FAQ
Q. I would like to take a tour first.
A. KMG is always open for free tours, so please apply through Contact Us. (Reservations required)
Q. Do you have a parking lot?
A. No parking is available. Please use public transportation. The nearest stations are as follows
Umekōji-Kyōtonishi St. 5 min. walk
Tambaguchi St. 8 min. walk
Kyoto St. 20 min. walk
If you are coming by car, please use coin parking nearby. Google Map
Q. I have already used your equipment elsewhere. Is training required?
A. Training is required for everyone. However, if you are familiar with the equipment, a brief explanation of the equipment/rules/reservation process can be completed in about 15~30 minutes. In that case, you may use the remaining time to process the materials/data you bring with you. Please think of the training fee as a registration fee rather than a tuition fee.
Q. Is it OK if I have never used the equipment or software before?
A. We will carefully explain to beginners during the training before use. Please do not worry.
Q. What do I need to bring for training?
A. Basically, just paper and pen (and student ID card for students). In addition, we strongly recommend that you bring a computer with the appropriate software installed, such as Fusion360 or Adobe illustrator. Also, if you bring your own materials and processing data, we may be able to process them in the extra time.
Q. Can I reserve the use of equipment immediately after the training?
A. Yes, it is possible. If you contact us in advance by e-mail or other means, we can make a reservation for use.
Q. What software can I use to make 3D models?
A. There are dozens of free 3D modeling software available, each with its own set of unique characteristics. My two personal recommendations to someone looking for something that is both free and full-featured are Fusion 360 and Blender. Blender is better suited for designing things like figurines, while Fusion is better suited for designing things like mechanical parts, cases, and enclosures. In general though, if it can export an STL, it’ll work.
Q. How long does it take to 3D print something?
A. Print time is determined by a variety of factors including size, print speed, layer height, infill percentage, etc. Because of this, two prints of the same size printed in the same material could take from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Q. What’s the best type of filament to print with?
A. It depends on how you plan to use the finished print. If the print is just for decoration – something cool to look at, then PLA is a good choice. If the print is a functional part, anything that needs to be heat or impact resistant, I would suggest using PETG. There are dozens of filament types out there including flexibles, nylons, woodfills, and more. Find the filament that’s right for your project. Feel free to ask KMG staff!
Q. How much does a 3D printer cost?
A. 3D printers can range from $100 to $1,000,000 (seriously). If you’re looking to buy a 3D printer for yourself I’d suggest looking into some of the 3D printers highest rated by 3D printing enthusiasts like Maker’s Muse, Tom Sanladerer, and Joel the 3D Printing Nerd. As for the two printers we have here at KMG – the Prusa i3 MK2S and the Lulzbot Taz 6, the price of these is no secret. The Prusa i3 MK2S is now $900 and the Lulzbot Taz 6 is $2,500. Both are relatively inexpensive, but in 3D printing price doesn’t always reflect quality. Even a cheap 3D printer can do amazing things if you treat it well.
Q. How thick of material can the laser cutter cut?
A. It depends on the material and its hardness and density. Every material is different, but a good general guideline is 7mm max. This applies to MDF, acrylic, and some types of softer plywood.
Q. Can the laser cutter cut metal?
A. Sadly, no. It can’t cut metal but it can engrave metal like aluminum and steel.
Q. Do I have to learn to use CAD software or some other special software to use the laser cutter?
A. No, data for the laser cutter can be made in Adobe Illustrator or any other vector creation program. The laser cutter is controlled by a simple piece of software that you can quickly learn to use in about 5 minutes.
Q.I cannot make a reservation for the most recent use.
A. You cannot make a reservation on the web for the last 10 hours (2 days for training) of equipment use. If you contact us directly by phone or email, we will check the availability and our staff will make a reservation for you.
Q. Is there a cancellation fee?
A. From the day of application to the day before the reservation date: No cancellation fee.
On the day of use: 100% of the fee (meaning the fee for the use of each piece of equipment)
Q.I would like to use only basic tools.
A. The use of KMG’s tools during the use of equipment is free of charge. Otherwise, the fee is 500 yen/30 minutes.
Q. Do you sell materials?
A. Basically, we ask users to bring in their own materials. However, as a general rule, users are not allowed to bring their own materials for Form2. Currently, KMG sells filament (3DP)/resin (3DP)/PCB board (CNC)/MDF, acrylic board (laser cutter). Filaments are sold by the scale according to the amount used, or new spools. Contact us for details!