Research Main Resources

3D Printer

The 3D printer is an Airwolf AW3D HD2X with dual extruder configuration. The JR2x dual extruders are conjoined print heads that allow printing in two colors and/or two different materials. This printer uses filaments PLA/ TPE/TPU, and ABS. It has an LCD screen and a semi enclosed frame in acrylic with ABS printed parts.

iMac and 3D Scanner System

The iMac computer system uses Repetier-Host to connect and run the models on the printer.  Printing and designing software such as Cura 3D Slicing, Netfabb Basic, and SketchUp Pro are used to slice files, set parameters, create and turn 3D models into codes that the 3D printer can read (gcode). These software programs are utilized as designing tools enabling the creation and adjustment of 3D models.

The Matter and Form 3D Scanner in the system features

• High-resolution and accurate scans in as little as 5 minutes
• Custom software meshing algorithms to create watertight meshes that make items ready to print or animate
• Full-color captures
• Full scanning of objects up to 18cm (7.0 in) in diameter and 25cm (9.8 in) in height
• STL, .OBJ, and point cloud .PLY formats

Fluorescence Microscopy System

The system consists of an optical Nikon Fluorescence     Microscope with a digital camera head.  Attached to it are a Nikon Microscope Light Source/Illuminator Transformer and a Nikon Digital Sight DS-L1 camera control unit.  Fluorescence microscopy systems and the availability of many different fluorochromes provide unique opportunities for novel applications of this technology in many medical and biological research fields.