New Inexpensive 3-D Printers Open Doors to Novel Experiential Learning Practices in Engineering Education

Abstract

This work describes a set of new inexpensive 3D printers and their applications in experiential learning as part of engineering education encompassing two multidisciplinary undergraduate engineering programs, Mechatronics and Industrial Engineering. The work addresses applications of inexpensive 3D printers in support of many engineering and nonengineering courses and activities at our university. Challenges of running a successful 3Dprinter lab are addressed. A number of student projects are described. Based on the shear amount of 3D prints and their quality it can be concluded that the acceptance of this technology is high within the undergraduate engineering student population.