The 3D Systems Projet 660 Pro full color 3D printer uses a powder bed and color ink print head plaster based method to print full color modeling with moderate (600dpi within a layer) color resolution and about 250 layers per inch. Models can be printed in few hours, and the models are tough enough to be handled and explored tactically (but not dropped). These models can be simple prototypes of designed objects or striking full color, complex objects.

Users can send their 3D files to SEA for printing, or get trainied on using the 3D printer. Please contact Dr. Jianhua Li (jianhua.li@rice.edu) for scheduling. After being trained, users can make instrument reservations on the FOM system. However, users will still need to coordinate with Dr. Li in order to access the 3D printer, receive a cost estimation, and initiate the print job.  Users will have to bring the data files of the objects to be printed to the 3D printer's computer. Acceptable data/design file formats are: STL, VRML, PLY, 3DS, FBX AND ZPR, but color is not supported in all these formats.  Users and Dr. Li will examine the file together and Dr. Li will calculate the estimated cost for printing the file. At that time, the users can decide if they would approve the cost and proceed to print the objects. The cost includes the actual or estimated costs of the materials used and a flat management fee.

Once the users approve the print job, they will do all the post-print processes themselves. Care needs to be taken when retrieving the printed objects from the print bed, and during the cleaning stage in the post-process unit.

For information about the printer itself, and examples, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg5y1LkFN4E or to see it printing see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEd-Pgzt5zU or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BTo8_VuX64

For general questions or help with designing models of molecules consult with Prof. George Phillips (georgep@rice.edu).