Masinde Muliro University receives Bambu Lab A1 3D printer to promote hands-on training

The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has received a Bambu Lab A1 3D printer from Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. The device was handed over by Prof. Christian-Toralf Weber, Dean of the Department of Engineering and Industrial Design at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. The new equipment is intended to improve practice-oriented teaching at the School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE). The official reception of the 3D printer took place on March 6, 2025 and was hosted by Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, Dean of SEBE, and Dr. Emmanuel Osore, Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

During the handover ceremony, Prof. Eng. Sabuni emphasized that the donation came at the right time as her department is working to align all academic programs with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

“On behalf of the School of Engineering and Built Environment, I appreciate Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences for this generous donation. I also extend my gratitude to Prof. Christian and Dr. Osore for keeping the partnership between both institutions active and I hope that this collaboration will extend to other Departments within the School,” stated Prof. Eng. Sabuni.

“As a Department, we are grateful for this donation because it will transform our mode of teaching and learning. 3D printing is a fast-evolving technology that is used in many industries, including manufacturing. With such technology, our students will be able to design objects digitally and produce physical prototypes while gaining hands-on fabrication skills,” said Dr. Osore during the event.

Since the signing of the cooperation agreement between MMUST and Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, the two institutions have already realized three joint projects. The most recent project, “Water Mills for Field Irrigation”, enabled eight students to assemble an irrigation pump from scratch under the guidance of Prof. Christian.

“I commend Prof. Christian for ensuring that the partnership reaches this level. I request you to bring on board other contact persons from your University to collaborate with us on other fields, including Civil Engineering,” remarked Dr. Benard Omondi, Chairman of the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering.

Masinde Muliro University focuses on practice-oriented teaching and actively involves students in application-related projects. The new technical equipment will help future engineers to learn important skills that are in demand in the manufacturing industry.