On February 16th, the “3D Printing and Popular Science Activity”, held jointly by Qingdao Radio and TV University (RTVU) and the 3D Focus website (www.3dfocus.com.cn), attracted 152 families and more than 500 citizens. The activity was filled with vivid cartoon characters and picturesque models of animals, as well as realistic human skeletons. 

With the theme of “Technology Benefits Mankind, Innovation Leads the Future, 3D Printing Excites Qingdao”, the activity attracted both children, the elderly and tech enthusiasts to its experience centre and popular science lectures. Visitors were able to view 3D printing equipment, printing products and consumable materials, and discuss with printing technicians. 

Upon hearing that 3D printing technology has the ability to print human organs, an old man commented that this sort of technology will make great contributions to health care.  

A child was astonished by a freshly printed 3D whistle, which was able to make a sound just like a traditional whistle. 

At the popular science lectures, the specialists explained the origin, development and future of 3D printing technology, as well as the printing process, printing supplies and the problems faced by 3D printing technology. The lectures were well-received by all the attendees.

Qingdao RTVU will continue to hold similar popular science activities. Through these activities, the university hopes to meet the diverse study needs of Qingdao citizens. It will use public service platforms such as the Ministry of Education’s Training Centres for Community Education to develop quality community and business education. When combined with various kinds of non-degree continuing education and training, this will bring good quality resources from the universities into communities, promoting the construction of Qingdao as a learning city. 

By Sun Zongyi, Qingdao RTVU