Finland's largest 3D printing workshop is at Espoo's Aalto University School of Arts and Design, where a total of 35 UltiMaker 3D printers (UltiMaker 2+Connect and UltiMaker S7 ) are in use. In the 3D printing industry, such a unit is called a "farm". In this article, we get to know the operation of this farm/workshop, its versatile applications and how 3D printing affects Aalto University in general. For this customer story, we met Hector Velasquez (Industrial Designer, 3D Print Workshop Master - Aalto University), the person in charge of the workshop at Aalto.
The core idea of Aalto University's workshop focused on 3D printing is to combine the best aspects of traditional and digital manufacturing techniques. By learning about 3D printing and the application of technology and combining them with, for example, the manufacturing processes of mold and ceramic products, students have the opportunity to develop their creativity and promote a modern perspective for the implementation of design work. Many of today's new (so-called emerging) designers have taken this path.
Photo: Wenla Nwajei
Aalto University's cooperation with UltiMaker has been a significant factor in the development of students' creativity, which has contributed to the emergence of new innovations. UltiMaker's easy-to-use hardware and software keep the 3D printing process user-friendly, which provides excellent support for turning students' ideas into concrete pieces. The feel and way of working of the workshop is structured to be a dynamic and stimulating learning environment, which helps students acquire expertise in printing technology regardless of their skill level. During the visit, several students visited the place to continue their printing work.
At the workshop, students also have access to a diverse selection of materials. The most commonly used material of all is the easy-to-use PLA, but for example the TPU material designed for industrial use is often used. The student had made shoes suitable for use from TPU. UltiMaker's openness and cooperation with material manufacturers has made the material selection enormous.
Aalto University's 3D printing workshop is an interdisciplinary space where, for example, fashion, architecture and product design students can work together and use UltiMaker 3D printers to realize their own ideas. The interdisciplinary cooperation of the workshop creates a lively exchange of ideas among the students and promotes the development of innovations.
Aalto University has well recognized the importance of education in order to utilize the potential of 3D printing as widely as possible. Learning at the 3D printing workshop is done in a practical way. Students can independently design and produce printable pieces and get to follow the process from start to finish. The student is personally responsible for the success of his printout. The workshop also offers the capabilities to implement challenging and complex 3D printing projects.
Aalto University's 3D printing workshop has been shown to have a strong impact on the development of students' innovations and creative learning. In general, Aalto has invested in 3D printing research and training, which has made the institution also a significant player in the 3D printing field in the world. When knowledge, skills and technologies are combined with developing students, the possibilities for success are limitless.
