Novel 3D printing technique of wood composites
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Wenjia Wang
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Wood Science & Engineering
Project Location:
Richardson Hall
Project Description:
3D printing (also called additive manufacturing) can help us fabricate products with any complex geometries, which provide us significant freedom of design. This project is to explore the application of 3D printing techniques in the manufacturing of wood products. This project will start with a comprehensive literature review of current research of wood-based materials 3D printing. The literature review will summarize the information of 1) printable wood-based materials, 2) widely used 3D printing techniques, 3) common issues during the printing process, 4) properties of printed samples. After the literature review, this project will include some experiments of real 3D printing of wood composites.
This project is an excellent opportunity for the undergraduate students to learn the cutting-edge manufacturing technique of wood products. The research results from this project will help the development of novel 3D printing technique of renewable materials.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
The student will read related literature about 3D printing techniques of wood composites. This will help the student understand the research background and become familiar with the terminologies in this field. I will share some important papers to the student and instruct the student through the learning process. The student will conduct lab work and collect useful experimental data. (I will discuss with the student to decide the specific type of experimental work based on the preference of the student. And I will work with the student in the lab.) The student will present the research findings on a weekly basis to enhance the communication skills and presentation skills. If the student is not interested in experiments, we will work together on other research work that the student feel interested in, such as design of wood products, modeling of printing process, or conduct a further literature review of wood advanced manufacturing.
Hourly rate of pay:
$20.00/hr
What is the expected timeline of this project?:
Fall 2024-Winter 2025
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?:
No
Will training be provided?:
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?:
3-6 hours (the number of hours per week is negotiable.)
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?:
3 hours
Detail your mentorship plan:
I will teach and instruct the student during the research process. I will teach the student fundamental knowledge and teach the necessary hands-on and programming skills. I will also teach software skills, writing skills, and presentation skills. I will work with the students to complete every task of this project. I will share my research experience with the student. I will give the student suggestions about future study. I will always be available to answer questions from the student. Each week, I will spend at least 3 hours to talk with the student, hear her/his research progress and thoughts, and give useful feedback and suggestions. Also, whenever the student conducts experimental research in the lab, I will always work with her/him to finish the lab work.