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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2015

Developing and implementing 3D printing services in an academic library

Gillian Andrea Nowlan

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a 3D printing pilot project and 3D printing library service. Policy development, instruction, and best…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a 3D printing pilot project and 3D printing library service. Policy development, instruction, and best practices will be shared and explored.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the implementation of 3D printing at the University of Regina Library and details successes, failures, and modifications made to better provide 3D printing services. This paper outlines one academic library’s experience and solutions to offering 3D printing for university patrons.

Findings

Although 3D printing has been around for a while, it still requires trial and error and experience in order to print successfully. Training and instruction is needed to run the 3D printer and understand how to develop 3D objects that will print successfully.

Originality/value

There have been many publications on 3D printing, but few that discuss problem solving, best practices, and policy development. 3D printing provides a way for patrons to learn about new technology and use that technology to help support learning.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2015-0049
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

  • Academic libraries
  • 3D printing
  • 3D technology
  • Makerspace

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Article
Publication date: 3 May 2016

Classroom innovation through 3D printing

Rachael E. Elrod

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a growing field for many professionals, including those in education. The purpose of this paper…

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Abstract

Purpose

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a growing field for many professionals, including those in education. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review various ways in which 3D printing is being used to enhance classroom learning in the K-12 environment and to highlight how one academic library is supporting that endeavor.

Design/methodology/approach

According to “3D Printing Market in Education”, which reports on the anticipated development of 3D printing in the educational market for 2015-2019, 3D printing is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 45 per cent (Business Wire).

Findings

In 2012, an article in The Economist declared 3D printing “the third industrial revolution”. The following year, President Obama, in his State of the Union address lauded 3D printing saying, “A once shuttered warehouse is now a state-of-the-art lab where new workers are mastering the 3D printing that has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything” (Gross, 2013).

Originality/value

In China, 3D printer manufacturer Tiertime estimates that “90 per cent of its domestic market share comes from school laboratories, which need desktop 3D printers so students can learn, experience and design” (China taps 3D printing consumer market, 2015).

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-12-2015-0085
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

  • 3D printing

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2013

3D printing and scanning at the Dalhousie University Libraries: a pilot project

Michael Groenendyk and Riel Gallant

The purpose of this paper is to describe how 3D printing and scanning technology was implemented by the Dalhousie University Libraries in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Insights…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how 3D printing and scanning technology was implemented by the Dalhousie University Libraries in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Insights will be outlined about the benefits of these technologies in terms of data visualization and archival practices, as well as the potential user base for library‐centered 3D printing and scanning services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes why the Dalhousie University Libraries purchased a 3D printer and scanner, the challenges of maintaining these technologies and instructing students in their use, and how Dalhousie faculty members and students have made use of these technologies for their own research purposes.

Findings

3D printing and scanning technologies can be of use to a much wider range of Faculties than have traditionally had access to them. The unique role libraries have on university campuses allows them to function as universal access points for these technologies. By offering 3D scanning technology, they can also use this technology internally for archival purposes.

Originality/value

While much has been written on 3D printing and scanning technology, very little has been written about how these technologies could relate to academic libraries. This paper sets the groundwork for further exploration into how 3D technologies can improve and expand library services.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/07378831311303912
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • 3D scanning
  • Academic libraries
  • University libraries
  • Digital libraries
  • Digital archives
  • 3D archives
  • 3D models
  • 3D technology
  • Hackerspace
  • 3D model
  • Canada

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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2017

Large-size color models visualization under 3D paper-based printing

Jiangping Yuan, Zhaohui Yu, Guangxue Chen, Ming Zhu and Yanfei Gao

The purpose of this paper is to study a feasible visualization of large-size three-dimension (3D) color models which are beyond the maximum print size of newest…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study a feasible visualization of large-size three-dimension (3D) color models which are beyond the maximum print size of newest paper-based 3D printer used 3D cutting-bonding frame (3D-CBF) and evaluate the effects of cutting angle and layout method on printing time of designed models.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixteen models, including cuboid model, cylinder model, hole model and sphere model with different shape features, were divided into two symmetric parts and printed by the Mcor IRIS HD 3D printer. Before printing, two sub-parts were rearranged in one of three layout methods. Nine scaled sizes of original models were printed to find the quantitative relationship between printing time and scale values in each type. For the 0.3 times of original models, six cutting angles were evaluated in detail.

Findings

The correlation function about colorization time and printed pages was proposed. Based on 3D-CBF, the correlation between printing time and scale size is statistically defined. Optimization parameters of designed parts visualization about cutting angel and layout method were found, even if their statistical results were difficult to model their effects on printing time of specimens.

Research limitations/implications

The research is comparative and limited to the special models and used procedures.

Originality/value

The paper provides a feasible visualization and printing speed optimization methods for the further industrialization of 3D paper-based printing technology in cultural creative field.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-08-2015-0099
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • 3D visualization
  • Color printing
  • Large-size 3D model
  • Paper-based model
  • Printing speed

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Article
Publication date: 18 November 2020

Implementation of 3D printing and the effect on decision making in logistics management

Stefan Hecker

From a synthesis of literature, the purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual service development methodology showing the impact of 3D printing as a disruptive…

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Abstract

Purpose

From a synthesis of literature, the purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual service development methodology showing the impact of 3D printing as a disruptive technology to the service portfolio. The methodology is designed to support practitioners and academics in better understanding the impact of disruptive technologies may have to the service portfolio and participate in the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is conducted and based on these findings a conceptual framework has been developed.

Findings

The design of a methodology for the development of 3D printing services is used to evaluate the disruption potential of 3D printing and to implement the technology in the service portfolio of a logistics service provider. The disruption potential of 3D printing influences a logistics manager by make to order decisions. In addition, it could be proven the service portfolio was diversified.

Research limitations/implications

Literature directly dealing with technology-based service development for decision making in logistics management is rare and thus the methodology is built on insights, compiled from the distinct research areas. Further research should be performed on this nascent topic.

Practical implications

Logistics service providers may use the developed methodology to revise their service portfolio by the consideration of disruptive technologies, in order to reduce strategic misdecisions regarding the range of services.

Originality/value

This paper looks specifically at decision making for implementing disruptive technologies to the service portfolio.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-01-2020-0049
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

  • Logistics management
  • 3D printing
  • Service development
  • Decision making

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Article
Publication date: 20 June 2020

A review of 3D printing processes and materials for soft robotics

Yee Ling Yap, Swee Leong Sing and Wai Yee Yeong

Soft robotics is currently a rapidly growing new field of robotics whereby the robots are fundamentally soft and elastically deformable. Fabrication of soft robots is…

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Abstract

Purpose

Soft robotics is currently a rapidly growing new field of robotics whereby the robots are fundamentally soft and elastically deformable. Fabrication of soft robots is currently challenging and highly time- and labor-intensive. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing of soft materials and multi-materials have become the key to enable direct manufacturing of soft robots with sophisticated designs and functions. Hence, this paper aims to review the current 3D printing processes and materials for soft robotics applications, as well as the potentials of 3D printing technologies on 3D printed soft robotics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the polymer 3D printing techniques and materials that have been used for the development of soft robotics. Current challenges to adopting 3D printing for soft robotics are also discussed. Next, the potentials of 3D printing technologies and the future outlooks of 3D printed soft robotics are presented.

Findings

This paper reviews five different 3D printing techniques and commonly used materials. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique for the soft robotic application are evaluated. The typical designs and geometries used by each technique are also summarized. There is an increasing trend of printing shape memory polymers, as well as multiple materials simultaneously using direct ink writing and material jetting techniques to produce robotics with varying stiffness values that range from intrinsically soft and highly compliant to rigid polymers. Although the recent work is done is still limited to experimentation and prototyping of 3D printed soft robotics, additive manufacturing could ultimately be used for the end-use and production of soft robotics.

Originality/value

The paper provides the current trend of how 3D printing techniques and materials are used particularly in the soft robotics application. The potentials of 3D printing technology on the soft robotic applications and the future outlooks of 3D printed soft robotics are also presented.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 8
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-11-2019-0302
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

  • Additive manufacturing
  • 3D printing
  • Multi-materials
  • Soft robotics
  • Soft materials

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Article
Publication date: 18 November 2019

Retrospective analysis of a sustainable 3D printing service in an academic library

Jean Louise Bossart, Sara Russell Gonzalez and Neelam Bharti

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainability of an academic library 3D printing service. Originally intended to introduce students to an emerging…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainability of an academic library 3D printing service. Originally intended to introduce students to an emerging technology, the 3D printing service at the University of Florida (UF) libraries expanded to support teaching, learning and research, allowing faculty, staff and students to engage in the maker movement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzed usage data collected by the library’s 3D printing service from April 2014 through March 2018. These data include the number of prints produced, amount of filament consumed, user academic demographics and whether it is for academic assignments, research or personal projects.

Findings

The data show that the initial 3D printing service users were predominantly engineering students; however, over the four-year period, the service has built up a consistent and diverse user base and expanded the number and types of printers. With grants covering the purchase of the 3D printers and a modest charge for printing ($0.15 per gram of model weight), the 3D printing service has achieved a sustainable level.

Originality/value

UF was one of the first academic libraries to offer 3D printing services and has collected four years of data to evaluate the sustainability of the service. These data demonstrate that the service is a valuable and sustainable asset, allowing students and researchers to visualize and innovate in such diverse fields as anthropology, archaeology, art, biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-12-2018-0196
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

  • Academic libraries
  • Sustainability

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Article
Publication date: 16 September 2019

Three-dimensional scanning and printing techniques to analyze and archive human skeletal remains

Kristy Henson, Paul Constantino, F. Robin O’Keefe and Greg Popovich

The topic of human skeletal analysis is a sensitive subject in North America. Laws and regulations surrounding research of human skeletal material make it difficult to use…

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Abstract

Purpose

The topic of human skeletal analysis is a sensitive subject in North America. Laws and regulations surrounding research of human skeletal material make it difficult to use these remains to characterize various populations. Recent technology has the potential to solve this dilemma. Three-dimensional (3D) scanning creates virtual models of this material, and stores the information, allowing future studies on the material. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the potential of this methodology, the authors compared processing time, accuracy and costs of computer tomography (CT) scanner to the Artec Eva portable 3D surface scanner. Using both methodologies the authors scanned and 3D printed one adult individual. The authors hypothesize that the Artec Eva will create digital replicas of <5 percent error based on Buikstra and Ubelaker standard osteometric measurements. Error was tested by comparing the measurements of the skeletal material to the Artec data, CT data and 3D printed data.

Findings

Results show that larger bones recorded by the Artec Eva have <5 percent error of the original specimen while smaller more detailed images have >5 percent error. The CT images are closer to <5 percent accuracy, with few bones still >5 percent error. The Artec Eva scanner is inexpensive in comparison to a CT machine, but takes twice as long to process the Eva’s data. The Artec Eva is sufficient in replication of larger elements, but the CT machine is still a preferable means of skeletal replication, particularly for small elements.

Originality/value

This research paper is unique because it compares two common forms of digitization, which has not been done. The authors believe this paper would be of value to natural history curators and various researchers.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-10-2017-0206
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

  • Archaeology
  • 3D printing
  • 3D scanning
  • Digitizing
  • Osteology
  • Skeletal remains

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Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

User entrepreneur business models in 3D printing

Patrick Holzmann, Robert J. Breitenecker, Aqeel A. Soomro and Erich J. Schwarz

3D printing possesses certain characteristics that are beneficial for user entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the business models of user…

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Abstract

Purpose

3D printing possesses certain characteristics that are beneficial for user entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the business models of user entrepreneurs in the 3D printing industry. In addition, various business opportunities in 3D printing open to user entrepreneurs are classified according to their attractiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the literatures on user entrepreneurship and on business models. Data from eight user entrepreneurs in Europe and North America are analyzed, applying qualitative content analysis. Multiple correspondence analysis is used to analyze their respective business models.

Findings

User entrepreneurs in the 3D printing utilize a number of different business models, which show similarities in particular business model components. User entrepreneurs focus primarily on the combination of low opportunity exploitation cost and a large number of potential customers.

Research limitations/implications

Online business seems to be beneficial for user entrepreneurship in 3D printing. Policy makers can foster user entrepreneurship by expanding entrepreneurship education and lowering administrative barriers of business foundation. The results of this study are based on a small European and North American sample. Thus, they might not be applicable to other markets.

Originality/value

This is the first study of user entrepreneur business models in 3D printing and, thus, contributes to the literature on business models and on user entrepreneurship. In view of the novelty of the field, the business models identified in the study could serve as blueprints for prospective user entrepreneurs in 3D printing.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-12-2015-0115
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

  • Business model
  • 3D printing
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Small business
  • Business model innovation
  • User entrepreneurship

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Article
Publication date: 21 January 2019

On the adoption of additive manufacturing in healthcare: a literature review

Mukul Ramola, Vinod Yadav and Rakesh Jain

The purpose of this paper is to discuss different 3D printing techniques and also illustrate the issues related to 3D printing and cost-effectiveness in the near future.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss different 3D printing techniques and also illustrate the issues related to 3D printing and cost-effectiveness in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review methodology is adopted for this review paper. 3D printing is in the initial phase of implementation in healthcare; therefore, a study of 70 research papers is done, which discusses the research trends of 3D printing in healthcare sector from 2007 to mid-2018.

Findings

Though additive manufacturing has a vast application, it has not been used to its full potential. Therefore, more research is required in that direction. It is revealed from the review that only a few researchers have explored issues related to cost, which can clearly show cost-effectiveness of adopting 3D printing.

Originality/value

This paper helps in understanding the different 3D printing techniques and their application in the healthcare. It also proposed some methods which can be applied in delivering customized pharmaceuticals to the customer and to improve surgery.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-03-2018-0094
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Cost reduction

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