Case Study: Idaho Virtualization Laboratory achieves large-scale, cost-effective museum exhibits with 3D Platform's WorkSeries 400

Idaho Virtualization Laboratory - Customer Case study

The Idaho Virtualization Laboratory (IVL), a research unit of the Idaho Museum of Natural History at Idaho State University, needed a way to expand its in-house exhibit fabrication beyond the size and labor limits of its existing printers. For projects like a recent nine-foot Edestus (scissor-toothed) shark, printing many small parts was time-consuming, weakened assemblies, and constrained the lab’s ability to create large, durable display pieces on budget.

IVL solved the problem by purchasing a 3D Platform WorkSeries 400 large-format printer, which allowed them to print bigger, stronger parts in fewer pieces (five parts for the 9‑ft shark) and reach reliable production within about a week. The new printer delivered cost-effective scaling—similar material cost per volume but higher throughput and less wear on other machines—enabling faster concept-to-exhibit turnaround, simpler assembly, and more impressive, museum-ready displays.

Idaho Virtualization Laboratory

Jesse Pruitt

Manager/Tech Specialist