Mind-blowing 3D-printed creations showcased at VU event

July 11, 2023

VINCENNES, Ind. - 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is revolutionizing the manufacturing, aviation, medical, consumer goods, dental, construction, and design industries. As 3D printing continues to grow, so does the demand for qualified professionals familiar with the technology and its capabilities.

In partnership with Vincennes University and the H2I Group, the Stratasys World of 3D Printing visited the Vincennes Campus on Monday, July 10.

VU students, faculty, staff, and the greater university community had the opportunity to see and touch the latest in 3D printing technology, showcasing mechanical engineering, product design, and medical design. Visitors also enjoyed tours of VU's new, state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering Center that opened in the fall of 2022 inside the College of Technology.

The Stratasys mobile tour featured mind-blowing objects, including bananas that looked and felt like real bananas and could be used as movie props or toy prototypes. Other fascinating items were 3D-printed fabric, a transparent human head model for use in educational settings, and airflow ducts printed for NASCAR Next Gen race cars.

“The advances in 3D printing have been incredible as it has grown to include all disciplines and industries,” H2I Group Solutions Specialist Paul Getzen said. “This technology is driving advances that will become a part of our daily lives. From creating life-like prosthetics to manufacturing the hulls of ships to printing replacement parts on our dishwashers, this technology is and will benefit all of us. This is why it is so critical to have the opportunity to expose students to its potential. The career options are many as companies need employees with these technical and hands-on skills.”

The event also displayed desktop fans, clocks, and other objects printed by VU Production Design and Production Processes majors in the Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering Center. The associate degree program allows students to dive deep into 3D printing, which creates three-dimensional objects from digital models.

“There are a wide variety of excellent career opportunities for students interested in creating innovative products and developing fresh ideas,” VU Product Design and Production Processes Instructor Audrey Kocher said. “Industry partners like Stratasys and the H2I Group help drive cutting-edge training for VU Product Design and Production Processes students.”

According to Stratasys Channel Sales Manager Devon Judge, large companies are eager to hire individuals familiar with industrial printers, including the ones in the VU Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering Center.

“There are desktop printers, but it’s the Stratasys industrial printers that these students are going to use when they enter the workforce,” Judge said.

VU’s 2,930-square-foot Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering Center is home to an array of 3D printers able to print items made from powder, filament, resin, and metal. The space also houses digitizers and scanners that create point cloud data and scan existing geometry to input into computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Explore VU’s Production Design and Production Processes degree. Click HERE to learn more about College of Technology bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates.

See a photo gallery of the Stratasys World of 3D Printing campus visit.

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