A state-of-the-art printer that creates three-dimensional pieces has brought together art and engineering technology, two seemingly disparate departments on campus. Neil Lawley, assistant professor of art in sculpture and 3-D design; and Aaron Stutterheim, instructor of engineering technology; collaborated to develop a course for both art and engineering technology students that revolves around a brand new 3-D printer, thanks to a grant from the MWSU Foundation.
This semester, the two professors are guiding nine art students and five engineering technology students through a number of hands-on projects with the new printer in 3-D Modeling and Design Processes.
Three-dimensional printers, also known as rapid prototyping machines, have been around for several years, and engineers, architects, product designers and artists are increasingly turning to them to streamline the creative design process, Neil said. To make a prototype, an item is scanned into a computer and made into a digital file, and the printer then transforms the digital model into a physical product as spools of plastic create the piece. The prototype can be reduced, enlarged, or made the same size as the original item. The printers have become more accessible and affordable in the last few years, Neil said, so the university was able to consider purchasing one.
“3-D printing is exploding in all fields. The technology makes the students highly marketable, and their knowhow and experience will help them stand out,” he said.
The two professors believe Missouri Western is just one of a handful of schools in the region that have a 3-D printer. Aaron said other schools may have one, but it is used more for demonstration purposes rather than offering a class that allows students to gain hands-on experience with it.
The Foundation grant also funded a 3-D scanner, a computer, and kits for two more 3-D printers that students built as part of the class. “We wanted the students to put them together so they would understand how they work,” Aaron said.
It was about a year ago that Neil approached Aaron with his idea of finding a way to purchase a 3-D printer and collaborating with Aaron to create a new course. Neil had had experience with a 3-D printer in graduate school, and wanted to offer that opportunity to Missouri Western students.
Aaron Stutterheim and Neil Lawley
Aaron has a master’s degree in architecture and one of his research interests is rapid prototyping, so he was immediately on board with Neil’s idea.
Although it may not seem like it at first glance, the two disciplines of art and engineering have several similarities, Neil contends, because both involve the process of exploring ideas and problem solving. He should know, because, as an undergraduate, he was an engineering major before he decided to switch to art.
The professors say they have enjoyed teaching together, and there has been a very creative atmosphere in the classroom. “Watching art and engineering students working on the same processes is interesting,” Aaron said. “These students have a chance to learn from each other.”
“We were extremely pleased with the generosity of the Foundation,” Neil said. “We appreciate how it rewards initiative.”
Aaron agreed. “It’s been amazing having the support of the university. We proposed something new, and there’s been a lot of acceptance of that.”
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