AM is unique among manufacturing processes in that, to be successful, designers must consider not only the limitations of the process, but also its novel opportunities.  To encourage this in the next generation of engineering designers, many educators have turned to problem-based learning to engage learners in hand-on DfAM activities.  This research project is investigating how different educational intervention parameters influence student DfAM learning and application, as well as the creativity of their resultant designs.

High-end industrial machines are rarely seen in a classroom setting due to their high cost and complexity. However, by combining AM with Virtual Reality (VR), there is the opportunity to efficiently expose students to these high barrier-to-entry industrial AM machines in an engaging way. This project is investigating how VR might improve a student’s ability to interpret intricate designs and complex AM processes, as well as apply process-specific design considerations in different engineering contexts.