Benefits of 3D Printing in Tertiary Education

In the world of education, being creative and coming up with new ideas is important. It helps students get more interested, learn better, and get ready for the future. One cool new thing that's changing how we learn in college is 3D printing. Before, it was mainly used in industries to design stuff and make prototypes. But now, it's being used in classrooms and labs all over the world. Whether you're studying engineering, medicine, architecture, or art, 3D printing has tons of uses in college. This article explores all the good things it brings to education, like making learning more fun and giving students hands-on experience with technology that's going to be a big part of their careers.

How Does 3D Printing Enhance Tertiary Education?

In the modern era of education, known as Education 4.0, educators and technology experts are teaming up to find better ways to engage, attract, and keep students interested in learning. They believe that embracing new technologies in education is the best path forward.

One such technology making waves is 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing (AM). This innovative technology is transforming industries worldwide. Reports suggest that by 2028, around 15.3 million 3D printers will be shipped globally due to the increasing demand. Various sectors, like healthcare, automotive, and aerospace, are driving this growth by utilizing 3D printing for prototyping purposes.

To meet the future needs of these industries, it's crucial for 3D printing to become an integral part of academic and professional research at all levels. This integration will help students develop essential critical thinking and collaboration skills needed in the workforce. In the United States alone, the adoption of 3D printing technologies could potentially create millions of new jobs over the next decade.

While 3D printing has yet to become prevalent in higher education organizations, some colleges and universities are setting the way globally. They're using 3D printing to revolutionize the learning experience by bringing theoretical concepts to life.

Through 3D printing, educators can design immersive learning experiences that go beyond traditional teaching methods. For instance, medical students can print organs for study, chemistry students can examine 3D-printed molecules, and history students can replicate historical artifacts. Similarly, architecture and engineering students can create 3D models and prototypes, while dentistry students can practice procedures on printed teeth.

Moreover, colleges and universities are partnering with 3D printing platforms to enhance simulation classes and training sessions. By leveraging software and materials, educators can create realistic prototypes that simulate real-world scenarios.

There are several ways in which 3D printing benefits tertiary education:

1. Hands-on Learning: 3D printing encourages active learning, allowing students to apply critical thinking skills while creating models. It caters to different learning styles, benefiting both tactile and visual learners.
2. Creativity and Innovation: Designing and optimizing the 3D printing process fosters creativity and innovation among students. Integration with virtual reality (VR) opens up new avenues for creative exploration.
3. Real-world Understanding: 3D printing provides tangible models that help students better understand how their skills translate to professional work. For example, dentistry students can practice procedures on 3D-printed teeth, even remotely during times like the Covid-19 pandemic.
4. Preparation for Post-graduate Plans: The increasing adoption of 3D printers across industries creates a demand for individuals skilled in 3D design. Learning 3D printing in school enhances students' job readiness for careers in fields like research and development, consumer product design, and architecture.
5. Digital Engagement: Beyond CAD design, 3D printing teaches students digital photogrammetry workflow, which involves converting overlapping photos into 3D models using computer algorithms.
6. Problem-solving Skills: Students learn to solve real-world problems through 3D printing. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, 3D printing helped address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
7. Design Thinking: Collaboration is central to design thinking, and 3D printing facilitates group projects where students can learn from each other's perspectives and working styles. It encourages iterative design improvements based on feedback.

So, integrating 3D printing into tertiary education offers myriad benefits, from enhancing learning experiences to preparing students for the demands of the future workforce. By embracing this technology, educational institutions can empower students to become proficient problem solvers and innovative thinkers in their respective fields.

The Benefits of 3D Printing in Tertiary Education:

Introducing 3D printing into tertiary education is a thrilling way to involve students and introduce them to one of the most significant developments in manufacturing.

When colleges and universities bring in 3D printers, it creates a buzz among both students and teachers. Not only is the technology fascinating, but it's also easy to grasp, with a simple learning curve that makes it accessible to all. So, let us delve into the reasons why incorporating 3D printing into higher education is valuable, allowing you to assess its suitability for your educational institution.

1. Affordability of 3D Printing

The cost of entry into 3D printing has never been lower, with FFF (filament-based) and SLA (resin-based) printers dropping in price by approximately 30% over the past decade. Moreover, machines have become less complex to operate, reducing the need for extensive and costly training for staff.

There has also been a shift towards open filament systems, allowing the use of cheaper third-party filaments in FFF machines. This further reduces costs, making 3D printing a more economical investment over the lifespan of the printer.

2. Empowering Students through 3D Printing

3D printing encourages students to bring their ideas to life in tangible form. It empowers them to experiment, create, analyze, and delve into subjects related to design, engineering, and manufacturing, bridging the gap between software and hardware.

For students who find traditional lectures uninspiring, 3D printing can be a game-changer. Those who learn best through visual and hands-on experiences will find the process of seeing their creations materialize immensely gratifying. In essence, 3D printing has the potential to make learning an exciting adventure.

3. Enhancing Real-World Understanding

The versatility of 3D printing allows for a wide range of activities, from constructing models to assembling electronics. Educators can utilize 3D printing to produce models for classroom demonstrations, illustrating various concepts and principles effectively.

Unlike simply explaining how things work, 3D printing offers a more immersive and engaging experience. It enables students to witness concepts come to life before their eyes, facilitating a deeper understanding of complex subjects.

For instance, at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University in Turkey, 3D-printed tooth models facilitate remote dentistry education. Similarly, Saint Xavier University employs 3D printing to create models of biochemical molecules, enhancing students' understanding of molecular structures.

4. Preparing Future Designers and Engineers

Consider the multitude of students aspiring to become designers or engineers, as well as those who have yet to discover their passion for these fields. 3D printing has the remarkable ability to ignite interest in design and engineering, nurturing future talents in these areas.

The increasing adoption of 3D printing is driving demand for skills in 3D design and modeling. Ultimately, students pursuing careers in engineering and design will inevitably encounter 3D workflows, whether in the physical realm of plastics or the virtual realm of coding.

In summary, 3D printing has the potential to captivate, engage, and empower students in ways previously unimaginable. It blurs the boundaries between software and hardware, providing both students and educators with tangible results.