3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT Two Photon Lithographic Printer

The Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT is the highest-resolution commercially available 3D printer, capable of fabricating structures with sub-micrometer feature sizes. It uses two-photon polymerization of UV-curable photoresists to directly write complex 3D micro- and nanostructures. Beyond 3D printing, the system also supports high-resolution photomask fabrication and other direct-write applications. Typical uses include photonics, micro-optics, biomedical engineering, and materials science, where it enables the creation of microfluidic devices, scaffolds for cell growth, and functional micro- and nanodevices.

Specifications:

• Two-photon polymerization using pulsed IR Femtosecond laser
• Sub-100 nm feature sizes
• Sub-micrometer 3D structures
• Range of UV-curable photoresists available
• 3D printing of freeform structures
• High-resolution photomask fabrication
• Direct laser writing for micro- and nanofabrication
• High-precision piezoelectric stage with long-travel linear stage for large-area patterning
• Up to ~100 × 100 mm² max writing area - depending on stage configuration

Featured Publications:

Richards, C. et al. (2024) ‘Disruption of diatom attachment on marine bioinspired antifouling materials based on Brill (Scophthalmus Rhombus)’, Science of The Total Environment, 912, p. 169348. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169348.

Jose, B. et al. (2019) ‘Tunable metallic nanostructures using 3D printed nanosphere templates’, Electrochemistry Communications, 98, pp. 106–109. doi:10.1016/j.elecom.2018.12.002.

Request access to Nanoscribe 2 Photon Printer on PPMS

Stratasys Objet260 Connex1 – PolyJet 3D Printer

The Stratasys Objet260 Connex1 is a multi-material 3D printer that uses PolyJet technology to jet and cure liquid photopolymers with high precision. This process enables the production of detailed, smooth-surfaced parts with complex geometries and fine feature resolution. Its ability to combine different materials in a single print makes it well suited for creating prototypes, functional components, and research tools. Typical applications include biomedical models, microfluidic devices, materials development, and engineering prototypes where accuracy and material versatility are critical.

Specifications:

• Polyjet printing technology
• Max build size: 255 × 252 × 200 mm³
• X/Y axis resolution of 600 dpi (42 µm)
• Z axis resolution of 1600 dpi (16 µm layer thickness)
• Wide range of Stratasys photopolymers, including rigid, transparent, and flexible resins
• Ability to combine up to 3 base resins in a single build
• Water-jet removable support material

Featured Publications:

O’Grady, J., Kent, N. and Regan, F. (2021) ‘Design, build and demonstration of a fast, reliable portable phosphate field analyser’, Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 4, p. 100168. doi:10.1016/j.cscee.2021.100168.

Rasheed, S. et al. (2021) ‘Additive manufacturing of bone scaffolds using PolyJet and stereolithography techniques’, Applied Sciences, 11(16), p. 7336. doi:10.3390/app11167336.

Request access to Connext 1 Polyjet Printer on PPMS

Raise3D Pro2 Plus FDM 3D Printer

The Raise3D Pro2 Plus is a large-format 3D printer that uses fused deposition modelling (FDM) to build objects layer by layer from thermoplastic filaments. Dual extrusion allows multi-material or multi-colour printing, while the enclosed build chamber supports consistent results across a wide range of engineering-grade polymers. With a tall build volume, the system is well suited for producing large prototypes, functional parts, and custom research tools. Typical applications include rapid prototyping, fixtures and jigs, biomedical models, and component testing in engineering and materials research.

Specifications:

• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology
• 305 × 305 × 605 mm³ build volume
• Layer resolution: 0.05 – 0.25 mm
• Dual extrusion with electronic lifting nozzles
• Nozzle diameter: Standard 0.4 mm (optional 0.2–1.0 mm)
• Maximum nozzle temperature: 300 °C
• Maximum build plate temperature: 110 °C
• Large variety of Filament Materials including open-source materials (e.g. PLA, ABS, HIPS, PVA, PC, PETG, TPU, TPE, PP, Nylon, Carbon Fiber Infused, Metal Fill, Wood Fill)
• Enclosed Build Chamber with HEPA Air Filtration
• Built-in camera for remote monitoring

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Formlabs Form 3L SLA 3D Printer

The Formlabs Form 3L is a large-format stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer that uses low force stereolithography (LFS) technology to cure liquid resin into solid parts with fine detail and smooth surface finish. Its dual laser system enables consistent, high-resolution printing across a large build volume, making it suitable for both small intricate components and larger prototypes. A wide range of resins are available, including biocompatible, flexible, rigid, and high-temperature materials. Typical applications include biomedical models, dental and medical devices, engineering prototypes, and custom components for research and development.

Specifications: 

• Low Force Stereolithography (SLA)
• Build volume: 335 × 200 × 300 mm³
• XY resolution: 25 µm - 300 µm (resin dependent)
• Layer thickness: 25 – 300 µm
• Two 250 mW lasers with galvanometer system with 85 µm last spot size
• Wide material compatibility via Formlabs resin cartridges (rigid, flexible, high-temp, biocompatible, and specialty resins)
• Post processing with wash and curing stations
• Smooth, high-resolution surfaces suitable for detailed models

Request access to Form Labs Printer on PPMS

Elegoo Saturn MSLA 3D Printer

The Elegoo Saturn is a large-format masked stereolithography (MSLA) 3D printer that uses an LCD screen to selectively cure photopolymer resin layer by layer. This allows for high-resolution prints with smooth surfaces and fine feature detail over a relatively large build area. It is compatible with a wide range of standard and specialty resins, making it suitable for prototyping, detailed models, and small-to-medium functional parts. Typical applications include biomedical and dental models, miniatures, engineering prototypes, and custom components for research and development.

Specifications:

• Masked Stereolithography (MSLA)
• Build volume: 212 × 118 × 200 mm³
• XY resolution: 14µm x 19µm
• Z-Axis Accuracy: 20µm
• Layer thickness: 0.01 – 0.2 mm
• 10-inch 16K Mono LCD
• Post processing with wash and curing stations

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CELLINK BIO X Bioprinter

The CELLINK BIO X is an advanced extrusion-based bioprinter designed for 3D printing of living cells and biomaterials. Using precise control over temperature, extrusion pressure, and deposition speed, it enables the fabrication of complex, cell-laden structures with high viability. Its modular system supports multiple printheads and a variety of bioinks, allowing researchers to create tissue models, organ-on-a-chip systems, and scaffolds for regenerative medicine. Typical applications include tissue engineering, drug testing, disease modeling, and biomaterials research.

Specifications:

• Extrusion-based bioprinting
• 3 independent printheads: Pneumatic , Temperature Controlled and Thermoplastic.
• Adjustable printhead and stage temperature for precise bioink handling
• 128 × 85 × 60 mm³ print volume
• Wide range of bioinks, hydrogels, and cell-laden materials
• Pneumatic, mechanical, and temperature-controlled extrusion
• Housed in a  dedicated Class II BSC
• HEPA filtered chamber and built-in UV sterilisation

Request access to Cellink Bio X Printer on PPMS