TEACHING INNOVATION PROJECT BASED ON 3D PRINTER FOR THE ELASTICITY AND STRENGTH OF MATERIALS SUBJECT IN THE DEGREE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The new tools incorporated into teaching activity are used as catalyst for the process of teaching and learning. The current 3D printers have two important characteristics: flexibility and economy. The combination of these properties makes that 3D printers are considered as a tool of a great interest to its incorporation into the teaching assignments. This paper proposes the use of 3D printers in the Elasticity and Strength of Materials subject. The use of graphics resources based on two-dimensional construction details are available for the students, which provide transversality while capture the attention of the students. Comparing the models configured by the computer and make them physically manufactured using 3D printer is a highly rewarding experience for the students. In parallel, the proposed activity with real rolled profiles, allows students to appreciate the suitability of the models and tools used in Structural Engineering. The engineer must be open-minded to new tools and be able to incorporate them into their professional activity. 3D tools have great potential in the future career of engineer. The satisfaction survey conducted at the end of the Teaching Innovation Project provides positive results on the activities undertaken.