Abstract:

3D modelling and printing are efficient means of prototyping of the investigated object. They help to visualize a production circle of a certain object, to illustrate its life circle and to predict the failure cases. Many universities have in their curriculum special modules with the aim to teach their students to launch a scientific research. As it is set by the Federal standards of education in the Russian Federation almost every master programme should facilitate the development of scientific research competence. The results of 3D modelling and printing comprise an obligatory part of the master thesis.

The article discusses the application of 3D modelling and printing for conducting scientific research by the master students in Russian universities.

While conducting a research the students often face the problem of lacking necessary laboratory equipment to fulfil their investigation. 3D modelling and printing facilitate the production of lacking details for laboratory benches or, in some cases, to develop a laboratory bench as a whole.

The initial stage of studying 3D design takes place in schools which have so-called “engineering classes”. The students fulfil the simple tasks of 3D modelling and on their basis master the 3D printing skills. That allows to develop the basic set of modelling competence and students’ spatial awareness.

The acquired at the initial stage skills help to further the 3D design competence and to advance the students 3D experience.

After the graduation from the universities about 10% of the Russian students choose to pursue their scientific career. 3D design competence makes it possible for the starting investigators to produce and improve laboratory benches necessary for their research. 3D printing allows to produce lacking equipment nodes of individual design quickly and with a great degree of accuracy. The researchers are able to fulfil innovative experimental investigations and achieve veritable results.

Thus 3D modelling and printing are powerful means of conducting scientific research of basic character as well as of the most complicated one at sufficiently low costs.

Keywords:

Basic skills, 3D design, 3D printing, scientific research, experimental investigation.