Project Team
Students
Rebecca Grey
Mechanical Engineering
Penn State Behrend, Schreyer Honors College
Faculty Mentors
Charlotte de Vries
Penn State Behrend
Mechanical Engineering
Swapnil Sinha
Penn State University Park
Mechanical Engineering
Project
Project Video
Project Abstract
3D printing has experienced growing popularity with people including engineering professionals, hobbyists, artists, and teachers. In order to accommodate a variety of users, the concept of usability, or how easily and effectively a person can interact with the printer, must be considered. With the customizability of 3D modeling, there is great potential for 3D printing to be utilized in the home for various practical and entertaining applications. One possible use explored for the home is older generations printing accessibility aids for aging in place, or those who wish to live in their homes for longer. However, physical limitations such as hand strength, standing, and vision pose numerous challenges for learning this new technology. Design efforts focused on the user such as universal design, the idea of appealing design for all despite age or ability, have largely focused on software improvements. Therefore, there is a need to direct attention to operating the physical 3D printer to expand its field of use. To better gauge consumer needs, a survey was designed to understand the difficulties and preferences of 3D printer users. In conjunction with survey development, the physical aspects of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers were identified and analyzed in detail for areas in which older users may struggle. Actionfunction diagrams were used to analyze the way in which the human body moves to perform various actions in order to identify the main physical challenges. When paired with universal design, it is easier to address potential physical issues while ensuring the design is valuable for variations in users beyond the elderly. The guidelines and survey results are intended to lead the continuation of research into the design stage for more user-friendly options that broaden the possibilities of consumer 3D printing.
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