Resource-efficient 3D Printing

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About Course

In this community-based learning module on resource-efficient 3D printing participants will learn how 3D printing can be used in resource-efficient ways.

Participants get acquainted with the basics of 3D modelling and 3D printing. The participants discuss and reflect 3D printing in different areas of interest, e.g. for prototyping, in product manufacturing or in the educational context (maker education).  A special focus in this course is sustainability – how can we use minimum resources and 3D print sustainably. The course concludes with the participants’ self-chosen projects on 3d-printing and sustainability.

This course runs digitally, while participants come from different European countries. The course language is English. Participants need access to a 3D printer (for example in a local fablab or makerspace). All areas of study are welcome and no previous experience with 3D-printing is required.

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What Will You Learn?

  • You are able to explain the role of 3D printing in relation to sustainability.
  • You are able to handle a FDM 3D printer in a professional way.
  • You know and are able to explain different 3D printing technologies.
  • You know and are able to explain the different aspects within the sustainable 3d-printing process.
  • You know about different CAD software and are able to create simple 3D models within TinkerCAD.
  • You are able complete a sustainable 3D printing process from 3D modelling, slicing to 3d-printing.
  • You are able to judge the different aspects of sustainable 3D printing in terms of resource-efficiency.

Course Content

1. Introduction

2. How to get started with 3D Printing?
In this section we will cover an introduction to 3D printing technology and you will get started with your first 3D print. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that allows for the creation of physical objects from digital designs. It works by layering material, typically plastic, to build up a three-dimensional object. The process starts with creating a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software, using a slicer-software to slice the 3D-model into its individual layers and then sending the file to the 3D printer where it is brought to life through the layering process, which is similar to using a hot glue gun. This technology is about to revolutionize the way products are designed and manufactured, providing new opportunities for innovation and customization. It also offers many benefits, including faster prototyping, reduced waste, and the ability to produce complex and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to produce through traditional manufacturing methods. You will learn the basics about this in this lesson.

3. Why is sustainability important?
In this section we will deep dive into the topic of sustainability. Our first focus is on why is sustainability important at all. After that we look at different ways in which 3D printing itself can contribute to a more sustainable future.

4. 3D Printing is not rocket science
In this section you will learn about how 3D printing developed over the past years. After completion you will also know different additive manufacturing technologies.

5. How to include sustainability in your 3D-printing process?

6.1. How to create a 3D-model?

6.2. How to get a 3D model in other ways?
In this topic we will cover other ways to get a 3D model.

6.3. How to create a 3D model with sustainability in mind?

7.1. How to slice a 3D model?

7.2. How to slice a 3D model with sustainability in mind?

8. How to 3D print?

9. How to finish the 3d printed part

10. Your Sustainable 3D-Printing Project