3d printing in higher education
NERCOMP 2015
1. Technology overview
2. Uses in education
a/k/a overview and big picture
Ground rules for today• Please ask questions. We forbid
embarrassment.• We are assuming a baseline
awareness of being new to 3d printing.• Please contribute thoughts. This is a
rapidly developing field!• Tweet away at #NercompPDO3
I. THE TECHNOLOGY
Wikipedia definition:3D printing (or additive manufacturing, AM) is any of various processes used to make a three-dimensional object. In 3D printing, additive processes are used, in which successive layers of material are laid down under computer control.
I. THE TECHNOLOGY
Industry definition:3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created.
http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/
I. THE TECHNOLOGY
Several types:• Additive (layers) (also material jetting)• Powder bed fusion (“An additive manufacturing process
in which thermal energy selectively fuses regions of a powder bed”)
• Binder jetting (“An additive manufacturing process in which a liquid bonding agent is selectively deposited to join powder materials.”)
• Sheet lamination (“An additive manufacturing process in which sheets of material are bonded to form an object”)
Quotes from the ASTM International Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies
I. THE TECHNOLOGY
Several types:• Subtractive (block)• Selective laser sintering and melting• Stereolithography• Extrusion http://the3doodler.com/• Continuous liquid interface production (
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a14586/carbon3d-3d-printer-resin/)
Parts
The printing materials:• Plastic• Filaments• Metals and alloys• Powders• Concrete• Photopolymer resin (stereolithography)
PartsMore printing materials:• Paper based, Mcor IRIS, http
://mcortechnologies.com/school-art-institute-chicago-discovers-power-versatility-affordable-full-color-paper-based-3d-printing/
• Cloth (Disney: http://thenextdigit.com/20306/disney-develops-printer-creates-soft-interactive-objects-fabrics/) (High fashion: http://www.popsci.com/sxsw-2015-3d-printed-fashion-activated-body)
• Food (Sugar: http://the-sugar-lab.com/ChefJet) (Cornell: http://creativemachines.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/SFF09_Cohen1_0.pdf)
Parts
Software• Controller or client program• CAD programs• 3D authoring and editing (Sketchup, Maya)• Pre-existing files (Shapeways, Sketchup 3D
Warehouse, Thingiverse, http://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/) (.stl)
• G-code to translate file into printing (http://slic3r.org/)
Parts
Scanner
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/535596/high-resolution-3-d-scans-built-from-drone-photos/
Printer examples
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tbuser/4856161776/
Printer examples
Afinia-filament based
Printer examples
Mcor IRIS, Paper based, http://mcortechnologies.com/school-art-institute-chicago-discovers-power-versatility-affordable-full-color-paper-based-3d-printing/
Printer examples
RepRap• Open
source hardware
• Can serve as a recycler
• (http://reprap.org/)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/watsdesign/17280506475/
A growing technology
• Replacement body parts, “bioprinting” (Yale: http://news.yale.edu/2014/12/03/yale-joins-leader-3d-organ-printing-transform-transplants)
• Food• LEDs (Princeton:
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/532816/3-d-printing-bio-electronic-parts/)
A growing technology
• Aircraft parts (http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32597809) • Building components• Entire buildings
A growing technology
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasamarshall/15628687807/
A growing technology
Challenges and issues:• Intellectual property• Economic impact (slow down trade?)• Ecological impact• Backlash (ex: guns)• New era of individual customization +
creativity
II. 3d in higher education
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cogdog/7729488378/
Reasons to do 3d
visualization• teaching• also research
and creative work
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:3D_printed_Spinosaurus_skulls.jpg
Reasons to do 3d
making stuff• Prototyping• Design thinking• Sheer creativity• https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2MSXho_KlU
Save $$ in object purchasing and replacement
Which academic fields?
• Classical studies and archaeology• History (ex: http://
digital.vpr.net/post/students-recreate-historic-buildings-3d-printers)
• Creative arts (i.e., fashion, studio art, theater)
• Engineering• Robotics
Which academic fields?
• Math• Geography and geology• Life sciences, allied health fields• Media studies ("critical making")• Business (study impact; new
opportunities)
Strategic questions
• What type of institution? (research vs engineering vs CC vs LAC)• Which disciplines show interest?• Is interest aimed at research or
teaching?• Will you partner with off-campus
interest and/or support?
Campus sites
• Library• Makerspace (Abilene Christian
University, http://go.nmc.org/rema) • 3d lab• Professor’s office
Campus sites
• Departmental office• Multiple sites (Northeastern:
https://soundcloud.com/educause/cni-podcast-patrick-yott-on-3d-printing-services-at-northeastern-university-libraries) • Other…?
Operational questions
•Who owns the printing ecosystem?•Do you charge users?
(intra-preneurial possibility)
Suggestions
•Outsource printing first•Print playful objects•Have objects to show
Acknowledgements
• Fred Hagemeister, University of Richmond• Debby Kurti, Table Top Inventing• James P Mclean, George Mason
University• Jane Livingston, Yale University
http://bryanalexander.org
http://twitter.com/bryanalexander
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