How 3D Printers Support Teaching in Engineering, Technology and Beyond

Abstract

EDITOR'S SUMMARYThe rise of 3D printers derives from the need to create physical prototypes for engineering and manufacturing rapidly and inexpensively, but the technology has been widely adopted for innumerable applications. A library can provide a central point of access and support for 3D printing for students and faculty across disciplines and programs beyond engineering and technology. Nontraditional uses include teaching persuasive communications through visual rhetoric in an English class, creating objects that can diffuse stereotypes and attitudes and enhancing understanding of physical anatomy. Numerous 3D model datasets and software are available for printing projects. 3D printing not only promotes learning but inspires creativity and fun.

Komparativna studija kosti dobivene 3D printanjem i njezinog originalnog modela

“…As described in previous studies (Preece et al, 2013;Van Epps et al, 2015), 3D printing is significantly cheaper than buying or producing plasticized specimens. The production costs of models were relatively inexpensive after a proper investment in 3D scanning and printing equipment.…”

“…It can clearly improve the understanding of basic skeletal anatomy and appears to be a reliable alternative teaching resource. These printed models provide an additional benefit: it is possible to enlarge the bones to make details easier to see and improve student teaching (Van Epps et al, 2015).…”

“…Some studies have attempted to develop models by hand, but found that this method took a long time and it was impossible to ensure accuracy of these models (Van Epps et al, 2015). On the other hand, the use of digitalization and 3D printing for the production of anatomical models is an innovative tool.…”

Exploration and Practice of 3D Printing Technology Experimental Teaching

“…In mechanical design majors, it is relatively easy to achieve cognitive teaching of 3D printing by combining it with mechanical principles and mechanical design courses, using 3D printing technology to fabricate structures into physical objects, giving students an intuitive impression of the structures, and enabling them to grasp cumbersome theoretical knowledge simultaneously [6] . As for experimental teaching, it can typically be achieved through three methods: firstly, guiding students to assemble a 3D printer themselves to understand its working principle [7] ; secondly, demonstrating the 3D printing process to students; thirdly, assisting the students in independently completing the 3D printing process [8] .…”