BU Inspé Le Mans
I. The context
The University of Nantes, and more specifically the Inspé (Institut National du Professorat et de l’Éducation), welcomes students enrolled in the ‘Teaching, Education and Training Professions’ Masters programme. As head of the Inspé’s university library, Sylvain BOISSINOT has set up a MiniLab in the library, equipped with a 3D printer and a cutting plotter. The aim of this laboratory is to enable future teachers to make teaching tools while being trained in digital technologies.
1. Why did you include 3D printers in your education program?
I regularly take part in courses (on the themes of digital technology, children’s literature or games, etc.) with students. I’ve noticed that they very often need to make tools, devices and other educational objects. However, the lack of know-how and appropriate or accessible/visible equipment is an obstacle to the success or even the start-up of their projects. The role of the BU team is to support them so that they dare to launch projects and to meet their technical needs.
2. Can you tell us about the use of 3D printers in your school?
The MiniLab at the BU welcomes students in small groups or individually. The machines are placed on trolleys so that they can be used in classes with larger numbers of students, as part of an educational program combining technology and music, for example.
II. The Challenge
1. Noise from the printer
The noise generated by the printer was a nuisance in an environment designed for study and intellectual work.
2. Compliance with safety standards
The school’s safety committee would not have approved the installation of the 3D printer without an effective air filtration system, because of the risks to air quality.
3. VOC emissions and nanoparticles
With the 3D printer located in the library, it was crucial to ensure the safety of students and staff from emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nanoparticles, two potentially dangerous by-products of 3D printers.
III. Solution of Alveo3D
To meet these challenges, the University of Nantes opted to install the Alveo3D enclosure, designed to filter VOC emissions and reduce noise from 3D printers. Here are the key points of this solution:
🟢 Choice of partner: The BU team opted for a local or national partner, and was impressed by the quality of the discussions with the Alveo3D team and the performance of the product.
🟢 Installation and use: Installation went without a hitch, and the Alveo3D solutions proved easy to use and maintain.
🟢 User training: Students and staff are trained in the use of the 3D printer, including information on the risks associated with VOC and nanoparticle emissions.
“Without the Alveo3D housing, I wouldn’t have been able to have 3D printers in the library, unless I’d planned to build an enclosed space equipped with a VMC, which wasn’t an option from a budgetary point of view. The Alveo3D chamber is an excellent way of solving the problem of particulate and VOC emissions. For other schools, it is essential to equip themselves with such solutions to minimize the risks associated with 3D printers”.
– Sylvain BOISSINOT, Head of the BU at the Inspé in Le Mans
IV. Alveo3D’s opinion
3D printing is becoming increasingly common in universities, colleges and training courses. However, many institutions are not aware of the emissions from 3D printers or how to protect learners from these emissions. In France today, there are no national regulations on the safety of 3D printing in schools.
The integration of Alveo3D solutions at the University of Nantes has made it possible to overcome the obstacles associated with dangerous emissions and noise from 3D printers, while complying with safety standards.