during pre-processing are estimates only. The ‘Time’ reading under ‘Build Estimates’ is NOT the turnaround time for your file. Turnaround time depends on the size of your part as well as the number of 3D print jobs ahead of yours. The AOC cannot guarantee any turnaround time less than 1 week; ask a lab monitor for details about turnaround times.