Platform for learning: 3D printers lab inaugurated in NED University

Vice-chancellor invites outsiders to use the lab too


Organisers hope the lab will become a platform for project-driven and self-directed learning. PHOTO: AYSHA SALEEM/EXPRESS

KARACHI: A 3D printer lab called 'MakerStudio' has been inaugurated at NED University of Engineering and Technology.

At the inauguration event organsied by Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC), NED vice-chancellor Dr Muhammad Afzal Haque said this was the first ever 3D lab that was established in the university. Addressing the audience at the ceremony, Haque stated further that this lab is not only for university students, but outsiders are welcomed here too.

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ORIC commercialisation associate Arsalan Waheed said that it was about a year ago when they decided to establish a 3D lab in the varsity. While giving a presentation on how the MakerStudio will work, Waheed said that every student and staff member will have access to it and the lab will become the platform for informal, project-driven and self-directed learning.

Waheed further said that such labs are needed by the institute where over 10,000 students are enrolled. "Bringing creative professionals under the same roof allows members to learn from each other," he added.

While giving a demonstration on how the 3D printers work, Xplorer 3D CEO Tayyab Alam said that the printers can very easily be used by a layman.

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He added that these printers are assembled in Pakistan and their organisation also invited NED university students to experience the procedure of how the assembling is done. These printers are not just for the engineering students but are also for visual studies students, Alam added.

"It will be an amazing experience for all the students as it will introduce us to new technologies and will train us," said Murtaza, a NED student, while talking to The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2016.

COMMENTS (4)

Raghu | 8 years ago | Reply Did you people read the article before commenting. They did not purchase it. They built it them selves!! They dint say it was an invention. So cool it.
John B | 8 years ago | Reply The filament system is not for everyone and the commercial units are meant for hobbyists who would like to thinker all the time. Needs accurate leveling , practice and patience. Pain to operate but fun. There are other industrial 3D systems that would be a good start for colleges since the upstream work flow are the same regardless of machines. If the objective is to have a open 3d lab for hands on experience then the filament system is a waste of money and effort.
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