Case Study: Durham University achieves enhanced cross-department collaboration and research insight with 3D Systems' Projet® CJP 660Pro

Full Color 3D Printing Stimulates Inter-departmental Collaboration at Durham University (UK)

Durham University adopted 3D Systems’ Projet® CJP 660Pro full‑color 3D printer to spur inter‑departmental collaboration and improve how researchers visualize complex problems. Although the Computer Science department purchased the machine to support other faculties, initial uptake was slow and staff needed convincing of the printer’s practical research and teaching benefits.

By using the Projet® 660Pro for Color Jet Printing, teams produced accurate, photo‑real 3D replicas — notably detailed fault‑surface models from the L’Aquila earthquake — and tactile maps for RNIB and coastal‑erosion studies. The physical models clarified complex data, boosted cross‑department requests, enhanced student learning in studio sessions, and helped embed 3D printing as an expanding research and teaching tool across the university.

Durham University

Liz Burd

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Deputy Head