3D-Printing Virtual Simulation Lab

Abstract

3D-printing (3DP) is a rapidly evolving sector and is advancing at an unmatched pace. Integrating digital-based approaches to disseminate knowledge within institutional curricula is crucial for mainstreaming knowledge. This work explores the development of a virtual lab (VL) for additive manufacturing (AM), using an interactive VL simulator. The VL's experiments encompass anatomy, assembly, techniques, preprocessing, and postprocessing modules on AM. The aim of this dedicated AM VL is to facilitate digital education on 3DP among educational institutions. A case study compares the efficacy of VL to physical experimentation. Two groups of 30 students each provided feedback before and after conducting experiments in the physical laboratory and on the VL, respectively. The comparison elucidates how integrating the VL with traditional teaching pedagogy can be a progressive step in teaching AM in educational institutions. The teaching pedagogy approach is both cost-effective and time efficient. The developed VL offers unlimited access and availability for students to learn at their own pace. The design of the 3DP virtual simulation lab incorporates an inclusive align–act–assess approach, wherein each module includes related theory, aim, procedure, simulator interface, pretest, and posttest to align with this approach.