AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS 3D PRINTING AMONG MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN A STATE UNIVERSITY

This study significantly determines the awareness and attitude of fourth year Mechanical Engineering students about the functions and the benefits in utilizing 3D Printers. In order to conduct a study, participants answered a survey questionnaire, using 5-point Likert scale to measure the magnitude of their agreement and opinion. There is a total of 32 fourth year Mechanical Engineering students in a chosen public higher education institution who participated in the survey. The content in the survey are related to the different types of 3D Printers available in the market but limited to material extrusion types, their awareness on the features and cost of 3D Printers, and their behavior towards it. The data were encoded and analyzed using SPSS through T-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s r method. It has been discovered that the students have fair comprehension or exhibit neutrality regarding the types of 3D Printing, and their awareness about the existing of 3D Printers. On the other hand, participants expressed their positive attitude on eagerness to learn and know more about 3D Printing technology. Moreover, participants believed that the benefits and contribution of 3D Printing in integrating to the subject curriculum in educational institution will enhance their skills and expertise in hands-on learning experiences, foster creativity and innovations, and prepare them as a future professional in helping diversify the community to meet the technology trends.

Authors:

Engr. Archie G. Saluba, MEng.
Western Institute of Technology, Iloilo City, Philippines

Engr. Joel B. Garcera, Ph.D.
Western Institute of Technology, Iloilo City, Philippines

Published on Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2(7), 648–670. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12783978