Integrating 3D Printing Technology in Education: Insights from a Makerspace Case Study in Kuwait

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a transformative technology with significant implications for the future of medicine, enabling innovations in patient-specific treatments (i.e. anatomic models and patient education), surgical planning (i.e. preoperative visualization), and medical education (i.e. 3D anatomic structures). Despite its growing impact, 3D printing remains an underexplored topic in traditional medical education, leaving many medical students and physicians unfamiliar with its potential applications. The purpose of this 30-minute seminar was to introduce the fundamentals of 3D printing, emphasize its relevance to modern medicine and provide a foundation for understanding its diverse applications in clinical practice and research. By bridging this knowledge gap, the session aimed to inspire future healthcare professionals to integrate 3D printing into their practice. A 30-minute, virtual seminar was offered to medical students at the Sanford School of Medicine, Engineering students and Physicians. Participants were asked to view a You-Tube video prepared by the author and complete a pre- and post-session survey, consisting of six multiple-choice questions designed to assess knowledge of, and interest in 3D printing and its applications in medicine. Additional survey questions captured demographic information, including the participant's profession and prior experience with 3D printing. Pre- and post-survey responses were analyzed using paired Student's t-tests to evaluate the impact of the session on participants' understanding and interest. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant, indicating meaningful improvements in knowledge or interest after the session. 20 participants completed both the pre- and post-surveys. Participants included medical students, engineering students, and other (Physician, HR, undergraduate student, and business manager). Of these, only 30% had prior experience with 3D printing. Analysis of the survey responses demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in participants' knowledge and understanding of 3D printing applications in medicine, with average scores increasing in 5 out of 6 questions (p less than 0.05). Additionally, participants reported increased interest in integrating 3D printing into their clinical research or education. This 30-minute, virtual You-Tube educational seminar effectively introduced participants to the fundamentals of 3D printing and its applications in medicine, addressing a significant knowledge gap among medical students and physicians. The statistically significant improvement in survey scores demonstrates the session's success in enhancing understanding and generating interest in this transformative technology. By equipping future healthcare professionals with foundational knowledge of 3D printing, such sessions can foster innovation and integration of this technology into clinical practice and medical education.

Immediate Teeth in Fibulas: Planning and Digital Workflow With Point-of-Care 3D Printing

In the past 10 years, the use of 3D printing (3DP) has been increased in a number of industries. However, its use in the fashion industry and education is still at the early stage. This study aimed to provide (1) a general overview of 3DP in fashion and its integration in fashion education and (2) a pedagogical guidance to educators in the fashion discipline by presenting one case of 3D printing education in fashion design courses. This case study focused on the importance of 3D printing in fashion design curricula and the way to strategically integrate this technology into the curriculum. Rhinoceros (Rhino) and FINEBOT were used for 3D object design and printing, respectively. The coursework consisted of theoretical lectures including definition and application of 3D printing; training of Rhino use; methods of producing objects; 3D modeling of creative objects; and 3D printing practice. During this coursework, the course instructor allowed for students to initiate their design and create the 3D objects on what they wanted. Challenges for educators were identified when fashion students were learning 3D modeling software; however, the coursework resulted in increased interest and understanding of the students in 3D modeling and printing of more advanced fashion-related objects.

ABSTRACTDesktop three-dimensional (3D) printers are becoming commonplace in business offices, public libraries, university labs and classrooms, and even private homes; however, these settings are generally not designed for exposure control. Prior experience with a variety of office equipment devices such as laser printers that emit ultrafine particles (UFP) suggests the need to characterize 3D printer emissions to enable reliable risk assessment. The aim of this study was to examine factors that influence particulate emissions from 3D printers and characterize their physical properties to inform risk assessment. Emissions were evaluated in a 0.5-m3 chamber and in a small room (32.7 m3) using real-time instrumentation to measure particle number, size distribution, mass, and surface area. Factors evaluated included filament composition and color, as well as the manufacturer-provided printer emissions control technologies while printing an object. Filament type significantly influenced emissions, with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) emitting larger particles than polylactic acid (PLA), which may have been the result of agglomeration. Geometric mean particle sizes and total particle (TP) number and mass emissions differed significantly among colors of a given filament type. Use of a cover on the printer reduced TP emissions by a factor of 2. Lung deposition calculations indicated a threefold higher PLA particle deposition in alveoli compared to ABS. Desktop 3D printers emit high levels of UFP, which are released into indoor environments where adequate ventilation may not be present to control emissions. Emissions in nonindustrial settings need to be reduced through the use of a hierarchy of controls, beginning with device design, followed by engineering controls (ventilation) and administrative controls such as choice of filament composition and color.

In recent years, 3D printers have been becoming cheaper and thus enabling access of more users to this technology. 3D printing also found its way to education and it is becoming increasingly important to not only utilise this new technology for teaching and learning, but also to make students learn about the uses of 3D printing. In this chapter, we are going to discuss a possible use of GeoGebra and 3D prints to put mathematics into a real-life context assisting students to better understand mathematical concepts and learn about 3D printing processes. Starting with the use of the Modelling cycle and the instrumental approach, we will focus on the required know-how to create printable objects in GeoGebra based on architecture from around the world. We will also introduce the work process that we used and provide real examples of students’ work, hoping to spark some ideas for the readers’ own work. We will also discuss students’ feedback and comments on this way of working and offering possible improvement for our designs.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has rapidly emerged as a transformative tool in medicine, enabling the conversion of two-dimensional scans into highly accurate 3D models. This technology, especially when combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced materials, offers numerous applications in surgical planning, simulation-based training, and patient-specific care. Methods: This review examines current literature and case studies on the use of 3D printing technology in various fields of medicine, especially in surgical specialties. Key applications include surgical planning, mock surgeries, biopsy guide creation, and customized implant fabrication across various surgical fields. Results: 3D printing is transforming surgery by enabling precise visualization of tumors and critical structures, significantly enhancing preoperative planning for conditions such as bone, soft tissue (e.g., neuroblastomas), renal, and maxillofacial tumors. In reconstruction surgeries, patient-specific 3D-printed implants ensure better anatomical compatibility, particularly in maxillofacial, neurosurgical, and vascular applications. Puncture guides improve procedural accuracy in interventions like percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. Detailed anatomical models aid in simulation-based training, increasing preparedness for complex procedures. Additionally, patient-specific implants and AI-integrated decision support systems are paving the way for more personalized and efficient surgical care. Conclusions: 3D printing technology, especially when combined with AI, is reshaping modern surgery by improving both accuracy, safety, and personalized healthcare. Its applications extend across multiple specialties, offering new possibilities in surgical planning, training, and patient-specific treatments. As AI and bioprinting continue to evolve, the potential for real-time applications, such as live-printed tissue implants and enhanced decision support, could drive the next phase of innovation in various fields.

This session is designed so that the learning objectives are practical. The intent is that the attendee may take home an understanding of not just the technology, but also the logistical steps necessary to execute these 3D printing techniques in the clinic. Four practical 3D printing topics will be discussed: (i) Creating bolus and compensators for photon machines; (ii) tools for proton therapy; (iii) clinical applications in imaging; (iv) custom phantom design for clinic and research use. The use of 3D printers within the radiation oncology setting is proving to be a useful tool for creating patient specific bolus and compensators with the added benefit of cost savings. Creating the proper protocol is essential to ensuring that the desired effect is achieved and modeled in the treatment planning system. The critical choice of printer material (since it determines the interaction with the radiation) will be discussed. Selection of 3D printer type, design methods, verification of dose calculation, and the printing process will be detailed to give the basis for establishing your own protocol for electron and photon fields. A practical discussion of likely obstacles that may be encountered will be included. The diversity of systems and techniques in proton facilities leads to different facilities having very different requirements for beam modifying hardware and quality assurance devices. Many departments find the need to design and fabricate facility‐specific equipment, making 3D printing an attractive technology. 3D printer applications in proton therapy will be discussed, including beam filters and compensators, and the design of proton therapy specific quality assurance tools. Quality control specific to 3D printing in proton therapy will be addressed. Advantages and disadvantages of different printing technology for these applications will also be discussed. 3D printing applications using high‐resolution radiology‐based imaging data will be presented. This data is used to 3D print individualized physical models of patient's unique anatomy for aid in planning complex and challenging surgical procedures. Methods, techniques and imaging requirements for 3D printing anatomic models from imaging data will be discussed. Specific applications currently being used in the radiology clinic will be detailed. Standardized phantoms for radiation therapy are abundant. However, custom phantom designs can be advantageous for both clinical tasks and research. 3D printing is a useful method of custom fabrication that allows one to construct custom objects relatively quickly. Possibilities for custom radiotherapy phantoms range from 3D printing a hollow shell and filling the shell with tissue equivalent materials to fully printing the entire phantom with materials that are tissue equivalent as well as suitable for 3D printing. A range of materials available for use in radiotherapy phantoms and in the case of phantoms for dosimetric measurements, this choice is critical. The necessary steps required will be discussed including: modalities of 3D model generation, 3D model requirements for 3D printing, generation of machine instructions from the 3D model, and 3D printing techniques, choice of phantoms material, and troubleshooting techniques for each step in the process. Case examples of 3D printed phantoms will be shown. Learning Objectives: Understand the types of 3D modeling software required to design your device, the file formats required for data transfer from design software to 3D printer, and general troubleshooting techniques for each step of the process. Learn the differences between materials and design for photons vs. electrons vs. protons. Understand the importance of material choice and design geometries for your custom phantoms. Learn specific steps of quality assurance and quality control for 3D printed beam filters and compensators for proton therapy. Learn of special 3D printing applications for imaging. Cunha: Research support from Phillips Healthcare.

Clinical applications of 3-dimensional printing in radiation therapy

The importance of 3D printing is primarily that it enables customized production and, through Industry 4.0 technology, enables decentralized production. The article deals with the issue of 3D modelling and 3D printing of plastic respirators in the laboratory conditions of the authors’ workplace. In the above case study, the process of creating 3D models of individual parts of a plastic respirator and the production of a given model using a 3D printer is processed. The article also outlines the trends in 3D printing in connection with Blockchain and their importance on the Supply Chain.

Additive manufacturing also known as three-dimensional printing (3D printing), provided the ability to produce precise three-dimensional structures, representing a rapidly growing field in Orthopaedics. Its clinical value has been attributed to the ability to create complex three dimensional objects with relative ease and at low cost. However, the available evidence regarding its applications in trauma was heterogeneous. This narrative review aimed to analyze the clinical applications of 3D printing in traumatology. Additionally, the research gaps that emerged in our literature search were underscored. Four application domains were selected based on their prevalence in the screened literature and relative level of clinical implementation within orthopaedic traumatology, including (1) 3D-printed anatomical models, (2) patient-specific surgical guides (PSSGs), (3) 3D-printed implants, and (4) temporary 3D-printed external fixation devices. 3D-printed anatomical models were found to help in reducing operative time, estimated blood loss, and the intraoperative radiation exposure. The use of PSSGs was shown to improve intraoperative accuracy and to provide a basis for consistent, accurate, and reproducible outcomes. However, their implementation was hindered by preparation time, the need for stable anatomical landmarks, and reduced accuracy due to potential soft-tissue injury and swelling. In contrast, 3D-printed implants and external fixation devices constituted promising but less extensively studied applications of 3D printing in trauma. The production of customized implants and external fixators, as suggested by the studies available, was deemed feasible, with comparable mechanical properties and significantly lower cost. Larger multicenter studies are required to support and validate these findings. Overall, based on the available evidence, 3D-printed anatomical models and patient-specific surgical guides demonstrate the highest level of clinical applicability, primarily in preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance.

The article presents the application of 3D technologies in STEAM education through a conducted scientific research, highlighting the role of 3D modeling and 3D printing as an innovative approach in achieving an interdisciplinary learning model. The research included the following stages: preparation for designing a detailed 3D steam locomotive model; analysis of process difficulties; giving students and lecturers the opportunity to perform a specific modeling task, using basic primitives from solid geometry, as well as a questionnaire to analyze and evaluate the skills and knowledge of the participants in the 3D modeling field. In this context, the preparation process of a 3D steam locomotive model for educational purposes, using Autodesk 3ds Max software, is presented, and the 3D printing technology FDM is examined. We issued a challenge to the participants in the research to design a non-complex 3D model, using unfamiliar 3D modeling software Blender, within a limited time. The questionnaire covered topics in education, science, art, STEAM, and 3D modeling. The goal is to showcase the role of the integration of 3D technologies in educational environments with the idea of developing key skills and knowledge in learners.

Although 3D printers are becoming more common in households, they are still under-represented in many laboratories worldwide. However, this paper highlights the potential benefits of 3D printing technology in laboratory equipment. Researchers and scientists may need to learn about the potential benefits of 3D printing technology. It is essential to note that 3D printers are not just toys. They can be valuable tools for laboratory equipment, creating custom lab equipment and components, which can be difficult or expensive to obtain through traditional means. 3D printing can save time and money while increasing research efficiency. Also, 3D printers can create complex structures and models that help visualize and understand scientific concepts and create prototypes of new inventions and ideas. This study explores two examples of using 3D printing techniques, including a 3D printer-created pipette tip sorting device and a specific mold for sand samples in biocementation. The application and errors, mistakes, and challenges in materials control, with suitable solutions, were also discussed. Although 3D printers may still need to become as standard in laboratories as other types of equipment, their potential applications make them a valuable addition to any research or development team.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is promising in medical applications, especially presurgical planning and the simulation of congenital heart disease (CHD). Thus, it is clinically important to generate highly accurate 3D-printed models in replicating cardiac anatomy and defects. The present study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the 3D-printed CHD model by comparing them with computed tomography (CT) images and standard tessellation language (STL) files. Methods: Three models were printed, comprising different CHD pathologies, including the tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), ventricular septal defect (VSD) and double-outlet right-ventricle (DORV). The ten anatomical locations were measured in each comparison. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman analysis and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) determined the model accuracy. Results: All measurements with three printed models showed a strong correlation (r = 0.99) and excellent reliability (ICC = 0.97) when compared to original CT images, CT images of the 3D-printed models, STL files and 3D-printed CHD models. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the high accuracy of 3D-printed heart models with excellent correlation and reliability when compared to multiple source data. Further investigation into 3D printing in CHD should focus on the clinical value and the benefits to patients.

3D-Printed specimens as a valuable tool in anatomy education: A pilot study

Digitalization in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector is slow due to significant challenges in technology adoption. The study aims to promote technology adoption by advancing the understanding of digital technologies in the AEC sector. This article presents the findings from a quantitative scoping review, encompassing 3950 technology-related abstracts retrieved from the Scopus database, providing a preliminary assessment of literature size, geographic innovation hotspots, research gaps, and key concepts in the AEC field. The results show that Building Information Modelling (1852 studies) dominates the literature, while topics like 3D Printing (311) and Internet of Things (227) are gaining traction. China (687 publications) and the United States (566) produce most research articles. Despite the increasing interest in emerging technologies, their implementation often necessitates acquiring specific skill sets. Academia needs to put a stronger focus on these technologies in education and tighter collaboration with the industry is needed.