The application of 3D printing in mathematics education

One difficulty of teaching in mathematics is to present abstract mathematical concepts or laws to students in a simple visual way to promote students' understanding and mastery. Traditionally mathematical teachers tried to explain abstract mathematical concepts and formulas by means of some simple teaching tools and some mathematical models presented by some mathematical software, such as Matlab, Mathematica, etc. As an integrated modern discipline, 3D printing has become more and more important in scientific research and technological developments. This paper intends to explore the close relationship between mathematics teaching and 3D printing technology, and propose a comprehensive programme of mathematical education based on the introduction of 3D printer manufacture, mathematical formula, 3D printing models, logo adding to 3D models, and 3D outcomes. This scenario can well solve the problem of visualization of abstract mathematical concepts. Teachers can easily explain complex mathematical expressions by the visual 3D tools. Students' learning interests of mathematics can be stimulated and their understanding abilities of space and graphics can be greatly enhanced by means of the real practice of mathematical 3D printing.