01. RPL In-Person

Fire alarms are outside

Fire extinguishers are inside

Location of the first aid kit

Dangers of Nylon and Inconel powder

You must wear a PAPR when working with the ProX

Stay out of the area marked with caution tape when someone is using the ProX

You must use the ProX vacuum when working with Inconel powder

Nylon powder is less dangerous, but you are required to use a mask and gloves when working with the Fuse

Learn how the Nanoscribe works

Two-Photon Polymerization printer which uses microscope objectives to selectively cure resin

These violins are 30 um long. A human hair is approximately 70 um wide

View some example Nanoscribe prints using the Jeweler's lens

Large Testudo

Eiffel Tower

Make sure to wear gloves anytime you are in the Nanoscribe room. All surfaces could be contaminated with resin

Learn how the Fuse 1 works

Two parts: Printing and Post-processing

The Fuse uses Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and prints in Nylon powder

The printer lays down a thin layer of Nylon powder and uses a laser to sinter (melt) the powder together

The un-sintered powder supports the parts as they are printed so there is no need for supports

The Fuse is great for rapid, cheap prototyping

Make sure you wear a mask and gloves when working with the Fuse to avoid contact with Nylon powder

Learn how the ProX works

Uses Direct Metal Printing (DMP) technology. Similar to how the Fuse prints

Very high accuracy and precision

Prints in Inconel

Wear a mask when working with the ProX, and be mindful of the caution tape on the floor

The caution tape shows the area that could be contaminated with Inconel powder

Learn how the Taz works

The Taz is a traditional Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printer

Our Taz is fitted to print using Virtual Foundry Filamet, which is a combination of plastic and metal powder

This allows the Taz to print parts just like any other traditional 3D printer

Then, the parts can be baked in a furnace to cook off the plastic and product a fully dense metal part

Good for cheap, metal printing

Learn about general LM responsibilities and expectations

Lab Managers will be trained on all machinery in the lab and will help assist in completing customer/researcher requests. They will have the ability to focus their job on one of three tracks as a potential replacement for the Powder SME, Nanoscribe SME, or RPL LC.

Lab Managers are also assigned specific projects throughout and work on a personal design project throughout the semester.

The RPL LC is in charge of keeping the lab operational, ordering consumables for the lab/machinery, attending TW LC meetings, initial POC for external research, and scheduling employees.

The SMEs are in charge of keeping the machines operational, working with customers/research to provide the highest level of consultation, as well as training new employees and researchers on the machines.

Learn about the structure/hierarchy of the RPL

The RPL is different from other labs in that the LC and SMEs are on the same level and share many responsibilities

Learn about the RPL team members and receive contact information for future interest/questions

RPL Lab Managers have the opportunity to use free time during their shifts to work on a personal project that they find interesting.

Throughout the semester, they can prototype and iterate their design on the Fuse

They may print their design in Inconel once they have finished designing it

Post Process your part using the Sift and Bead Blaster

Bring your part to your PDM

Get a brief introduction to the printers in the RPL

Learn about the hierarchy of the RPL and how it is different from other Terrapin Works labs

Learn about the design project that RPL staff work on

Get some hands on experience post-processing Fuse parts