Wandering the dimly lit halls of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Engineering Department, one may gaze upon many wondrous objects.
From parts for a car to parts for a small rocket, the vast collection of objects has one thing in common: all were created by a 3D Printer.
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UMD’s Engineering Department has long been recognized for going above and beyond.
Along with a number of advances in technology, the department’s 3D printer is one more way that the university is ushering in new technology.
Following instructions from digital files, UMD’s 3D printer joins together layer upon layer of material until it has created a masterpiece, seemingly out of thin air.
This technology is making an impact in a number of fields, the medical field being one of the most important ones.
Due to the customization of 3D printers, it will soon be possible to create medical equipment that fits patient’s individual needs and differences. This will help people in a number of ways, with customized ‘bionic’ parts like bone implants, prosthetic limbs, and devices used by dentists.
In addition to these applications, research is currently being conducted into the possibility of 3D printers being able to replicate the complex organs that sustain our bodies.
“As a result of this technology, we are no longer limited by tools. We are only limited by our level of creativity,” Emmanuel Enemuoh, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, said.
“I scanned a picture of myself and printed out a copy,” Enemuoh said as he chuckled and held up a small replica of himself.
Surprisingly realistic looking, this replica is another amazing feature of 3D Printing. For an individual who is blind, a touchable picture may allow them to see.
Daniel Pope, associate professor and head of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, said, “Currently, we use a material called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic. Our goal is to expand our capabilities to metal.”
Until they are able to use metal, the engineers are happy that they can choose from a variety of colored ABS plastics.
“It is fun for staff too,” Pope said, smiling.
Between students and staff, the printer is used often.
The capabilities of 3D printing technology are only limited by funding, as the Engineering Department is on a budget. According to Enemuoh, the 3D Printer is worth $29,000.
“The university paid for the 3D Printer with student tech fees, which are decided by each Department, based on what they believe will benefit students most,” Pope said.
Jose Carillo, instructor in the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department said, “With this kind of technology, engineers are able to make one object or hundreds of objects. Once you find something that works, you stick to it.”
“There are many examples of people making final commercial products with these 3D Printers,” Carillo added.
Junior Alex Scott is a member of the department’s Student Formula Team. The team consists of 15 students that design and build a race car from the ground up. Although Scott has not used the 3D Printer personally, he has seen it in action, as he works on the team’s race car in the next room over.
“I think that it is a great way to get hands-on experience,” Scott said.
Indeed, all divisions of UMD’s Engineering Department have gotten hands-on experience in the latest era of technology. Once again going above and beyond in their core missions of education, research and outreach.