​CLF Target Fabrication Group has now added a 3D printer to their laboratory, along with a pressurised water jet washing station. This will give the group the capability to design and fabricate model prototypes, target posts, and assembly and coating supports on a much shorter timescale than previously possible. This will further enhance the support that the group can give the programme on a day to day basis. The 3D printer can also be used to manufacture parts for the target areas at short notice ​

The printer (an Objet 30 Pro) prints to a resolution of 30 microns in the x and y axes and 16 microns in the z axis which can accommodate thin-walled, low tolerance print jobs. The printer also allows for a range of different resins which have differing toughness, flexibility, heat resistance and dimension stability

So far, the printer has been used to produce cubic target moulds, a prototype for a flexible target mount and to mass produce the standard 3mm diameter target posts used in the Vulcan target areas at a fraction of the time and cost of aluminium machined posts

For access to the machine please contact Sam Astbury (sam.astbury@stfc.ac.uk)

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The 3D Printer can print objects with moving parts such as an adjustable wrench	Mass produced target posts can be manufactured on short timescales ​