At Iowa State University, industrial design students and professors alike are embracing cutting-edge technology in the classroom—and one of the standout pieces of equipment is the HSP1-I printer by HartSmart Products. This versatile, user-friendly 3D printer is not only transforming how students approach design, but it's also enabling faculty to dive deep into research around sustainable and emerging materials.
Jacob Martin, Associate Professor of Industrial Design at Iowa State University, is one of the faculty members leading the charge in integrating the HSP1-I into both student learning and advanced research. “The HSP1-I is incredibly adaptable. We can easily profile it for new materials, adjusting parameters for everything from printability to the final result,” he says. This flexibility is key for the school’s emphasis on sustainability, as the printer can handle a variety of emerging sustainable materials that students and professors are eager to explore.
A Tool for Research and Real-World Application
Professors at Iowa State University are not just using the HSP1-I printer to enhance their students’ learning—they’re also pushing the boundaries of research and development. For instance, in the course Biophilic Design, which explores the integration of nature into product design, students are able to use sustainable materials that are being tested for market viability. This hands-on experimentation allows students to directly engage with the research process, helping them understand how materials behave in real-world applications.
“The future plans for this printer are really exciting,” Martin shares. “We get to hear about new sustainable materials from HartSmart, and we can use the printer to explore them in real-time. It’s an incredible opportunity for both students and faculty to learn together.”
This ongoing collaboration with HartSmart enables Iowa State to be at the forefront of discovering and implementing materials that will help shape the future of design. The ability to quickly adapt to new materials means that researchers can test and prototype with ease, ensuring that these materials are not just sustainable, but also functional and ready for real-world use.
Empowering Students with Hands-On Experience
The HSP1-I printer is a game-changer for Iowa State University's industrial design students. Unlike the smaller, at-home 3D printers they may be accustomed to, the HSP1-I provides a large-scale, robust printing solution that allows students to work on prototypes that require higher durability and strength. Whether they’re designing automotive components, furniture, or other products, the HSP1-I enables students to bring their ideas to life with precision.
“The printer itself is located right in the classroom, so students can see it in action,” Martin explains. “They get to watch how prints are loaded, printed, and removed. This process helps them understand additive manufacturing from start to finish and how to design parts that are optimized for 3D printing.”
Another key factor in making it accessible for students is the printer’s user-friendliness. With its intuitive interface and integrated webcam for remote monitoring, students can start prints with just a few clicks, freeing them up to focus on refining their designs.
An Unmatched Learning Experience
When it comes to integrating technology into the classroom, few tools offer the combination of ease of use, adaptability, and real-world relevance like the HSP1-I printer. For Martin, one of the most rewarding aspects of using the HSP1-I is how it fosters a deeper understanding of the design process. “The ability to control the parameters and understand how those changes affect the end result makes for a much richer learning environment,” he says. “Rather than just clicking a button and letting the machine do its thing, students get to see how every decision—from material selection to part orientation—impacts the final product.”
This transparency is especially valuable in an educational setting where students are being trained to become the next generation of industrial designers. The HSP1-I's open-source nature also means that both students and professors can communicate directly with HartSmart’s team for troubleshooting, upgrades, and even customized material profiles, ensuring a smooth and productive learning experience.
As Martin puts it, "It’s not just a black box that we’re working with—it’s a tool that we grow with. And that’s a huge benefit in an educational setting."
Looking Ahead: The Future of Design at Iowa State University
The HSP1-I printer’s impact at Iowa State University goes far beyond its current use—it’s helping to shape the future of industrial design education. The seamless integration of sustainable materials, the ability to prototype with a wide variety of products, and the focus on real-world applications all make it a cornerstone of the university’s innovative approach to design. With plans to continue expanding its use in sustainability-focused courses and research projects, the HSP1-I is poised to be an integral part of the university's curriculum for years to come.
For students, professors, and researchers alike, the HSP1-I represents not just a printer, but a powerful tool for learning, creating, and exploring the endless possibilities of design. Martin notes, "Being able to control the processes and understand the materials we're working with gives our students a much more hands-on, comprehensive education that will serve them in their future careers."
With tools like the HSP1-I in their classrooms, Iowa State’s industrial design students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s design world.