Utilizing rapid prototyping to enhance undergraduate engineering education

Rapid prototyping is a term used to describe a group of fabrication processes that are used to quickly create physical prototypes from CAD solid model data. University operated rapid prototyping equipment is often being used as part of research efforts or for the purpose of training students how to use rapid prototyping equipment. However, rapid prototyping technologies are also starting to be used to enhance the undergraduate engineering education experience by supporting other educational objectives. This paper discusses how a rapid prototyping machine was used in two different undergraduate mechanical engineering classes to add excitement and realism. The two classes are a design methodologies class for third year students and the senior mechanical engineering laboratory.