The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Taiwan Tech, in collaboration with the Taiwan High-Speed 3D Printing Research Center and the Metal Additive Manufacturing Technology Alliance, partnered with the Central Region Office of the Ministry of Education's Industry-Academia Collaboration Talent Cultivation Platform. They held a three-day teacher practical training course from July 19th to 21st, 2023, at NTUST's 3D Material Art Dream Workshop. The theme of the course was “Smart Mechanical Workshop: Practical Applications of 3D Printing Additive Manufacturing”.

A group photo was taken featuring all participating educators, professors from Taiwan Tech, and personnel from the Central Region Office of the Ministry of Education's Industry-Academia Collaboration Talent Cultivation Platform.

Professor Zhi-Hua Xie from Taiwan Tech explained that 3D additive manufacturing technology employs an additive approach to production. It involves scanning or digitally generating a 3D file, transforming the three-dimensional information into layered flat data using slicing software, and then employing equipment to stack these layers and create a three-dimensional object.

In a deeper exploration of the curriculum, Professor Xing-Ping Huang detailed how the curriculum systematically introduced the seven major additive manufacturing techniques. This allowed participants to comprehend the design philosophies of both additive and subtractive manufacturing. The course aimed to cultivate hands-on experience in extrusion molding and light-curing molding equipment operation. Through practical printing exercises, participants were enabled to fabricate samples of their own designs.

Professor Xing-Ping Huang (center) of Taiwan Tech demonstrates equipment operation.

One of the participants, Professor Hsiu-Hui Yang from National Taipei University of Business's Department of Cultural and Creative Industries, shared two impressive aspects of the experience: the opportunity to visit the laboratories of the instructors and the chance to print their own creations. She noted that not only were the instructors willing to open up their labs, but they also generously shared their applications and breakthroughs in the realm of 3D printing technology. Professor Zhi-Hua Xie's course arrangement allowed participants to go through the entire process, from drawing to output, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience. She felt that the course expanded her understanding of 3D printing beyond mere imagination.

Assistant Professor Zu-Chia Hsu from Long-Hua University's Department of Applied Foreign Languages and International Tourism and Exhibition Master's Program reflected that the course could potentially integrate with the iPAS (Ministry of Economic Affairs' Industry Personnel Competency Certification Promotion Network) certification program, serving as a practical aspect of future teaching. Teacher Shiou-Ling Chiu from Da-An Vocational High School's Department of Mechanical Engineering expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing opportunities to enhance educators' capabilities, expressing hope for more opportunities for industry-academic exchanges among universities, vocational schools, and technical skill development.

Professor Zhi-Hua Xie of Taiwan Tech (right) delivered a comprehensive technical presentation.

Over the span of three days, the workshop convened vocational educators from across the nation. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and expert lectures, participants gained enriched practical experience in the domain of 3D printing additive manufacturing. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Participating vocational educators were equipped to directly integrate their acquired skills into future instructional endeavors, thereby nurturing students' hands-on capabilities. This, in turn, contributes to the cultivation of a more proficient workforce in the realm of intelligent machinery. Participants had the unique opportunity to visit pertinent on-campus research laboratories, gain insights into the latest advancements in high-speed additive manufacturing technology and applications, and engage in meaningful exchanges with field experts.

The successful execution of this educational endeavor owes gratitude not only to the diligent planning and efforts of Professors Zhi-Hua Xie and Xing-Ping Huang of Taiwan Tech, but also to the opening remarks by Director Shao-Ru Shi of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Director Nian-Miao Liao of the Central Region Office of the Ministry of Education's Industry-Academia Collaboration Talent Cultivation Platform. This event transcends mere knowledge dissemination; it symbolizes the seamless integration of technology and education.

This workshop garnered enthusiastic participation from numerous esteemed educators, including representatives from institutions such as University of Marine Technology, New Taipei City Municipal New Taipei Industrial Vocational High School, Taiwan Tech, Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei City University of Science and Technology, Nanya Institute of Technology, Far East University, National Chiayi Industrial Vocational High School, National Tainan Maritime Vocational High School, Taipei Municipal Da'an Vocational High School, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Yu Da University, Saint Francis Xavier High School, Taoyuan Municipal NeiLi Senior High School, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology. In the future, there will be continued efforts to foster more practical exchange activities, promoting the integrated development of industrial upgrading and technical and vocational education.

Hands-on training resulting in printed prototypes.