Academic institutions are getting hands-on with additive manufacturing to create more engaging courses that better prepare students for their careers ahead, writes Jesse Roitenberg, an education specialist from Stratasys.
Engineering has an image problem. Too many young people think it is dull and difficult, and unlikely to lead to fulfilling careers. The subject is often seen as ‘geeky’ or overly academic, and many students feel it lacks creativity or relevance to their daily lives. These misconceptions are compounded by limited visibility, of engineering in schools, along with stubbornly persistent – and outdated – perceptions that it leads to narrow and poorly-paid career options.
Indeed, a survey from Engineering UK found that less than half of young people agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that ‘being an engineer fits well with who I am’. That’s a shame because engineering is one of the most stimulating disciplines imaginable. Those who study it solve problems and push boundaries. And sometimes, they go on to change the world.
So engineering is exciting – but we must do a better job of getting this message across, particularly in the wake of studies that predict growing skills shortages. Therefore, we urgently need to find ways of attracting more young people into the profession, so that they can go on to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
The power of project-based learning
How do we go about doing that? One answer is to improve the quality and diversity of engineering learning. There will, of course, always be a need for textbook-based study to understand the core principles of the subject. However, there is scope to introduce practical and hands-on activities that are more relatable to the world around us.
That’s where technologies such as additive manufacturing come in. Many academic institutions have introduced additive manufacturing into the curriculum to make courses more engaging and relevant.
Crucially, access to additive manufacturing equipment lets students hone new skills. Young engineers get to explore new topologies, resulting in different shapes that cannot be produced with traditional subtractive manufacturing methods such as milling. They also create parts with multi-material designs, using varying material properties within a single component to optimise functionally graded materials for high performance. And they get to explore the opportunities for increased personalisation and customisation, ideal for applications requiring bespoke solutions.
This sort of ‘learning through doing’ is critical for the next generation of engineers. It also makes the next generation of engineers advocates for additive manufacturing – they tend to vouch for the technology in the world of work as they want to carry on using it over their careers.
Additive manufacturing in engineering education
So, let’s look at examples of how Stratasys collaborates with academia to deploy technologies such as fused deposition modelling, material jetting, stereolithography, and powder bed fusion.
At Lancaster University in the UK, researchers have used the J750 3D printer and GrabCAD Voxel Print software to develop advanced manufacturing techniques and explore the future of computer-aided design (CAD). The technologies have enabled teams to model complex objects with a high degree of optimisation and explore applications in high-value manufacturing sectors. This approach can revolutionise design possibilities, including the development of shape-shifting materials and 4D printing, which could lead to the creation of robots without hinges and aircraft wings that morph in flight to enhance performance.
Meanwhile, at Cambridge University, the 3D Printing Society is a student-led group focused on advancing the use of additive manufacturing across various disciplines. With access to Stratasys 3D printers, the self-taught society members, primarily engineering undergraduates, engage in a variety of complex engineering projects. They aim to educate their peers and establish a national 3D printing network. Notable examples of their work include collaborating with REMAP to create a robust 3D-printed component for a robotic archery turret for paralysed children, and working with Open Bionics to develop cost-effective 3D printed prosthetic hands for amputees.
Medical researchers also embrace additive technology
Interestingly, additive manufacturing has also moved from traditional areas such as engineering and manufacturing into exciting new applications such as science and medicine. Here, 3D printers are also being deployed to inspire academic-based innovation.
At the University of Pavia in Italy, for example, additive manufacturing is being used to help improve surgical planning and patient care. By transforming CT scans into detailed 3D printed models, academic researchers are assisting surgeons to better prepare them for operations, reducing theatre time, and minimising risks. The models have particularly benefitted complex spleen, kidney, and pancreas surgeries. 3D printed kidney models have helped medical teams navigate intricate vascular systems during transplant preparations, ensuring critical vessels are not damaged. This approach has set a new standard in surgical preparation, improving medical outcomes and providing patients with greater peace of mind.
Similarly, Bordeaux University Hospital in France deploys Stratasys J750 3D printers to improve kidney cancer treatment by producing full-colour, multi-material 3D printed models for surgical planning. These models allow surgeons to visualise and plan complex kidney tumour removals with greater accuracy, improving the success rate of these types of surgeries.
Committed to academic excellence
Stratasys believes project-based learning is the key to academic success. When students learn something and then put it into action, it sticks. Therefore, Stratasys is committed to being an ongoing partner for schools, colleges, universities, and research laboratories. By working together, we can cement the role of additive manufacturing as an exciting solution to the challenges of tomorrow.
This article originally appeared in the October’25 magazine issue of Electronic Specifier Design – see ES’s Magazine Archives for more featured publications.
