Special Focus Paper—Enhancing a 3D Printer with Online Access Enhancing a 3D Printer with Online Access https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v11i5.7069 T. F. Andrade " ! # , P. Abreu, M. T. Restivo, M. F. Chouzal, B. F. Santos, J. Rodrigues University of Porto, Porto, Portugal tfa@fe.up.pt Abstract—This paper looks at different ways of providing a RepRap 3D printer with online access and remote control to be operated from multiple de- vices including mobile devices. Different technological solutions that can be used with distinct printers are identified and tested. The selected and imple- mented remote access solution is described and examples of printed parts are presented. Reference is made to MSc theses that have been supported by this lab facility. Keywords—project based learning, engineering education, mechatronics, re- mote control, mobile interfaces. 1 Introduction According to Kolb’s theory [1], that combines experience, perception, cognition, and behaviour, the experimental learning helps students to gain a deeper understand- ing of scientific concepts. This perspective, in line with the concept of project based learning [2-4], has been followed on our laboratory where extra-curricular activities, student theses and projects development are carried out. Many of these projects are developed at an exploratory phase by master degree students of the automation area in Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineer- ing of University of Porto (FEUP). They focus on the design, fabrication and assem- bly of instrumented devices. Students doing theses in the automation field usually regard hands-on projects with great enthusiasm. Furthermore, the laboratory environment tries to promote peer in- teraction, collaborative learning and the possibility to incubate new ideas that are later explored in new projects. When it is necessary to build a prototype in a thesis project, which is to be completed in approximately six months with a reduced budget, the time and cost involved in traditional manufacturing processes are critical. Cohen et al. [5] conclude that the adoption of 3D printing technologies will have a high impact on accelerating the product development cycle, implementing new manu- facturing strategies and shifting sources of profit areas. The authors are also in line with this perspective and have had that evidence from last years’ practice. 3D printing has been considered as a disruptive technology since it fulfils the disruption pattern identified by Christensen [6]. As referred by Rayna et al. [7], the use of 3D printers 44 http://www.i-jim.org