Other Dimensions of Additive Manufacturing: Learning and Development of Technical Skills in Bachelor Subjects

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) has different dimensions with high potential, apart from the well-known ability to produce complex parts with great feasibility, minimum material, and without the need of expensive dies, among other advantages. Social, Environmental, Health, and Teaching and Learning are some examples of dimensions where AM can serve as an engine to promote economic changes, with special focus in depopulated areas. The “Teaching and Learning” dimension is key to promote global changes. There are two main approaches to incorporating additive manufacturing technologies into teaching and learning processes: active and passive integration of 3D printing. In this work, both approaches are considered through the example of some experiences in subjects of different disciplines such as manufacturing processes engineering and materials science. From the active approach, that is, acquiring knowledge and developing skills on AM techniques, the application of AM to generate crystal lattices of the inner structure of materials and the fabrication of patterns in foundry processes are presented as examples. Through these examples students develop skills related to design for additive manufacturing, selection of suitable materials and printing parameters, and postprocessing tasks. Form the passive approach, that is, the use of these technologies to support the learning process in technical subjects, three examples are shown: Bravais crystal lattices spatial configuration, design of foundry processes, and mechanical behavior of auxetic structures. These examples are useful to help our undergraduates understanding basic concepts that require spatial vision, as is the case of crystal lattices, improve foundry processes through the design of patterns, core boxes and casting distribution systems, and approaching to mechanical behavior of advanced materials, such as auxetic structures. This work aims to disseminate the potential of AM dimensions, such as Learning and Teaching, to boost fields of innovation.