An educational venture into 3D Printing

The results of the authors´ ambitious IEEE project involving the educational use of 3D printers are described. The intention was to involve college/university students in the construction of RepRap Prusa Mendel printers, with the goal of coordinating and accomplishing this in a single semester. Difficulties related to the availability and reliability of the printer used to create the plastic parts, and underestimates pertaining to the time, cost and complexity of the kit construction are detailed. Successful aspects of the project, including its use as a part of a Senior Engineering Capstone and as a live demonstration display for educational conferences, along with suggestions for implementation of similar initiatives, are provided.