Inholland Uni rocket Ultimaker
Martin Kampinga holds a 3D-printed part for one of Inholland's rockets
Aviation technology students at a Dutch university are using 3D printing to build small rockets as part of their studies.
The Inholland University pupils have previously built and launched two rockets with 3D-printed parts and carbon fibre. For their third rocket, the students, working in tandem with their teachers, are planning on a completely 3D-printed rocket.
Recently, the group successfully launched the Aguilo II, a solid-fuel rocket of about 8 feet tall. Their next rocket will also stand 8 feet tall and use a similar engine to the Aguilo II.
“We use 3D printing primarily in the design process,” said Martin Kampinga, teacher in aviation technology at Hogeschool Inholland in Delft. “We design a model on the PC and print it out to continue working on it. We’re an applied sciences study, so everything we teach we try to apply in practice as well. Students primarily learn about strength calculations, aerodynamics, everything that has something to do with aeroplanes.”
Inholland uni rocket ultimaker
A 3D-printed rocket part made with a Ultimaker 3D printer
The Applied Sciences department of Inholland University has introduced 3D printing techniques into its teaching, not only to familiarise students with a modern manufacturing method, but also because of its time and money-saving capabilities. Currently working on how to get their third rocket off the ground, students are acclimatising themselves to the change in the design process 3D printing has brought. Now, they need to consider design at the very end of production. This means they need to take into account how the 3D printer works and how it builds the item.
“I think every university should offer this in their curriculum,” Kampinga added. “University is where it all happens. Students will be here for four years, so they won’t hit the labour market until four years from now. In four years’ time these 3D printers will have changes as well, so in the course of their education, you need to show them that alternative production methods exist.”
Students have been using the school’s Ultimaker 3D printers to produce lightweight parts for their rockets. As well as the rocket’s aerodynamics, the weight is an important factor to consider, meaning 3D printing has helped enormously in the production process. The time saved using 3D printing is even more helpful, since their third rocket requires a completely new design approach.
