Virtual 3D Printer Projects Drive Teaching of Mechatronics Courses

Aiming at the problems of irrational teaching materials, single teaching mode, lack of characteristics in course objectives, insufficient teachers and insufficient experimental conditions in the current “mechatronics” course, this study proposes a course teaching mode driven by the virtual 3D printer project, and reforms the course content and teaching methods. The content of the theoretical part of the course is re-planned, and six topics are proposed, namely, mechanical design of non-standard equipment, computer control system, microcontroller control system, PLC control system, numerical control system and communication protocol, and six experimental assignments are correspondingly designed to initially realize the close integration of theory and application. A virtual 3D printer project is designed in the practical part of the course. Driven by this project, it effectively enhances students' understanding, integration and application of knowledge of microcontroller control, computer programming and mechanical design. More importantly, the virtual 3D printer project-driven course practice avoids any hardware requirements, avoids the manpower and material requirements of a physical project, and achieves full simulation of mechanical and electronic controls. The proposed and applied teaching model effectively improves students' practical and innovative abilities.