EVALUATING THE STATE OF 3D PRINTERS IN ORDER TO CREATE A 3D PRINTING LAB FOR GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION AND CREATION OF A MULTIPURPOSE GUIDE TO PRINTING

3D printing is a valuable tool used to enhance the classroom experience by offering hands-on learning opportunities that inspire creativity, innovation, and student-teacher collaboration, especially in the area of STEM education. In research, 3D printing offers a low-cost, easily available alternative for creating models and visiting collections. The goal of this project was to identify the best printers for an on-campus print lab and create a user guide outlining the 3D printing process of to-scale fossil models that could be reconstructed in multiple pieces for educational purposes. The ultimate project goal was to enable the lab to be able to print a sauropod skull that could be put together by students and studied.

The first step was to identify different 3D printing options, such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and fused deposition modeling (FDM). Extensive research was done to identify a printer that was user-friendly and would meet the project requirements. A cost-effective desktop printer was needed that could be used both to create quality models and teach the printing process. 3D printing specialists from both within and outside of the Virginia Museum of Natural History were consulted during this research period. Two FlashForge Adventurer 5M Pro 3D printers were ultimately purchased as a consumer-grade FDM printer was the best choice for the project because of its low cost and availability.

Challenges were faced in acquiring a 3D model of a sauropod skull as many files were not accessible or incomplete. Some models were found on 3D printing websites, such as SketchFab, while the Diplodocus STL file was acquired by UL faculty from the NMNH. 3D models were then edited using MeshMixer, a free Autodesk program used to edit, cut, and reshape 3D meshes. Using this program, models were cut to fit onto the build plate and connectors/holes were added so that pieces could be reconstructed like a puzzle. When printing the models struggles were faced in figuring out scale and sizing, orienting models to ensure successful prints, and troubleshooting failed prints. The guide produced can be used by others looking to create reconstructable models and serves as a helpful resource for beginners outlining the MeshMixer program and FDM printing.