3D Printing And E-Learning Potential

3D Printing and e-Learning Potential Edison H. Lucas Information Technology – Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) Cork Road – Waterford – Ireland

[e-mail] Abstract. In this meta-paper will address the question of how the 3D printer can influence and help learning. Initially there will be an introduction explaining what 3D printing is and how it works 3D printing. Will be subsequently addressed the issue about what 3d printing can facilitate teaching, with emphasis on history, architecture and benefits from day to day. Following is addressed the issue of how 3D printing changed the world with some comments on the growth of this technology. That same thought would be broached the subject of 3D Printing helping in education, with some examples of how this technology can be extremely useful.

1. Introduction

This report will be dealt with the issue of 3d printing, where we quote the description of the technology, potential in learning, how 3D printing will change the world, as helping in education and e-learning and the future of higher education with 3D printing. With 3D printing is usually performed by a materials printer using digital technology. Since the start of the twenty-first century there has been a large growth in the sales of these machines, and their price dropped substantially. The technology is used in the fields of jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, geographic information systems, civil engineering, and many others. In all these areas the 3D printing helped a lot in the learning of students and professionals.

2. What the 3D printer that can facilitate and their description

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using additive processes, where an object is created by laying down successive layers of material. 3D printing is considered distinct from traditional machining techniques (subtractive processes) which mostly rely on the removal of material by drilling, cutting etc.

The 3D printer has the potential to be one of the great inventions of our time. They are not only used to make dozens of clones of the same product. It can make your life much easier.

2.1 Potential on learning 2.1.1 Reinvention of history Museums and historical places will be able to build replicas of their sophisticated materials and open files to more visitors, without so many worries about possible damage caused by light and photographs. The Smithsonian complex American historical research and museums, is already engaged in the task of further share its collection with the world. The group is using 3D scanner to obtain geometric measurements of each piece for file update, meanwhile, a 3D printer will physically reproduce the structures. Despite being a slow and time consuming, scientists ensure incredible precision parts rebuilt. Figure 1 - A life-size 3D print of Thomas Jefferson on exhibit at The National Museum of African American History and Culture. The process has started with a flawless replica, considered 'the best object of historical quality printed 3D', the statue of Thomas Jefferson (Figure 1), originally located in Virginia, USA. Does that soon we will see one of these in Ireland? [Kaelin]

2.1.2 Facility Architects

Many in the industries of architecture, construction and engineering have adopted 3D printing as a way to enhance innovation, reduce costs and accelerate the production process. Models and 3D models of buildings can be easily created, edited reassembled, saving time and money. 2.1.3 Exclusivity and low price One of the biggest bets for the 3D printing process is to reduce the costs and risks of production of manufactured goods such as clothing, shoes and cars. The agility in production can ensure better price and more differentiated products.

It works like this: designers can create the most exclusive materials and in less time, which ends up being good for you, you can buy the product at a lower price, since the cost of production is reduced.

3. 3D printing will change the world

With the growth of technology and falling prices, the first major step is to bring the manufacturing of components closer to your point of purchase. This facilitates the creation of some products: you simply pay for the raw materials and the creation of software files that you can not find for free on the web like on figure 2. Figure 2 - An example of objects that can be printed using a 3D printer. Centralize production has brought benefits to those who invested in practice. Furthermore, if the cost of per unit is high, it ends up being offset by the elimination of inventory and transportation. The cars today are manufactured in just a few hundred locations around the world, may one day come to be taken in any metropolitan area. Parts are built in and dealerships dealerships, automakers turn can eliminate the import of products, creating the necessary components. Another factor to consider is that these components have endless possibilities for customization, because it is possible to change them without having to remanufacture them. Just follow the software instructions. You will need to use creativity in the unification of the elements as well as quality control made at the time of implementation of the standardization. [D’Aveni] 4. 3D Printing helping in education including e-Learning 3D printing is an alternative practices that educational institutions have used for activities for youth and adults. Both the United States and in Europe this revolution is already a reality. [Hausman]

In Belgium,