3D Printing - An Important Industry 4.0 Tool for Online and Onsite Learning

Abstract

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) which is commonly named as 3D printing has been found as an important tool for teaching and learning in engineering education. For both, onsite and online learning, it is exploited to facilitate students in project works, trainings, and prototype development. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the important material additive manufacturing technologies used most. It is a rapidly growing manufacturing process that offers many opportunities for research in advancing its capabilities for the enhanced performance to obtain better product quality, higher productivity, and sustainability. This paper presents a review of 3D printing with special emphasis on use of FDM for online and onsite learning. It also includes a discussion on optimization strategies in FDM for ease of part fabrication for various applications. Tool path and topology optimization strategies have been found the most prominent for part structures made by FDM. The aim of this paper is to facilitate the teachers, scholars and researchers by providing knowledge on 3D printing and encourage them to harness the potential of digital technologies for the development of students.KeywordsAdditive manufacturing3D printingIndustry 4.0LearningOptimization