Application of additive manufacturing in design & manufacturing engineering education

This paper details how education and training in both digital manufacturing and materials processing was implemented as part of an undergraduate engineering programme involving 90 students. The programme was provided through additive manufacturing (3D printing), which enabled the students to develop an understanding of part design, fabrication and performance. The 3D printing study was carried out using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and involved the fabrication of a turbocharger turbine part. This was subsequently evaluated using a customized test rig to assess the printed turbine rotation speed, under a fixed air-flow. The dimensions and morphology of the fabricated parts were also evaluated. Students benchmarked the performance of their turbine parts, against the part which was found to exhibit the highest rotation speed. A pre- and post-course survey was conducted to track the learning experience and feedback from the students involved. The results demonstrated that incorporation of digital manufacturing, self-guided and peer learning improved the engagement and learning experience.