3D Printing in the Higher Ed AV – Hardware Design and Examples | Architecting AV
By Chi Hang Lo
I was designing the AV/IT technology for the Digital Creative Lab (DCL) last year, which included various equipment such as 3D printers, larger format printers, a podcast studio, video capture and production, and esports equipment. As someone using 3D printing for various designs and projects, I wanted to ensure we had the best possible 3D printer for our lab. During the selection process, I found that there had been many significant improvements since my last MakerBot Z18 replicator. Therefore, I want to share my experiences and research on 3D printing technology for design and prototyping in the Higher Edu AV.
Benefits of 3D Printing in Pro AV
In addition to sharing my personal experiences, I would like to provide information on the best 3D printer companies for Pro AV professionals to consider. When selecting a 3D printer, there are many factors, such as print quality, speed, and material compatibility. Some top 3D printer companies to consider are Makerbot, Ultimaker, and Formlabs. Each company offers unique features and benefits that could benefit your labs and Higher Edu AV Projects.
Examples of 3D Printed Hardware in Pro AV
Pro AV installations have a lot of examples of 3D-printed hardware components for prototypes and installed in actual products. One common application is in the production of custom speaker mounts and enclosures. By 3D printing these components, installers can create custom brackets and enclosures that perfectly match the speaker and the space it will be installed in, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing, tight-fitting, and functional installation. Another example of 3D printed hardware in Pro AV is the production of custom brackets and supports for video walls and digital signage. By 3D printing these components, installers can create custom brackets and supports that fit perfectly with the specific screens, resulting in a more secure and stable installation.
Besides printing components, another practical application of 3D printing in the Higher Edu AV is creating scaled models. For example, I used 3d printing to design the technology layout for an auditorium. 3d printing allowed me to print out scaled models to show the AV system layout and how users would interact. Using a scale of 1:8 or 1:9 for larger objects such as podiums, lab tables, and sound booths, I could provide a realistic representation of the furniture and AV system relationship without being too small or too big. Additionally, I would print a human figure to give perspective on the scale. This technique allowed me to effectively communicate my ideas and designs to my team, stakeholders, and clients, ultimately leading to better decision-making and project outcomes.
3D Printing Companies and Materials for Pro AV
MakerBot is popular in Higher Education due to its high print quality and reliability. Their printers are known for their ease of use and compatibility with various materials. Formlabs specializes in resin-based printing and is well-suited for creating intricate designs. Prusa Research is another well-regarded company offering high-quality printers at affordable prices. Creality is a more budget-friendly option that still provides reliable and high-quality printing.
When it comes to materials, several options can benefit Pro AV professionals. There are three popular materials, including PLA, ABS, and PETG. These materials are just a few examples of the vast array of options available, and selecting the appropriate material for each project is essential.
— PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable and renewable material that is easy to print and provides a smooth finish.
— ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a durable material that can print at high temperatures. Therefore it is commonly used for functional parts in the Pro AV industry.
— PETG ( glycol-modified) is a robust, flexible material well-suited for creating clear parts or enclosures.
Conclusion
In my experience working in the Higher Edu AV, 3D printing has been an invaluable tool for hardware design and prototyping. I’ve used it to create scaled models that show how users interact with AV systems and produce custom components and housings for specific applications. Additionally, 3D printing has allowed me to embrace design thinking and iterate quickly on ideas.
If you found this article helpful, please let me know your thoughts and feedback. I would love to share more about the software innovation of 3D printing technology and how to use cloud manager solutions to help you manage your lab and evaluate the right 3D printing solutions for your needs.
Connect with Chi Hang Lo:
Email: chihang.lo@usc.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihanglo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChiLo_SC
Hashtags: #highedav #3DPrinting #3DPrinters #3DDesign #3DModeling #DesignThinking #AVTechnology #ProAV #HigherEducation #DigitalFabrication #ProductDesign #RapidPrototyping #AdditiveManufacturing #Innovation #Technology #Makerspace #Engineering #STEM #STEAM #CreativeDesign #CreativeTechnology #EducationTechnology
