In 2018, Kookmin University (KMU) opened Makerspace, Haedong K*reator’s Library (Haedong KL) in the Sungkok Library and prepared extracurricular courses. Haedong KL offers 3D printer training. The following are edited excerpts from an interview with Joo, Academic Information Planning Team on the subject. 

Q: Can you talk a little about the detailed 3D printing curriculum available at Haedong KL.
 A: Haedong KL operates a 3D printer and teaches people how to print, cut with a laser, lathe, mill, and 3D scan. As the demand for higher levels of education for 3D printers has increased, more opportunities for such higher education has been created. 3D printers are composed of modeling, equipment, and output phases. And their modelling is needed for learning CAD- [computer-aided design] related software. As text is necessary in order to print something, 3D printers generally need drawings for output. Representatively, there is a software called 123D design, and related video lectures are well-made and available on YouTube, as well as other such domains; however, this education cannot be done in a short amount of time, so we teach equipment set-up in pieces, and the output stage it similarly taught through 
separate hour-long theory and hour-long practice courses. In order to participate, you have to take a video-safety course.

Q: How many such lectures are being held at the moment, and, I wonder, how many students are participating?
 A: It is not completely fixed, but they’re usually conducted about once or twice a month. During a single six-month long semester that included vacation, we held 10 to 12 courses. Milling and lathing, for example, require nine hours of training, but it is difficult to make long hours during a given semester, so classes are often not held due to insufficient attendance. The same is true of during the exam period. While participationvaries from time to time, it’s difficult to tell exact figures. On average, a relatively popular 3D printing or laser cutting course will be filled anywhere from 80 percent to 100 percent, while scanning, milling and lathing courses are also filled somewhere above 50 percent in many cases, if nothing special happens.

 *Application Method: Log in to KMU's Total Information Systems (ktis.kookmin.ac.kr) and click K-Star Track on the lower banner, look at the [Haedong KL], which is attached first, and apply during the application period. 

Q: What steps do I need to take to be able to make personal use of different pieces of equipment, including the 3D printer? 
 A: To use the equipment, it’s first necessary to confirm that you have completed Haedong KL’s basic 3D printer training, have taken a class called “3D Printing Creative Makers” in regular lectures, or are eligible for a certificate of education in another Makerspace. You can then visit Haedong KL and fill out a using log. Write the purpose of use, time of use, and weight of materials in the log. Equipment can be used free of charge, but consumables are not supported, so you need to pay according to material’s weight. Representatively, there are ABS [anti-lock braking system] and PLA [polylactic acid], which estimated 50 won per gram. They are different from manufacturer. Low-priced items are sold by 20 won to 30 won per gram. We use the honest goods filament made by Sindoh, so it’s measured higher than normal filament. Of course, it is possible to bring the ingredients in person and use them. 

Q: Although 3D printing is now common, it still seems irrelevant; I’d like to hear how 3D printing can be related to different majors.
 A: Students currently using the 3D printer do so in various ways in relation to their majors, such as designing what design they’d like to make, making their own parts of what engineeringstudents are trying to make, and making prototypes of start-up items for those who want to start their own businesses. Haedong KL was built in the library, the latter being a place where students of all majors gather. KMU’s slogan relates to being a team player aimed at creating new things by connecting students’ different talents. We hope to help students of all majors realize creative ideas with their combined knowledge. Haedong KL aims to foster an environment in which students can spread their power to the fullest extent.
 

 Haedong K*reater is located in the basement of the library and its operation time is 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the semester and 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during vacations. It’s also available during lunch time, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.. It’s not available on weekends

Chan-Yeong Kim Reporter
niet89@kookmin.ac.kr