As one of Thailand's oldest universities, Kasetsart University's Department of Architecture has an excellent reputation, offering professional degrees from bachelor's to doctoral levels.
In architectural studies, the ability to showcase 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.
Senior Lecturer Siradech Surit from the Department of Architecture explained that students previously worked on basic equipment and traditional architectural model making, but with six hundred students in the department, it 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 users' needs simultaneously.
Ultimaker's local service partner in Thailand worked closely with Septillion, and the department was equipped with seventeen Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers.
Ultimaker 2+ machines were chosen because they fully met the department's needs, boasting a strong reputation for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.
This group solution for the department 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 print farm can be set up within three days.
Using Ultimaker 3D printers allows us to fully grasp and understand each student's ideas. They take less time, and more importantly, they can help us achieve maximum learning potential. - Siradech Surit, Department of Architecture, Kasetsart University
From Concept to Reality
The print farm 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 serves as a front-end extension for 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.
You can watch a video of the installation process here.
Environmental Challenges
Materials like PLA absorb ambient humidity and can degrade quickly when exposed to Thailand's humid environment.
The department overcame this difficulty by implementing an environmental control system that not only removes ambient humidity, keeping raw printing materials in a usable state, but also removes printer fumes.
And this was built using standard, readily available hardware.
Improved Workflow
In its current configuration, the farm can handle 17 users simultaneously, with each printer assignable via a booking system.
If the department wishes to expand the farm in the future, the easiest way is to install webcams and single-board computers on each printer and then integrate the machines into the core software.
The farm also allows the department to host community events outside of working hours, giving enthusiasts access to the technology. The department holds training sessions for up to fifteen people on the second Saturday of every month.
The farm is primarily for educational purposes, not only architectural studies but also architectural physics research and parametric model research. Anyone can use the farm, as long as it's for educational purposes.
Driving Innovation
Septillion is part of Ultimaker's extensive global network of service partners. Each 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 suitable products for their needs to delivery, installation, and ongoing technical support.
Team members of Ultimaker Thailand service partner Septillion.
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Article Source: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/50789-increasing-educational-potential-in-thailand-using-3d-printing