Specialist in 3D printing – specialized training in application of 3D printing and practical use of acquired knowledge Erasmus Project

Project Title

Specialist in 3D printing – specialized training in application of 3D printing and practical use of acquired knowledge

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2016

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; Open and distance learning; ICT – new technologies – digital competences

Project Summary

3D printing includes a number of methods, applications of which range from extremely expensive, advanced and sophisticated to affordable. It has been dynamically developed for years and there is no sign indicating that it would stop in the upcoming years. It covers more and more areas giving new opportunities and – as a result – benefits.
Competences in 3D printing have already become appreciated in many jobs, and might become required soon – taking into account the abovementioned growing popularity and affordability of this technology. This concerns among others persons whose professional tasks are related with (one or more): education, design, healthcare and SMEs. But there was no free course in 3D printing which enabled those persons to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to apply this technology in their professional tasks. Filling the gap was the main objective of the 3DSPEC project that was a common effort of:
– Instytut Techniki Górniczej KOMAG (PL) – i) specializes in providing solutions for mining industry, which requires realization of design with use of modern software tools and methods, ii) is experienced in development of training materials and courses, and iii) was the coordinator of the project
– IBV Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (ES) – i) specializes in providing solutions and services for healthcare, also with use 3D modelling, 3D scanning and 3D printing, and ii) developed many e-learning courses
– EXOVITE (ES) – is a small (SMEs sector) but very dynamic company specializing in providing solutions for healthcare, based on 3D scanning, 3D printing and advanced IT
– Powiatowe Centrum Kształcenia Zawodowego i Ustawicznego w Wodzisławiu Śląski (PL) and Šolski center Velenje (SLO) – are VET centres highly valued by local entrepreneurs and authorities. Both: i) specialize in providing teaching that covers state-of-the-art technologies and meets market demands, ii) integrate 3D printing in their teaching, and iii) cooperate and share experiences with other VET schools and centres.
Competences and experiences of all project partners contributed to high quality of the project results.

The 3DSPEC consortium developed:
– 3DSPEC e-learning course in 3D printing and its application in professional practice, addressed for the following (abovementioned) target groups: education, design, healthcare and SMEs; available in English, Polish, Spanish and Slovene
– Internet platform for ordering 3D printing and 3D printing centre – solution which enabled the 3DSPEC course trainees to make their own 3D printout and this way apply their new abilities.
First, a survey and interviews were carried out with the target groups’ representatives to identify their preferences regarding the course content and features. The research findings were followed during the course creation. The prototype course, available in English, was tested by representatives of target groups. Based on the feedback, modifications were introduced in the course and translation to other languages was done.
The 3DSPEC course covers:
– fundamentals of 3D printing: how objects are manufactured, methods and their applications
– knowledge and skills necessary to apply 3D printing: i) how to prepare an input file for a 3D printer (several methods of development of a 3D model on an objects are presented), ii) what materials can be used and how they affect the object properties
– application of 3D printing in target groups’ professional activities – examples and instructions
– building of own 3D printer – two use cases how to assemble a 3D printer were shown and instruction how to add a remote control functionality to a 3D printer was provided.
The course has the following advantages:
– is appropriate for ‘pure beginners’ in 3D printing, because it provides fundamental knowledge about this technology
– guides about the whole manufacturing process carried out with use of 3D printing – development of 3D model of an object, generation of an input file for a 3D printer, and carrying out the 3D printing process
– if possible open-source software tools are applied (in examples) and/or referred to – their names and links are provided, therefore they are also available for the trainees (no ‘lack of software’ barrier).
In the course there are general topic and profiled topics – addressed to particular target groups. But knowledge and skills acquired based on the profiled topics are often transferable to other professional applications. Not to lose this opportunity, each trainee obtains access to all the course content.
As it was mentioned, 3D printing includes a number of methods. The 3DSPEC course provides solid ground for mastering each of them.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 371890,16 Eur

Project Coordinator

INSTYTUT TECHNIKI GORNICZEJ KOMAG & Country: PL

Project Partners

• Hermo Medical Solutions S.L.
• INSTITUTO DE BIOMECANICA DE VALENCIA
• Powiatowe Centrum Ksztalcenia Zawodowego i Ustawicznego
• SOLSKI CENTER VELENJE