3D Printing

  The Immersive Education Initiative has announced that the 2015 venue for the Immersive Education Summit as Paris. With the past 9 years of successful Immersive Education conferences, Immersive Education will continue on holding a summit that addresses the personal and cultural impact of immersive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, holography, holograms, wearable computing devices, cybernetics, affective computing, neuro-gaming technology and many other forms of immersive experiences. More information on the Immersive Education summit can be access through the following link: (http://immersiveeducation.org/news/2015/02/09/paris-announced-site-immersion-2015).

In this report, I intend to introduce a form of immersion categorized as the industry of three dimensional printing.

  Three Dimensional Printing (3D printing) is labeled for any forms of processes that are used to make three dimensional object. In applying of the 3D printing technology, additive processes are used. The additive processes refer to laying down of successive layers of materials under computer control. The awe and amazement of 3D printing is that objects created by the 3D printers can possess nearly any shape of geometry. The idea of imagining an object and realizing it into a solid object has been deemed impossible for ages. Yet, we currently live in a world where such impossibilities are made into reality.

  3D printing, just like any other technology, heavily relies on the mathematical calculations and engineering, for it lays down layers of materials that can be considered as thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the final product. The general process of 3D printing starts with virtual designs, which is realized through a program named the CAD, or the Computer Aided Design, file using a three dimensional modeling program. Otherwise, users of the 3D printer can choose to conduct a three dimensional scan of an object that he/she wishes to replicate using the technology. With this design file, the 3D printer slices the final model into indivisible horizontal layers. Eventually, the printer reaches the final step of laying down the desired material into the horizontal plane with the divided cross sections of the anticipated product.

  In regards to the methods and the technologies of 3D printing, there are three notable technologies. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Stereolithography (SLA) are the three. While the SLS and FDM technology represent the majority of the methods that modern day 3D printers elected, the stereolithography technology is represented by laying down liquid materials, which are cured with different technologies.

  The applications for the 3D printing is nearly infinite. 3D printing is used in design visualization, prototyping / CAD, metal casting, architecture, education, geospatial, and even healthcare industry. One notable application of 3D printing is the use of it within the field of biotechnology. 3D printing technologies are being used to engineer and create tissues within human bones, and even artificial kidneys for the needy patients. The use of 3D printing in the field of education will drastically change the paradigm of the entire field. Students and instructors can create a virtual object into a real object. Use of those newly and instantly created models can be used in science, arts (especially architecture) and many other subjects of academics.

  3D printing technologies can be also utilized in immersive learning environments. For instance, the printers' CAD digital files will be accessible to everyone in an virtual classroom environment Students can share the design of the objects and share their opinions based upon the object's printer CAD files. When an imaginary object is realized, learners will gain more existential and evidential support and facts, which can enhance the learners' true understanding of the materials.

 

  3D printing is an industry or a field of technology that just started blooming in two to three years ago. Not until recently, people could not find internet vendors that sell 3D printing technology. When this device is widely provided throughout the nation with some timely patience, I strongly believe this technology of immersion will create an atmosphere where all people can benefit from added reality of an imaginary object.

This is an assignment from the Immersive Education course that I am taking at Boston College. The course is called Collaborative Computing. For details, visit the immersive BC portal at http://ImmersiveEducation.org/@/bc