National Seminar on 3D printing

 The department organised a Three-day National Seminar on Recent Advances in 3D printing from 17-19 January 2024. The national seminar was partially funded by Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). 

The program was inaugurated by Dr. Rahul A V, Assistant Professor, IIT Tirupati, former faculty member at FISAT, on 17th. Dr. Rahul delivered the first Keynote address, which explored the diverse techniques and future opportunities of 3D printing of buildings. The session provided a comprehensive understanding of the basics of 3D printing and its operational mechanisms. 

This was followed an online session by Dr. Manu K Mohan, Post Doc. at Ghent University, Belgium, who delved into the intricacies of 3D printing applications in buildings. The third session of the day was handled by Er. Shyju Nair, Executive member, ICI Kochi Chapter. 

This session focused on the fundamentals of Mix designing, where he provided detailed explanations of each step and offered insights on how to interpret each aspect from the code. The interactive nature of the session made it particularly beneficial for both students and faculty members, providing valuable knowledge in the domain. 

The second day of the seminar unfolded with a captivating keynote session led by Mr. Aswin, Official, Tvasta, Chennai. Tvasta is on of the pioneers of 3D printing of buildings in the country.An IITM Startup,  they are engaged in multiple projects in the country including the first 3D printed home of Kerala at Thiruvananthapuram.  Tvasta uses an indigenously developed technology, except for some components in the robotic arm, which are imported as they are not available in India. The concrete mix with a special binding material used by it is patented. 

Mr. Aswin provided a comprehensive introduction to 3D technology in buildings and shared insights into various successful Twasta projects completed in India. Following the keynote, an interactive session engaged the audience, addressing numerous queries and fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Mr. Aswin also conducted a live demonstration of the 3D printing process directly from the Chennai 3D printing plant. Participants were treated to an insightful exploration of the practical aspects of 3D printing. 

Later in the day, Mr. Tom Anto, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, FISAT, hosted a session at the FAB lab of FISAT. His session focused on small-scale 3D printing, offering a detailed explanation and hands-on demonstration of the process within the lab. Participants gained valuable practical insights, enhancing their understanding of the intricacies of 3D printing technology. 

The final day commenced with a session led by Mr. Mahesh C, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The session was about intersection of machine learning and 3D printing. This insightful exploration added a unique perspective to the seminar's thematic focus.

The valedictory session featuring Dr. Robert Thomas, Regional Engineer, Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra, Ernakulam was held on 19th. Dr. Thomas captivated the audience by showcasing a construction 3D printed structure in Trivandrum through engaging videos, offering a comprehensive overview of the construction process. A thought-provoking Q&A session ensued, allowing participants to seek clarifications and deepen their understanding.

 

The event served as an effective platform for both faculty and students, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and practical insights into recent advances in 3D printing. The seamless integration of keynote sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions rendered the seminar an enriching and valuable experience for all participants.

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Diya Sadath, S3 MTech-SECM