FABLab

File Processing Procedure
Please e-mail your file to the FABLab, listing the equipment type and material you 'prefer' to have the parts processed with. 
A technician will look over the file and respond with any issues before you are set in the queue.
Once in the queue, payment must be taken before parts are processed. Please contact the CADLab on how to put money on your Papercut account.
Once payment has been taken and the parts processed, a scheduled time for physical pick-up will be coordinated in keeping with the UofM's Covid policies. 

Laser cutting
The file type should be one of the following: .3dm | .dwg | .dxf | .ai. Before sending your file in to be cut. We ask that you practice clean drawing techniques and ‘finish’ the file first. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Keep all information in one file (specified by different layers)
• Be sure lines are snapped at ends & intersections
• Delete overlapping lines
• Close/Join lines
• Remove any information not to be cut.
• Be sure the objects in the file are physically scaled to be 1:1 of their final cut dimensions. *Annotative scale will not work when producing files for fabrication. 
• Separate: Cutting, Etching, and Filling information onto different layers.
• Materials that cannot be cut: Polyethylene's, PVC's, Teflon, Vyton

CNC routing
The file type should be one of the following: .3dm | .igs | .stl | .dwg.

• Keep all information in one file (specified by different layers)
• The file should include lines and curves denoting milling edges (2D&3D) 
• All lines and curves should be closed, without overlapping or intersecting geometry 
• Unorganized layers (2D curves, 3D meshes, or surfaces need to be on separate layers).
• Be sure the objects in the file are physically scaled to be 1:1 of their final cut dimensions. *Annotative scale will not work when producing files for fabrication. 
• For 3D surfaces, there should be no 'holes' in the geometry
• 'Nest' your 2D parts with no less than 1/2" spacing between them
• The maximum cutting depth for bit diameters are:
  • 1/16"Ø = 1/4" deep 
  • 1/8"Ø = 1/2" deep 
  • 1/4"Ø = 1" deep 
  • 3/8"Ø = 1-1/2" deep
  • 1/2"Ø = 2" deep  
  • 5/8"Ø = 3" deep 
  • 3/4"Ø = 2-1/2" deep 

3D Printing
The file type should be one of the following: .stl. Before sending your file in to be cut. We ask that you practice clean drawing techniques and ‘finish’ the file first. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Parts must be manifold, see 'non-manifold geometry' for fixes.
• Structural geometry should be no less than 1.5mm² in cross-section.
• Remove any irrelevant geometry, not to be printed.
• Parts should fit within print bed size.