Week 9: 3D Technologies

3D Technologies

Today we ill explore the Digital Manufacturing Revolution and Maker Culture Adoption in Education. Children love to explore and try new things, but many are afraid to try, they are scared of failure. 3D technologies removes that fear, instead it embodies them with confidence to venture into the unknown. Additive manufacturing has existed for an excess of 25 years, but is still an emerging technology in the classroom. Educators and students a like an exploring the different ways that 3D printers can influence and enhance the learning in the classroom.  

3D scanning with a camera

Introduction

We'll explore a workflow to create a digital 3D scan and turn it into a 3D printed replica. We'll use a free app from Autodesk called 123D Catch to capture a 3D scan with a smart phone or a digital camera. After scanning, we'll edit and repair the file using a free program called MeshMixer. Then, we'll learn how to 3D print a copy on a desktop 3D printer.Or use a 3D printing service like Shapeways. This process is a lot of fun. I'll be scanning this decorative lion head as our example but you can scan a wide variety of objects. It's kind of amazing that all you need to create a 3D scan is the device you probably already have in your pocket. So let's get started.Did you know you have a 3D scanner in your pocket? With a smartphone or digital camera, you can transform photos into three-dimensional scans. This course shows you how to photograph an object and process it with the free 123D Catch app, repair your scan with Meshmixer, and send it to a desktop 3D printer like a MakerBot Replicator or an online printing service like Shapeways.

Steps for Scanning with a Camera

• Choosing the right subject
• Taking photos
• Tips for capturing a great scan
• Processing your scan with 123D Catch
• Repairing a scan with Meshmixer
• Touching up UV maps with Photoshop
• Preparing a file for 3D printing
• Uploading files to Shapeways for printing

123D APP

Turn ordinary photos into extraordinary 3D models. Capture places, people and things in 3D using your Windows Phone or Mobile device, iPhone, iPad, Android device, or anycamera. Share your catches, or 3D print a real object!

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3D Printing

Introduction

“3D printing allows for more authentic exploration of objects that may not be readily available to education institutions, including animal anatomies and toxic materials. The exploration of 3D printing, from design to production, as well as demonstrations and participatory access, can open up new possibilities for learning activities.”

3D printing in education is unique compared to other technologies. 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.The mindset of the student becomes one where it is okay to fail and encourages experimentation in their learning.The iterative process inherent with 3D printers encourages making improvements are flaws and weaknesses are found. Online communities work together in this way, someone creates a model to solve a problem then when they upload it any number of people can view it and offer their suggestions for improvement. In the same way students can use this ‘Internet of things’ to find solutions that are similar to their problems, download and modify them for the particular issue they are aiming to address. Much like that of open source software.

 Why Use 3D Printing in the Classroom?

3D printing will revolutionize learning because it lends itself to low-risk, low-cost innovation. Since ideas can materialize within minutes, students can see their work as tangible products. When students have access to 3D printing, abstract concepts in science and mathematics have the potential to be transformed into concrete (plastic) visuals.

Students will begin to see objects differently — “That’s cool! I want to buy that.” becomes “That’s cool, but I can design that better.” Students will be transformed from passive consumers of goods to actively-engaged inventors who are in control of their own learning. 3D printing also allows students to interact with a global network of creators. Designers around the world upload files to be shared with other printing enthusiasts, and students will be able to contribute to this exchange.

3D printing has opened the door to serious conversations about education. My students have incredible ideas! As we discussed the possibilities for printing in my classroom, they began to consider how this might apply to their education. My students expressed a desire to learn math as it applies to computer programing, building websites, coding and designing, in addition to creating apps for smartphones and programing robots.

They showed interest in real-life applications for investing, banking, loans, and the financial aspects of business, such as credit, buying a house, and financial responsibility. They wish to create innovative and inventive products for interior design, entrepreneurship, and graphic design. We also discussed alternative learning environments, the need for collaboration, and project-based learning. Students agreed that they want their learning to be applicable, specialized and meaningful.

3D Printing Steps

Not all 3D printers use the same technology. There are several ways to print and all those available are additive, differing mainly in the way layers are build to create the final object.
Some methods use melting or softening material to produce the layers. Selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) are the most common technologies using this way of printing. Another method of printing is when we talk about curing a photo-reactive resin with a UV laser or another similar power source one layer at a time. The most common technology using this method is called stereolithography (SLA).

1. It all starts with making a virtual design of the object you want to create. This virtual design is made in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file using a 3D modeling program (for the creation of a totally new object) or with the use of a 3D scanner (to copy an existing object). A 3D scanner makes a 3D digital copy of an object.
2. 3d scanners use different technologies to generate a 3d model such as time-of-flight, structured / modulated light, volumetric scanning and many more.
3. Recently, many IT companies like Microsoft and Google enabled their hardware to perform 3d scanning, a great example is Microsoft’s Kinect. This is a clear sign that future hand-held devices like smartphones will have integrated 3d scanners. Digitizing real objects into 3d models will become as easy as taking a picture. Prices of 3d scanners range from very expensive professional industrial devices to 30 USD DIY devices anyone can make at home.
4. To prepare a digital file for printing, the 3D modeling software “slices” the final model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers. When the sliced file is uploaded in a 3D printer, the object can be created layer by layer. The 3D printer reads every slice (or 2D image) and creates the object, blending each layer with hardly any visible sign of the layers, with as a result the three dimensional object.
5. Create a partnership with a local 3D printing company. Dim3printing agreed to partner with my students and have been a valuable resource in this adventure.
6. 3D printers use STL files which can be found all over the internet. Thingiverse.com is a very useful example of a site from which to download files and see the possibilities for your printer

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