A team of engineering students from the German Jordanian University (GJU) has won first place in the 2024 National Graduation Projects Competition for the Mechanical Engineering Division, organized annually by the Jordan Engineers Association. Their winning project, titled “Design and build of a CoreXY 3D printer - IBTIKAR”, was supervised by Dr. Ahmad Alshwawra from the Department of Mechanical and Maintenance Engineering.
The project was developed by students Abdelrahman AlKasrawi, Aws Barghouthi, Muhannad Mahfouz, and Ahmad AlHeji, who designed and built the first prototype of the ‘IBTIKAR’ 3D printer entirely from scratch. Their work included mechanical design using CAD software, component manufacturing and assembly, electrical and electronic circuit design and programming, as well as rigorous operational and performance testing. They also prepared a comprehensive user manual detailing the printer’s assembly and operation.
The ‘IBTIKAR’ printer is based on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology and features a high-performance print head capable of operating at temperatures up to 300°C, enabling it to print a wide range of high-viscosity materials. The printer utilizes direct extrusion technology and incorporates the advanced CoreXY motion system, which delivers high-speed, high-precision printing.
Key specifications include:
Print volume: 330 × 330 × 360 mm
Print speed: up to 160 mm/s
Remote control: via mobile phone or computer
These features position 'IBTIKAR' as a strong competitor among commercially available 3D printers.
Dr. Alshwawra, the project's supervisor, is actively engaged in both local and international research aimed at advancing 3D printing technologies. His current work includes a project on carbon fiber-reinforced printing materials and another exploring the properties of foam concrete for 3D printing, in collaboration with the National University of Malaysia.
He is also supervising the development of the second version of the 'IBTIKAR' printer, with goals to double its printing speed, enhance its main electronic control board, and integrate smart printing features and AI capabilities.
Following their success, the four students have chosen to pursue entrepreneurship, joining the growing community of GJU innovators and startup founders. They are currently working to establish their own startup company focused on designing and developing 3D printers tailored for both the educational and industrial sectors.
Their mission is to promote a culture of innovation among school and university students while offering cutting-edge, integrated engineering solutions to the industrial sector using advanced 3D printing technology.