Simplification of an Additive Manufacturing Machine Implementation Using Its CAD Model and Mixed-Reality

This study presents the development and evaluation of a Mixed Reality (MR) tool called HoloPrint, designed to assist students in learning how to use a Filament Deposition Machine (FDM) for 3D printing. The HoloPrint tool combines a MR headset with a pedagogical scenario based on teacher feedback and is tailored to the expected competency profiles of students. The proof of concept phase focuses on understanding how users adopt this novel way of interacting with a combined virtual and real environment while accomplishing the scenario's objectives. A homogenous population of 81 first-year engineering students at INSA Toulouse was selected to participate in the study. The experiment was conducted during practical work sessions with 8 classes, each consisting of 10 students. The study evaluated the success rate of students using HoloPrint and assessed the tool's usability and usefulness through the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Results indicate a high success rate of 98.8% for students using HoloPrint to print objects without assistance. The average SUS score for the tool was 79.69, indicating “Good” acceptability and nearing “Excellent.” Furthermore, prior experience with 3D printers or VR headsets did not significantly impact the success rate or SUS scores, suggesting the tool's effectiveness in aiding both novice and experienced students. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the potential of Mixed Reality as an effective and user-friendly tool for training students on a simple additive manufacturing machines, it enables the researchers to conduct further experimentation on more complex additive manufacturing machines.