In the additive manufacturing laboratory of the School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecology at the University of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool, a team of students called “Print served is busy transforming ideas into reality with various wonderful designs. As 3D printers are represented as a brush on a hot bed, a layer stacked by layer, the models designed by the students themselves take little form of nothing.
“Xinyi Intelligent Manufacturing” displays and sells 3D printed products via unmanned exhibition cabinets on the campus, which comes from the initial exploration of integrated education of the XIPU Entrepreneurship College – Education integrated by the School of Ecology of Intelligent Manufacturing.
Dr. Zhu Yuyi, the acting dean of the School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecology, presented: “The knowledge required for 3D printing extend from multiple base courses of the second year to a junior year of intelligent manufacturing engineering.
From zero, how can the spark of innovation and creativity of teachers and students become a truly integrated entrepreneurial project “implemented”? The story begins with an overview of Mr. Zhu Yuyi and the junction of Qian Zhijie, a junior specializing in intelligent manufacturing engineering.
From zero to a
When Mr. Zhu Yuyi observed the request for personalized and innovative products on the campus, he hoped to establish an integrated project truly implemented according to this.
Qian Zhijie, a student specializing in intelligent manufacturing engineering (photo below), was interested in 3D printing for a long time and once followed the college teachers to do the surf project (undergraduate research project) in this area. When he heard Professor Zhu Yuyi talk about the idea of a 3D printing merger project, he aroused strong interest and was the first to register to join the project team.
Qian Zhijie said that at the time, he had chosen the major in intelligent manufacturing engineering because he assessed “integrated commercial and engineering courses”. When he and Mr. Zhu Yuyi recruited members of the project team, he had a clear idea: “I hope to recruit diverse classmates, which can be designed, managed and marketed.”
The new members continue to join. Ling Yitong, a second year student specializing in intelligent manufacturing engineering, has professional training in mechanical drawing and has strong skills in self-study. Faced with the modeling challenge of the unknown 3D figure, she was not afraid and spent the whole night inquiring about the relevant software operation. With her ability to model, she began to organize a modeling training on the campus and has gradually become the fundamental force of “heart and intelligent manufacturing”.
The image shows the first learning of Ling Yitong on the results of the modeling of 3D figures
Since its creation, the School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecology has provided solid basic support for the project, including equipment, resources and start -up capital. The college manufacturing laboratory is known as the “fully equipped treasure” and has the most diverse 3D printing equipment of the school. Qian Zhijie said: “Take a walk in the teaching building and you can find all the equipment you need.”
In August of the last year, the project team “Xinyi Intelligent Manufacturing” was officially created and Qian Zhijie was elected the leader of the project team.
First appearance
In September, the XIPU Entrepreneurship College (Taicang) organized an open day for first -year students for the whole school.
The photo shows a team participating in the campus open day
Qian Zhijie led the team to prepare in full swing. He said: “I have to do the event well, and that’s my shortest goal.”
He allocated modeling tasks to team members and took care of other questions from the project itself. Everyone’s initial idea was: I hope that each member can quickly master 3D modeling and the full design works with the XP characteristics.
However, after two weeks of hard work, finished products modeled by members have still not complied with sales standards. Faced with time pressure, Qian Zhijie realized that he had to adjust his strategy. He decided to find ready to print design models first to ensure the diversity and attraction of the stand, while respecting the initial results of each member and always displaying their works.
In addition to the 3D printing challenge, Qian Zhijie also has to face many details such as the arrangements of the stands and the selection of products. When selecting the products, he pays particular attention to resonance with the public and constantly adapts according to the printing effect, eliminating inappropriate products to ensure that each detail is perfect.
“3D printing is not just about finishing a work, but also learning to solve practical problems through continuous optimization,” he said.
The photo shows a team participating in the campus open day
To attract more interaction, the team has set up a claw machine next to the stand. Participants can catch dolls for free by scanning the code to reach the WeChat group, and all the dolls are small objects that they use 3D printing technology. On the day of the event, the stand was so popular that more than 600 teachers and students joined the WeChat group “Xinyi Intelligent Manufacturing”, and 1,200 yuan of products were sold on site and 800 yuan online orders were also sold.
Marketing process
After the first event, Qian Zhijie discovered that as a project manager, he had to manage all questions personally and face different attitudes from the team members. Some students join the project of interest and study, while others for financial returns. The initial intention of Qian Zhijie was to drive the team members by interest rather than counting on the salary to measure their efforts.
“I hope everyone can study with peace of mind and do what interests them, not to work for their salary.” But as the project progressed, he achieved how to balance the relationship between learning and financial awards has become a challenge.
The image shows a team photo of the opening ceremony team of the unmanned “Xinyi Intelligent Manufacturing” sales stand “
He realized that to make the project sustainable, regular operations must be carried out and the establishment of a company is the key to carrying out long -term development.
As a precursor of the exploration of integrated education, the XIPU Entrepreneurs College (Taicang) cultivates not only the entrepreneurial thought of students through minors of innovation and entrepreneurship, but also offers students full practical support thanks to innovation support platforms and entrepreneurship. From the start of the project, Dr. Zhu Yuyi contacted Innovation Works, in the hope of obtaining technical support. In this context, when Qian Zhijie mentioned the question of creating a business and management, the teacher Su Qian, the director of the innovation work operation, encouraged them to settle in Puchuanghui.
Pu Chuangui is the start -up center of the XIPU Entrepreneurs College (Taicang) to guide and support the innovative and entrepreneurial activities of students. Qian Zhijie has carefully prepared the request.
Team growth opportunities
In November, Qian Zhijie had led his team to experience three activities, including the new open day of students and the International Day of Xipu. The intense progress of the project exhausted him and the cooperation of the team members made him feel that the current management of the team was not sustainable. He decided to communicate in head with the members of the project team to understand their point of view on the project, their comments on their leadership style and their feelings about their work.
After the conversation, two members chose to withdraw voluntarily, one of whom wanted to turn to a more industrial development department, while the other was more inclined to engage in scientific research. The departure of the two members had Qian Zhijie made that the adjustment between the personal objectives of the team members and the project management is crucial for the success of the team.
This conversation also made him understand the thoughts and motivations of the members. Xu Zhengwei, a second year student in intelligent manufacturing engineering, hopes to apply the knowledge he learned during summer and innovation and project entrepreneurship lessons. Ling Yitong likes to participate in various projects and continue to think in the project: “If I was the person in charge of this project, what would the project look like?”
The image shows Ling Yitong giving a nomadic modeling class
Pave the future of the project
As the project progresses, Qian Zhijie has more reflection on team management. How to manage a growing team has become a challenge for him.
During this period, thanks to the minor of innovation and entrepreneurship, he learned a lot about leadership and team management, in particular the course “Leadership and Communication” benefited him a lot. He also actively participated in Puchuangui entrepreneurship courses.
Currently, the “Xinyi Intelligent Manufacturing” project team is divided into several small teams, such as management, display, sales teams, etc., and each small team has a person in charge. Qian Zhijie began to learn how to apply OKR (objectives and key results) management methods to projects to improve team efficiency and help team members clarify their objectives and responsibilities.
(The photo shows that the team participates in the International Day of Xipu)
In terms of team expansion, he started using more recruitment channels. In addition to the students of this major, the project team has successively attracted undergraduate students in robotics engineering and the management of the supply chain, as well as two doctoral students from the School of Intelligent Robotics. The junction of doctoral students brings a deep professional accumulation to the team, focusing on technology that guarantees the quality of printing and feasibility of the processes.
Students from different professional backgrounds provide several prospects for technological development and commercial operation. Qian Zhijie said: “Each of us has a different perspective on the problem, and this is the most special thing about the team.”
At the same time, he helped the development of the project by working with teachers from the School of Film and Television and creative sciences and technologies with their resources and their promotion. He also communicated with students of the artistic matter to discuss any cooperation opportunities. Students of the Art Sciences Department hope that certain images appear in three dimensions thanks to 3D printing, which brings new creative directions to the project.
“XIPU provides an excellent platform and an excellent environment that allows me to promote the growth of a small entrepreneurial project which is” a light asset and a heavy design “.” In order to make the project go, he plans to find a “successor” among the students of Xipu before going abroad to study for a master’s degree.
Qian Zhijie presented that the heart of “Xinyi intelligent manufacturing” is to provide visual personalization services. With the development of technology, the team plans to introduce more innovative means, including laser engraving, to extend cooperation with school colleges and Xipu souvenir stores to meet more campus needs for personalized personalized products.
Source: Xipu Entrepreneurs College (Taiang)
