3D Printing Applications in Mechanical Engineering Education

This work puts a spotlight on utilizing 3D printing technologies in mechanical engineering education. Starting from elementary courses such as geometric modeling to the more advanced courses such as Fluid Mechanics and Mechanics of Materials. The authors of this work have extensive experience in 3D printing technologies which allowed them to implement it in many aspects of their daily education process. The process starts from geometric modeling courses by teaching students the procedures needed to develop the 3D model(s) of the prototypes and successfully transfer them from the computer screen into real part(s). The same course also introduces the students to many types of technologies, applications, and hands-on experience in 3D printing equipment. Advanced courses such as Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics allowed students to 3D print their prototypes and test it in the wind tunnel making use of the similarity approach where it mimics a real-world situation. Such models included basic shapes such as a disk or a sphere and more advanced models such as car models, truck models, aerofoils and wings. It has been noticed, from experience and continuous practice, that students become more excited and enthusiastic when allowed to use 3D printing technologies freely in their course work. The process itself is novel and innovative, and many students are thrilled for being involved in this area. It is expected that in the near future, a dedicated course will be assigned for 3D printing and scanning technologies, especially in mechanical engineering education.