Case Study: Boston University achieves hands-on engineering education and rapid prototyping with Stratasys

Students at Boston University Solve Real-World Problems Using 3D Printing

Boston University found that its engineering curriculum was strong in theory but lacked sufficient practical, hands‑on experience for undergraduates. To address this, the university created the 20,000 sq. ft. Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC) and equipped it with Stratasys FDM and PolyJet 3D printers so students could learn prototyping and manufacturing as part of a required sophomore course.

Stratasys’ printers enabled rapid iteration and real-world project work—EPIC supports roughly 450 students per class and runs about 1,000 students a year through its facility—helping teams develop solutions like a tape dispenser for the Perkins School for the Blind and many other prototypes. The result: 3D printing became integral to the curriculum, students produce professional-quality designs earlier in their education, and Boston University sees measurable increases in hands-on engagement and project output thanks to Stratasys technology.

Boston University

Aleks Zosuls

Research Engineer, Instructor, and Lecturer