With advanced design technology and industry collaboration at its core, Griffith University’s Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT) harnesses the power of 3D printing to solve the problems of tomorrow using cutting-edge technology.
ADaPT combines expertise in micro and nanoscience, complex imaging, 3D digital scanning, 3D functional modeling, bioengineering, industrial design, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and specialist expertise in designing advanced manufacturing processes, to provide a collaborative space for students, researchers and industry experts.
Take a tour of ADaPT
Derek Smith, Technical Manager at ADaPT, takes us on a tour of the facility and talks about how 3D printers are being used to help manufacture essential protective equipment for frontline health workers across Australia.
In March this year, Griffith’s Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT) and Queensland College of Art (QCA) design studio joined forces to develop innovative face shields and other personal protective equipment (PPE) after a request for help from Metro North Hospital and Health Service.
“This is exactly the kind of project our students are trained for”.
Students and researchers from different disciplines used their expertise in product design, manufacturing and 3D printing to develop unique solutions to improve the availability of PPE designs.
Located at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus, students studying engineering and industrial design at Griffith regularly use this facility to bring their ideas to life, working on real products with industry leaders.
“We bring undergraduates in for work placements, where we have them work on projects with their industry partners”.
The facility is equipped with extensive 3D printing technologies including multiple metal, polymer and bio printing capabilities which help bring ideas to life.
From concept to data gathering and analysis, the creation of functional 3D Models, physical testing and then final production of prototype products, ADaPT brings all stages of developing new products into the digital realm.
Is industrial design the degree for me?
If you’re interested in engineering and have a passion for design, a Bachelor of Industrial Design is the ideal study option.
Industrial design combines engineering principles with creative thinking, digital media and digital manufacturing.
By studying industrial design at Griffith, you will develop advanced 3D computer modeling skills and become industry-ready with access to cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, right from your first year of study.
With a hands-on approach to learning, this degree will give you the practical experience in traditional engineering and industrial design, plus the opportunity to learn through project-based design studios and technical learning studios.
“Industrial design really teaches you what you can and cannot do, and if you can’t do it – why? Then figuring out a way to make it possible”.
Ashley Llambias graduated with a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Griffith University in 2019.
Ashley has represented Griffith at various industrial design competitions and is part of the Women In STEM team.
During her degree, she used the ADaPT facility to design a 3D-printed trophy that was presented to the winners of Griffith’s Outstanding Alumni Awards in 2018 and 2019.
“It can be really great if you design something so beautiful, but if you can’t build It there’s no point to the beauty in the design anyway,” she says.
Find out more about studying Industrial Design at Griffith University here.
