Establishment of Protohub Training Centre at VSB-TUO – Significant Cooperation with Prusa Research

The aim of the new centre is to support the development of 3D printing in the field of education, to enable students to carry out interesting projects and final work, while offering vocational training for teachers and the public. Protohub is a multifunctional centre that combines a student workshop, a training area and a meeting zone. Students can not only carry out their projects here, but also collaborate with teachers on new research. "As a trainer I have the opportunity to meet teachers who are increasingly aware of the importance of 3D printing for their teaching. This technology is no longer only for professionals, but it is also becoming available in schools where it has great potential for innovative teaching and preparing students for future technologies," says Dominik Krišák, a PhD student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and a research fellow at ProtoLab.

Strategic location in the Moravian-Silesian Region

The Moravian-Silesian Region with more than 450 primary and 150 secondary schools is an ideal place for 3D printing training. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VŠB-TUO is the only one in the Czech Republic to offer a study focused on additive technologies. After a bachelor's specialization in additive technology, it opened a follow-up master's program 2 years ago. Students can thus continue their studies at the university.

The Protohub Center expects great interest not only from educators, but also from the public. "In a region where there is a strong technical tradition, Protohub has great potential. Our goal is not only to provide quality training, but also to deepen knowledge in the field of modern technologies and to ensure that our university and region are at the forefront of innovation," said Marek Pagáč from VŠB-TUO, guarantor of the study program. The study is unique in the Czech Republic – while other faculties offer only a subject about 3D printing, there is a whole program. The new programs respond to the requirements of practice and prepare specialists for industry. Graduates find employment as technologists, designers or 3D printing specialists in various industries.

Protohub is an example of how close cooperation between schools, universities and companies can bring effective results for the education system. Thanks to this, the Moravian-Silesian region will become a center for the development of 3D printing and technologies that will play a key role in industry, research and development of new products.

The future of Protohub: Modernization and development

In cooperation with Prusa Research, Protohub is equipped with the best 3D printers available on the market. The center has 7 Prusa MK4S printers, 2 Prusa XL printers, 5 Prusa MINI printers, and 1 Prusa SL1S Speed printer with CWS1. Also in the week was added a new device Prusa Core ONE, which is a groundbreaking 3D printer that allows printing with high accuracy and speed.

Due to the growing interest in 3D printing and the presence of cutting-edge technologies in Protohub, a gradual modernization of the center is planned. The plan is to retrofit the space with smaller milling machines and laser devices for wood. This step aims to create a creative and technologically advanced environment for students, which will serve not only for teaching, but also for personal development and innovation.