STEM and Education Trends

in my experience, few people have any idea about how objects are manufactured. Whether a one off product, or mass production.

3D printing is nice, but it is allowing people to "build" models which can't otherwise be built. This is really great for some truly inspired designs, but simply a waste for the other huge percentage of models which people want to produce, but have no concept of wall thickness, material properties, draft angles, parting lines, machined features, secondary operations, and even common off the shelf parts and their uses (i.e. rivets, inserts, and other fastener options.

Sadly, many of the models are not even pretty. They are simple extrusions, and revolves from a CAD program.

The world is filled with better examples of cast parts from decades and centuries ago.

CAD and 3D printing offer some great potential, but the majority of designs being modeled and/or printed are terrible.

Two recent models I've seen that are really good examples of craftsmanship are:

Grabcad model

Khachkar - Armenian Cross Stone

This is my 1st model made for 3D printing ( I was using design guides from Shapeways and Google for all about 3D printing. So my choice for this sculpture is DLP/SLA printing with paintable resin ) and it is my 1st Khachkar model, completely my design - as the impression and inspiration from all ...

Grabcad model

Optimised bracket

See powerpoint for optimisation process Max stress 766 Mpa (at vertical force simuation) Volume: 96809.49 cubic millimeters 79% material removed

The Armenian Cross Stone is a work of art, and looks to have been designed with 3D printing in mind. The model is broken up into interlocking pieces which will allow for better finishing, and perhaps reduce build time.

The Optimized Bracket is the type of product 3D printers should be fabricating.

Sadly to say a a past Tutor the time constraints and the requirements for each student to be successful leads itself to the creation of models which are created by using some of the basic skills required but lack the knowledge of how the component may be manufactured. In short they are creating pretty models with little or no knowledge as to whether they can actually be manufactured or even what manufacturing methods are best suited. As well as no real thought to its assembly process. If the model looks right and fits then its Ok.....Really its about learning to use the software and building up knowledge from work colleagues and others as to the manufacturing as education centres are limited and don't have the finances or time anymore