As one of Thailand's oldest universities, Kasetsart University's Department of Architecture has a strong reputation, offering professional degrees from bachelor's to doctoral levels.
In architectural studies, the ability to present ideas using high-quality physical conceptual models is a crucial part of the design process. 3D printing is an effective method that can deliver high-quality results with minimal labor.
Siradech Surit, a senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture, explained that students previously worked on foundational infrastructure and traditional architectural model making, but with six hundred students in the department, this proved to be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Furthermore, handmade models often fail to fully convey a concept.
The Department of Architecture needed a low-cost, scalable rapid prototyping solution to meet user needs simultaneously.
Ultimaker's local service partner in Thailand, in close collaboration with Septillion, equipped the department with seventeen Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers.
The Ultimaker 2+ machines were chosen because they fully met the department's needs and have a good reputation for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.
The department's cluster solution is not only creative and scalable but also cost-effective, using easy-to-use, low-cost hardware and components.
Excluding the printers, the entire setup cost 55,000 Thai Baht (US$1,654.11) and was operational within three days.
Ultimaker's service partner Septillion completed the installation every step of the way.
Using Ultimaker machines and some standard hardware, the printing cluster was set up within three days.
Using Ultimaker 3D printers allows us to fully understand and comprehend each student's ideas. They consume less time and, more importantly, they can help us achieve maximum learning potential. - Siradech Surit, Kasetsart University Department of Architecture
From Concept to Reality
The cluster is part of Kasetsart University's Digital Prototyping Lab. Each machine is mounted on a rack made of aluminum T-slot frames. Using single-board computers, each printer can be remotely managed and monitored.
An aftermarket webcam mounted on a 3D printed arm extends the front end of each printer, allowing each user to remotely monitor the panel of their assigned machine.
Each user can upload models for printing and control the printer without leaving their desk.
A video of the installation process can be viewed here.
Environmental Challenges
Materials like PLA absorb ambient humidity and can rapidly degrade if exposed to Thailand's humid environment.
The department overcame this difficulty by implementing an environmental control system that not only removes ambient humidity to keep raw printing materials usable but also clears printer fumes.
And this was built using standard, readily available hardware.
Improved Workflow
In its current configuration, the cluster can handle 17 users simultaneously, with each printer assignable using a booking system.
If the department wishes to expand the cluster in the future, the simplest way is to install webcams and single-board computers on each printer, then integrate the machines into the core software.
The cluster also enables the department to host community activities outside of working hours, allowing enthusiasts to access the technology. The department organizes training sessions for up to fifteen people on the second Saturday of each month.
The cluster is primarily for educational purposes, not just architectural studies, but also for architectural physics research and parametric model research. Anyone can use the cluster, as long as it is for educational purposes.
Driving Innovation
Septillion is part of Ultimaker's extensive global service partner network. Every service partner is fully certified and trained by the Ultimaker headquarters team to ensure the best assistance for all customers, no matter where they are in the world.
For educational institutions like Kasetsart University that require innovative solutions, Septillion can provide assistance every step of the way, from identifying products suitable for their needs to delivery, installation, and ongoing technical support.
Members of Ultimaker Thailand service partner Septillion's team.
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Article Source: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/50789-increasing-educational-potential-in-thailand-using-3d-printing