While the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers are now ubiquitous devices in many undergraduate engineering curricula, the Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printers just became affordable for widespread use in undergraduate engineering labs. This work has two objectives. It describes, for the first time, the similarities and differences between three inexpensive DLP 3D printers and one FFF 3D printer as evaluated by undergraduate students to help others develop DLP 3D printing labs. Furthermore, it provides the means necessary for student engagement and learning opportunities. While measuring various characteristics of three inexpensive DLP and one FFF 3D printer, students became more knowledgeable and accustomed to different additive manufacturing (AM) processes. In a two-hour lab session students created objects, measured process parameters, measured object characteristics, and discussed material properties. They were impressed with this new and affordable 3D printing process.
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