Goierri Eskola started its activity in 1963 with the aim of satisfying the training needs of the Goierri region in Guipuzcoa, Spain. It belongs to the GOIERRIKO HERRIEN EKINTZA Foundation, which currently includes 18 town councils and 40 companies in the province.
As a post-compulsory education center in this context, Goierri Eskola has cutting-edge resources and spaces and strong relationships with companies, institutions and society.
Challenges and objectives for the center
1
To position itself as a reference in technical education at the state level
Goierri Eskola wants to reinforce its position as a reference in technical education by being a key player in innovation and technological development. Additive Manufacturing plays an essential role in this sense and in the enrichment of the educational offer of the institution.
2
Offer services and collaboration in real business projects
The market is growing and, with it, the expectations of companies that increasingly request qualified profiles in digital manufacturing. In Goierri Eskola, these future professionals are forged from the first day with projects and real needs of companies.
3
Usability for all audiences
In this context, choosing the right 3D technologies is an essential first step. Ease of use and accessibility, reliability and quality of the equipment, different materials, fast learning curve, are characteristics that mark the beginning of a search for the most suitable technologies by 3DZ.
The starting point
3D Technology in Metal
In 2018, Goierri Eskola encountered a challenge that it turned into an opportunity.
The ambition to launch a master’s degree in additive manufacturing required the incorporation of a metal 3D printing system with specific characteristics.
Accuracy, ease of use and accessibility were essential, which marked the beginning of a tireless search for the right technology.
Aitor Zuriarrain, coordinator of the Master in Industrial Additive Manufacturing at Mondragon Unibertsitatea, reveals the solution that has transformed Goierri Eskola’s vision of the future into reality, opting for the Metal series system from Markforged® Metal X, the most affordable and reliable for metal printing, with a wide variety of innovative metals such as Inconel 625, copper, and stainless steel among others.
“The Metal X 3D printer from Markforged met all the requirements we were looking for at the time; a simple metal technology with a fast learning curve and easy to assume, friendly software, variety of materials, precision and ease of use; in short, ideal for education (...) Working with the Metal X system has allowed us to collaborate on projects with funding and collaborate at specific times with companies making custom models for some applications.”
Aitor Zuriarrain
Coordinator of the Master Industrial Additive Manufacturing in Mondragon Unibertsitatea
Integration of new 3D technologies
SLS 3D technology
Following 3DZ’s consultative work, Goierri Eskola’s technical laboratory grows with Formlabs. To complete the range of 3D technologies, the selective laser sintering is incorporated with the 3D printerFuse 1+ and the post-processing station Shift. With SLS technology, Goierri Eskola achieves precise and functional parts with high-performance materials during school hours. In addition, it prints with virtually no waste, which reduces the cost per part while being an environmentally friendly technology.
Prototype bicycle saddle printed with Nylon 12
Thanks to its balance between strength and precision, powdered Nylon 12 is an extremely versatile material, suitable for both functional prototyping and the production of complex assemblies and durable end-use parts with high environmental stability.
SLA 3D technology
At Goierri Eskola, the SLA technology is represented by the Form 3+, the industrial-grade printer to produce reliable, high-quality prototypes and final parts quickly and easily. A 3D printer that fits perfectly in the classroom. The Form 3+ is easy to use and has a wide range of printing materials available.
The picture shows an example of the complete process the students themselves follow when making, in this case, a bearing holder printed with Formlabs’ Castable Wax 40 resin.
Castable Wax 40, a 40% wax resin, stands out as the simplest process on the market for 3D printing and casting. Its versatility makes it compatible with a variety of casting conditions, in this case with plaster coatings, in addition to having low expansion and burning without residue.
“Having the help and advice of 3DZ is a support for us and a guarantee to continue growing with the confidence that we are doing things right. ”
Prof. Zuriarrain concludes.
Convocatorias MEFP
3DZ and the Innovation in Educational Centers Projects
3DZ is an expert in advising and assisting in the adoption and integration of leading additive manufacturing technologies and 3D scanners in industry and training centers.
For the latter, 3DZ has developed its own pedagogical methodology based on the main trends in the educational sector in general, and specifically designed to take full advantage of the capabilities of Additive Manufacturing.
3DZ advises and trains in everything from scanning and processing tools, as well as tools and processes related to 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing.
This is,
Advice and training to participating schools in the field of Industry 4.0 and more specifically in reverse engineering by capturing point cloud using scanner and its treatment for the generation of 3D geometry.
Advice and training to participating schools in the field of Industry 4.0 and more specifically in Additive Manufacturing technologies.
Advice on the creation of new didactic units introducing these technologies linked to Industry 4.0 (3D Simulation and Additive Manufacturing mainly).
Innovation projects in the Ministries of Education and Vocational Training in many European countries, allow schools to access equipment that otherwise would be very difficult to obtain. From 3DZ we participate both as a company in charge of technology transfer and as a facilitator of this equipment. Contact us without obligation for a comprehensive advice.
Prototype bicycle saddle printed with Nylon 12
