Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Ward No. 6 – A two-day workshop on Applied 3D Printing concluded today in Lalitpur. The workshop, held on June 11th and 12th, 2024, aimed to introduce participants to the exciting world of 3D printing technology and its potential applications.
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Jha, Director of Kathmandu University, Directorate of Research, Development and Innovation (Chief Guest), Mr. Suman Maharjan, Acting Ward Chair, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Ward 6 (Special Guest), and other esteemed guests from the Ward Committee and Kathmandu University.
The workshop was commenced yesterday with a presentation by Mr. Tejesh Man Shakya, who shed light on the recently concluded workshop and the ongoing research project titled “Integration of Nepalese Traditional Craftsmanship with 3D Printing Technology in Metal Casting for Industrial Design.” This research project, funded by Kathmandu University, Directorate of Research, Development and Innovation, explores the potential of combining traditional Nepalese craftsmanship with cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
Mr. Ashish Thapa followed with an insightful presentation on 3D Printing Technology, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the technology and its capabilities. The workshop itself offered a hands-on learning experience, with students from Kathmandu University setting up the workspace and participants’ laptops.
The workshop program included:
- Group division and practice sessions on Computer Aided Design (CAD) for creating basic shapes and forms.
- Continued practice on CAD software and the creation of basic design and STL files for printing.
- An open discussion on the applications of 3D printing in Nepalese metal craft.
- Practice on creating basic organic shapes and forms using Blender software and the generation of STL files for printing, followed by another discussion session.
- An open discussion on the novice theory of Lost PLA Metal Casting Method comparative to the Nepalese traditional method of Lost Wax Metal Casting for the craft and industrial design sector.
The closing ceremony provided a platform for participants to showcase their 3D printed creations. This was followed by the presentation of certificates to the participants and contributors by Prof. Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Jha and Mr. Suman Maharjan.
A participant representative, Pari Shakya and Dujaw Man Chitrakar shared their feedback on the workshop, highlighting the valuable knowledge and skills gained. Special Guest Mr. Suman Maharjan and Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Jha then delivered their remarks, commending the organizers for their initiative and emphasizing the importance of integrating new technologies like 3D printing into traditional craftsmanship along with feasibly in collaboration between Kathmandu University and Lalitpur Metropolitan City for the continuous short term training on the 3D Printing Technology for metal craftsmen of Lalitpur.
The closing ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Tejesh Man Shakya, expressing his gratitude to all participants, organizers, and supporters who made the workshop a success.
This workshop was organized by Jyāsah – KU Makerspace, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Art and Design, Kathmandu University; co-organized by the Art, Culture and Tourism Promotion Committee, Office of the Ward No. 6, Lalitpur Metropolitan City; and in cooperation with KU Design Lab, Nyano Care Pvt. Ltd., Kala Nest Pvt. Ltd., and Foundry Foundation Nepal.