Metrobus comes to life in detailed models produced by Instituto Pedro Nunes using 3D printing technology
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Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) has produced two detailed models of the Metrobus, the new transport system that will serve the municipalities of Coimbra, Miranda do Corvo and Lousã, developed using 3D printing technology. These detailed replicas of the vehicle, designed for the public presentation sessions organised by Metro Mondego, are being used to publicise the system at public events, promoting an in-depth understanding of the system infrastructure and accessibility.
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The Metrobus is an all-electric urban mobility system that operates on the surface on dedicated tracks with frequent stops, providing a sustainable and modern transport solution. The two mock-ups - one a replica of a vehicle with a standard station and the other a vehicle with tactile accessibility - were designed to convey with realism the characteristics of the vehicles.
The first model represents a 1:40 scale Metrobus vehicle, made up of more than 230 3D printed parts. This model, with dimensions of approximately 100 x 40 centimetres, includes minute details such as several human figures, LED lighting in the station shelters, articulation between the two modules and functional axles in the articulated wheels of the vehicle, which allows for a realistic simulation of movement.
With more than 380 individual components produced by 3D printing from more than 580 metres of filament, the second model, in 1:25 scale, realistically captures the mobility of the Metrobus. This replica of the vehicle, which measures approximately 75 cm long and 11 cm wide, includes articulation between the two modules, functional wheels and doors and removable roofs that allow access to the interior of the two vehicle modules. This model stands out for its focus on accessibility; the removable roof has been designed and conceived in detail especially to allow visually impaired users to explore the interior of the vehicle in an inclusive way, using touch to get to know the main areas and functional characteristics of the model vehicle from the user's perspective.
These replicas are being used in public presentation sessions organised by Metro Mondego, namely with the Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Portugal (ACAPO) and the Exploratory of the University of Coimbra (UC), that is in charge of a campaign in schools of the three municipalities.
For ACAPO, the model ‘allowed for prior and reliable knowledge of the interior of the vehicle and its accessibility, (...) [which] made it possible to create a mental map of the interior of the vehicle, which facilitated its use with greater autonomy.’
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The UC Exploratory states that ‘the use of the model allows the visualisation and spatial perception of the Metrobus vehicle and shelters, which is of great importance, especially for younger children (1st and 2nd cycle), whose capacity for abstraction is not yet well developed. At the same time, by referring to the universe of toys, it stimulates curiosity and motivation, providing an involvement that leads to a more concrete simulation of the operationalisation of a ride.’
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As well as demonstrating IPN's technical capacity in the design and production of models using 3D printing, this type of project highlights our innovative commitment to environmental sustainability, which was reflected in the choice of materials with a sustainable life cycle.
Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) has produced two detailed models of the Metrobus, the new transport system that will serve the municipalities of Coimbra, Miranda do Corvo and Lousã, developed using 3D printing technology. These detailed replicas of the vehicle, designed for the public presentation sessions organised by Metro Mondego, are being used to publicise the system at public events, promoting an in-depth understanding of the system infrastructure and accessibility.
The Metrobus is an all-electric urban mobility system that operates on the surface on dedicated tracks with frequent stops, providing a sustainable and modern transport solution. The two mock-ups - one a replica of a vehicle with a standard station and the other a vehicle with tactile accessibility - were designed to convey with realism the characteristics of the vehicles.
The first model represents a 1:40 scale Metrobus vehicle, made up of more than 230 3D printed parts. This model, with dimensions of approximately 100 x 40 centimetres, includes minute details such as several human figures, LED lighting in the station shelters, articulation between the two modules and functional axles in the articulated wheels of the vehicle, which allows for a realistic simulation of movement.
With more than 380 individual components produced by 3D printing from more than 580 metres of filament, the second model, in 1:25 scale, realistically captures the mobility of the Metrobus. This replica of the vehicle, which measures approximately 75 cm long and 11 cm wide, includes articulation between the two modules, functional wheels and doors and removable roofs that allow access to the interior of the two vehicle modules. This model stands out for its focus on accessibility; the removable roof has been designed and conceived in detail especially to allow visually impaired users to explore the interior of the vehicle in an inclusive way, using touch to get to know the main areas and functional characteristics of the model vehicle from the user's perspective.
These replicas are being used in public presentation sessions organised by Metro Mondego, namely with the Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Portugal (ACAPO) and the Exploratory of the University of Coimbra (UC), that is in charge of a campaign in schools of the three municipalities.
For ACAPO, the model ‘allowed for prior and reliable knowledge of the interior of the vehicle and its accessibility, (...) [which] made it possible to create a mental map of the interior of the vehicle, which facilitated its use with greater autonomy.’
The UC Exploratory states that ‘the use of the model allows the visualisation and spatial perception of the Metrobus vehicle and shelters, which is of great importance, especially for younger children (1st and 2nd cycle), whose capacity for abstraction is not yet well developed. At the same time, by referring to the universe of toys, it stimulates curiosity and motivation, providing an involvement that leads to a more concrete simulation of the operationalisation of a ride.’
As well as demonstrating IPN's technical capacity in the design and production of models using 3D printing, this type of project highlights our innovative commitment to environmental sustainability, which was reflected in the choice of materials with a sustainable life cycle.
