Education · Education
“Je ne peux pas imaginer un monde sans impression 3D. Ça ne fonctionnerait tout simplement pas !”
JBJonathan BenhamuFounder of HYTAC and lecturer at ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich
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ETH Zurich case study in numbers
L'ETH Zurich est l'une des principales universités mondiales en science et technologie. Dans son département d'architecture, le programme Hybrid Timed Architecture (HYTAC) utilise plus de 100 imprimantes 3D Original Prusa pour transformer les conceptions architecturales en réalité.
- 1855year founded
- 25,000total students enrolled
- 100+Original Prusa 3D printers
300+students trained per term
During their first week, over 300 architecture students are divided into groups to learn CAD, slicing, and 3D printing.
From the first week to a grand exhibition
- ProblèmePour beaucoup des plus de 300 étudiants en architecture, il s'agit d'une immersion rapide. Ils doivent rapidement apprendre à concevoir, découper et imprimer pour optimiser leur flux de travail quotidien.
- SolutionThrough hands on learning via the "3D Jony" platform and classroom exercises, the HYTAC program gets students up to speed immediately, dividing tasks between CAD drawing, model preparation, and machine assembly.
- ValeurBy the end of the week, the students are successfully printing their own models, and everything culminates in a large exhibition showcasing their new skills.
“I saw all these models, which I found really interesting, and I wondered how they were made in just one week. And that was thanks to 3D printing.”
Jonas Jost, first year architecture student
Building the machines they learn on
- ProblèmeIntegrating 3D printing into an architectural curriculum requires students to deeply understand the tools they use rather than treating them as a black box.
- SolutionLes étudiants découvrent les machines dès leur première semaine. Plus de 300 étudiants en architecture sont répartis en groupes et chargés d'assembler un kit d'imprimante 3D Original Prusa, ce qui doit être réalisé en deux jours.
- ValeurThrough assembly, design, and slicing, the students bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications.
“In the end, every 3D printer we have, has been built by our students so it has the added value of them knowing how it works and being able to fix it themselves.”
Jonathan Benhamu, lecturer at ETH Zurich
A neighbourhood of Barcelona, printed at model scale
- ProblemStudents need to master key architectural principles: modeling in CAD software, analyzing context, scaling, detailing, and organizing a massive cooperative workflow.
- SolutionLes étudiants ont modélisé El Poblenou, un quartier populaire de Barcelone comprenant la Torre Agbar et la plage de Bogatell. Ils ont transformé une analyse 2D en un modèle 3D à grande échelle à l'aide d'ArchiCAD et l'ont imprimé sur plusieurs semaines.Printed onOriginal Prusa MK4S
- ValueL'impressionnant modèle final remplit tout un showroom.
A lab on the roof built for 100 printers
- ProblemOperating a fleet of over 100 3D printers safely in a university environment requires strict measures for fire safety, ventilation, and air filtration.
- SolutionSet up in collaboration with Professor Andrea Deplazes, the 3D lab is located inside a specially developed high tech container on the roof of the architecture department. All 3D printers are housed in a temperature controlled and well ventilated room, safely stored behind glass doors.
- ValuePour s'assurer que leur laboratoire d'impression 3D est toujours à jour, HYTAC vend chaque année 20 de ses imprimantes aux étudiants à un prix réduit et les remplace par 20 machines flambant neuves.
Could your students build the machines they learn on?
Tell us what you teach. We will come back with the machines, the materials and the way other faculties set their labs up.
Still not sure where 3D printing fits your production?
See what other organizations print: an architecture studio, a collider, a hangar, a car plant, a trauma center.
Customer story MASSLAB
MASSLAB prints master plans clients can rearrange
The 40 person Porto architecture studio has printed nearly all of its models since 2021. Buildings, parks and terrain come out as separate swappable pieces, so a roofline changes during the meeting instead of after it.
- 40people in Porto
- 2021nearly all model making printed since
- 2dual head Original Prusa XL printers
“MASSLAB models buildings, parks and terrain as individually swappable printed pieces, so a master plan can be rebuilt on the table instead of remade.”
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Your team’s questions, answered
What educators and technical staff usually ask when scaling up.
Curriculum & Training
Student onboarding
Lab Setup & Safety
Facility requirements
Fleet Management
Upkeep and lifecycle