Students Discover Laser Engraving and 3D Printing—Creative, Hands-On, and with Tangible Results
How does a digital idea become a real product? And what happens when students not only learn about modern technologies but also get to try them out for themselves?
On July 13, 2026, 27 students from the Maria-Sibylla-Merian Comprehensive School in Herzogenrath gained exciting insights into the world of digital manufacturing during two hands-on workshops hosted by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics at Aachen University of Applied Sciences. They learned to develop their own ideas, create digital models and designs, and apply modern technologies such as laser engraving and 3D printing on their own.
Creating Custom Products with Laser Light
In the workshop featuring the xTool F1 Ultra laser engraver, participants explored the entire laser engraving process chain—from digital data preparation and the development of their own designs to hands-on implementation using the laser engraver: Workshop leader Luis Peter showed the students how to design their own product and then manufacture it themselves.
At various stations, they learned the basics of laser marking, prepared digital data, conducted a parameter study, and analyzed the results. The product was then individually engraved. At the end, the students were able to take home a key rings they had designed and had individually engraved themselves.
From a Digital Model to a 3D-Printed Key Ring
The 3D printing workshop also focused on the students’ own ideas. Workshop leader Lukas Hedwig showed the students how to create their own digital 3D object on a computer using 3D modeling software. A special highlight of the workshop was the group lunch break in the cafeteria at Aachen University of Applied Sciences. There, the students gained an authentic glimpse into everyday university life and were able to choose a hot meal for themselves—just like the college students.
After the break, it was back to hands-on work: The participants learned how 3D printing works and how their previously created digital model is transformed into a real object. Using a 3D printer, their own designs were built up layer by layer. At the end, they were of course allowed to take home the key rings they had designed and 3D-printed themselves.
Technology to Try Out and Get Involved With
Both workshops demonstrated just how exciting digital technologies can be when you try them out for yourself. The students experienced how their own ideas are transformed into real products—and in the process, they learned about technical fundamentals, digital design, and modern manufacturing processes.
Whether it’s laser engraving or 3D printing, the workshops make future technologies tangible and show that technology is especially inspiring when you can design a product yourself.
