．Social Mission Focused on Technology
Atlantic University is a non-profit institution of higher education that continuously cultivates outstanding students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The university is renowned for its excellent game and programmer designers, with approximately 75% of game engineers in Puerto Rico being Atlantic University alumni. They are focused on the future of business technology, and one of Atlantic University's future plans is to open the first 3D printing course in Puerto Rico, further inspiring the school's role as a leader in technology.
Students Zohary Oquendo and Bryan Berdecia created and printed animal and child-friendly alternatives for live animals used in dissections. Photo credit: Joshua Montalvo
While Vincent primarily teaches undergraduates and focuses on product prototyping, his courses offer a broader introduction to the field of 3D printing manufacturing. Students gain knowledge of relevant software, applications, hardware, and various types of 3D printing training, ranging from desktop printers to industrial machines.
"It's very important for students to have hands-on experience with 3D printers, and keeping the lab operational ensures that every project is completed before the deadline," says Professor Vincent. With a strong belief in "learning by doing," Professor Vincent's course also includes a month-long module where students must understand the 3D printing process from start to finish. He deeply understands the importance of rapid prototyping in 3D printing and data; students can integrate these methods into their research topics by having direct access to Ultimaker machines.
Professor Vincent has approximately five years of 3D printing experience and uses 3D printers almost daily. When he proposed establishing a lab to the school, they were open-minded and understood the value these processes could bring to eager students. The quality and reputation of Ultimaker, along with its user-friendly and simple operation, were precisely what attracted him to recommend it to the school first. "Ease of maintenance, ease of use, and reliability are very important, and if you're an old hand in this industry, you'll even understand that these are Ultimaker's key advantages."
"As the relevant industry has developed over the past few years, having reliable and consistent 3D printers has become increasingly important for educators," he says. This is invaluable for the long-term 3D printing industry, passionate students, and rapid prototyping.
Smart cutlery designed by student Steven Arroyo, suitable for those with motor impairments or difficulties. Photo credit: Joshua Montalvo
To accommodate various subjects, Professor Vincent purchased two Ultimaker printers, including an Ultimaker 2+, to increase flexibility. In the future, he hopes to expand this range of 3D printers, such as the Ultimaker S5, to benefit more from dual extrusion, which students can use in their month-long projects. Since the Ultimaker 2+ is primarily used for organic forms and character-related designs at Atlantic University, students find that the printer can easily handle supports and large prototypes. Although they mainly print with PLA and ABS, they also use PET and other flexible materials. He is excited to acquire a more advanced Ultimaker to use PVA supports and experiment with diverse new materials for busy classes. Given the rich challenges at the university, the printers work 4-5 days a week, sometimes allowing students to see the expected results overnight.
A stand designed by student Jeremy Muñiz that can hold both a Samsung S6 Edge phone and a wireless charger. Photo credit: Joshua Montalvo
．Saving Time and Money
The best part is that they can fully trust the 3D printers without needing to constantly check them, allowing them to focus more time on other aspects. Cost and time savings are among the biggest benefits they have gained so far, with faster printing times accelerating the completion of classroom topics. Through Ultimaker's software and hardware integration and continuous quality improvement, these advantages provide unparalleled possibilities for students' rapid prototyping from concept to finished product.
Student Ramphis Rios created a textured Rubik's Cube, allowing visually impaired individuals to enjoy playing it. Photo credit: Joshua Montalvo
Other faculty and students at Atlantic University are also eager to use Ultimaker printers, especially those in the graphic design and animation departments. In addition to students incorporating 3D printing into classroom projects and entrepreneurial plans, community members can also experience school-sponsored machines.
Through this program, Vincent has seen inspiring work: one student specifically designed durable and sturdy hand parts with an improved grip for her neighbor suffering from arthritis. She not only learned a lot about 3D printing through the design and printing process but also gained experience beyond the classroom—this is the most valuable aspect of practical application.
"I believe that 3D printing can allow students to put their career plans into practice, especially if they work in teams." Teamwork and coordination give students the opportunity to improve prototypes through testing. "3D printing helps them trust each other and understand that successful ideas might require some attempts. This is a continuous learning process, and I hope they can extend it to their personal lives and the industry." He hopes that as 3D printers rapidly evolve, he can reach more students and their work.
Wheelchair combined with a phone grip designed by student Gustavo Agosto. Photo credit: Joshua Montalvo
"The core before printing is 3D modeling, and 95% of proposals depend on 3D modeling skills. In addition to using Ultimaker Cura, they can also use software such as Maya, Rhino, Fusion 360, ZBrush, and Meshmixer. These tools are crucial for the 3D printing process because students must be able to turn creativity into reality," Professor Vincent emphasized.
Looking ahead to the future of 3D printing, Vincent knows that the biggest challenge for educators is problem-solving. He hopes that the education sector can further plan 3D printing courses so that other schools can also enjoy the benefits of digital fabrication. We are also happy to share information related to new technologies and hope that this technology can promote global progress.