From Digital Designs to Physical Products: Managment students explore 3D Printing

Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dwarka reecently organised a hands-on workshop titled ‘From Datasets to Physical Objects: 3D Printing in Business Analytics’ for its first-year PGDM students . The session aimed to familiarise students with emerging 3D printing technology and explore its relevance to contemporary business operations, product development and innovation.

The workshop was conducted by Mr. Avikshit A. Saras, who introduced students to the fundamentals of 3D printing, its evolution and its expanding applications across industries. He explained how the technology is transforming traditional approaches to product design and manufacturing by enabling businesses to create prototypes, customised products and functional components with greater flexibility.

The resource person discussed the applications of 3D printing across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, automobiles, construction, and research and development. Students learned how the technology is used to develop product prototypes, toys, moulds, automobile components and customised products. He also introduced the concept of bioprinting, which involves using biological materials and living cells to develop tissue-like structures, highlighting its potential applications in healthcare.

A key focus of the session was the role of 3D printing in business analytics, operations and new product development. Mr. Saras explained how organisations can use the technology for sampling, short-run production and product prototyping. By creating physical models of proposed designs, businesses can evaluate products, identify possible improvements and test concepts before moving towards final production. This approach can support innovation while helping organisations make more informed product-development decisions.

The workshop also featured an interactive demonstration during which the resource person showcased several products that he had personally designed and 3D-printed. The demonstration helped students understand how digital designs can be transformed into tangible objects and offered them a closer look at the practical possibilities of the technology.

This was followed by a hands-on activity using Tinkercad, an online 3D modelling platform. Students were introduced to creating digital 3D models and understanding the initial stages of the design process. The speaker also discussed other software used for 3D modelling, including AutoCAD, helping participants gain an overview of the digital tools involved in converting design concepts into physical products.

The session received positive feedback from students. One participant remarked, “The workshop on 3D printing was very insightful. Getting to see actual 3D-printed prototypes helped us understand the technology, its practical applications, and its potential to transform product development and innovation.”

Another student described the workshop as an informative and impactful experience, adding that the practical exposure helped them understand how digital designs become real objects while enhancing their knowledge, creativity and interest in emerging technologies.

Overall, the workshop provided students with a valuable blend of theoretical understanding and practical exposure. By connecting technological advancements with real-world business applications, it broadened their perspective on the role of 3D printing in innovation, operational efficiency, customisation and business development. The session encouraged them to explore how emerging technologies are shaping the modern business environment.