3DPrinterOSA busy makerspace that has to be fair to everyone
Dublin City University enrolls over 17,000 students across five faculties and takes a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Its makerspace gives students a robust 3D printing setup for design and prototyping: 18 Prusa Mini, 2 Ultimakers and a Prusa MK4.
Demand is intense. Mechanical engineering students print boats, toolmaker's clamps, wind turbines and water pumps, and final year and research students use the makerspace extensively. Makerspace lead Liam Domican needed queues that avoid confusion and give each student fair access.
Managed queues and usage data in one platform
DCU runs its 3D printing operations on 3DPrinterOS. Liam values its ability to manage queues effectively, eliminating confusion and giving each student fair access, so students can focus on the creative side of their work instead of logistics.
3DPrinterOS also collects data on the usage and performance of the printers. Liam's team uses it to identify bottlenecks, improve processes and demonstrate the value and impact of their 3D printing resources.
Thousands of prints, every one on record
The fleet has clocked 8,000 hours of 3D printing. In the most recent semester alone, 3DPrinterOS recorded 230 users completing 4,800 hours of printing and 2,353 prints, using over 50 kilograms of material.
Projects range from a miniature boat designed with fluid mechanics principles to a lab-scale vertical axis wind turbine, a firefighter water-carrying device and a 3D printed water pump powered by a wind turbine with a backup battery.
