FUNCTIONAL PROTOTYPING USING 3-D PRINTING

3D printing is the most popular activity in the Makerspace at our mid-sized university, with 340 users submitting over 3400 3D print jobs during the 2022-23 academic year. Fifty percent of these print jobs are for users in courses or research labs, who are frequently printing parts for design prototypes. The goal of this research was to identify common issues in the 3D printing process and develop a training module and workshop that educates users how to successfully incorporate 3D printed parts into functional prototypes. We performed mechanical testing to provide recommendations specific to the 3D printers and slicing software available in our Makerspace. We compiled the research and experimental results into an online self-paced training module available to Makerspace users and developed a hands-on workshop that allows the participants to apply the information provided in the online training module. We selected a wave generator assembly based on an online design (thingiverse.com/thing:2495345) for the workshop. Participants modify an initial design while encountering challenges including material interactions, assembling 3D printed parts with other materials, and fastening 3D printed parts. After completing the training and workshop, the Makerspace users should better understand aspects to consider when functionally prototyping with 3D printing, including material interactions, tolerancing, and adhesives.