Education · Education
“Non riesco a immaginare un mondo senza la stampa 3D. Semplicemente non funzionerebbe! ”
JBJonathan BenhamuFounder of HYTAC and lecturer at ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich
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ETH Zurich case study in numbers
ETH Zurich è una delle università leader a livello mondiale nel campo della scienza e della tecnologia. Nel suo Dipartimento di Architettura, il programma Hybrid Timed Architecture (HYTAC) gestisce oltre 100 stampanti 3D Original Prusa per trasformare i progetti architettonici in realtà.
- 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
- ProblemaPer molti dei oltre 300 studenti di architettura, questa è un'immersione rapida. Devono imparare rapidamente a progettare, affettare e stampare per trarre vantaggio dal loro flusso di lavoro quotidiano.
- SoluzioneThrough 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.
- ValoreBy 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
- ProblemaIntegrating 3D printing into an architectural curriculum requires students to deeply understand the tools they use rather than treating them as a black box.
- SoluzioneGli studenti incontrano le macchine nella loro prima settimana. Oltre 300 studenti di architettura sono divisi in gruppi e incaricati di assemblare un kit di stampante 3D Original Prusa, che deve essere completato in due giorni.
- ValoreThrough 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.
- SolutionGli studenti hanno modellato El Poblenou, una zona popolare di Barcellona che include la Torre Agbar e la spiaggia di Bogatell. Hanno trasformato un'analisi 2D in un modello 3D su larga scala utilizzando ArchiCAD e lo hanno stampato in diverse settimane.Printed onOriginal Prusa MK4S
- ValueL'impressionante modello finale riempie un intero 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.
- ValuePer garantire che il loro laboratorio di stampa 3D sia sempre aggiornato, HYTAC vende 20 delle sue stampanti agli studenti a un prezzo ridotto ogni anno e le sostituisce con 20 nuove di zecca.
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
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Upkeep and lifecycle