This work presents the use of 3D printing models to enhance teaching of aircraft turbine manufacturing within undergraduate and master's degree programs in mechanical engineering. The pedagogical approach involves the fabrication and use of physical models as visual and functional supports to explain the components, requirements and manufacturing processes of aircraft turbine engines.

The design and manufacturing of aircraft turbines is one of the most demanding challenges in mechanical engineering, requiring highly skilled professionals to produce complex components that must meet critical technical, safety, and operational requirements. Turbines are complex assemblies composed of numerous parts that must be manufactured with high precision, assembled accurately, and operated under extreme conditions.

Understanding the internal architecture and functional logic of these systems is often difficult for students. The use of physical models helps bridge this gap by enabling students to visualize the configuration and function of each component, making abstract concepts more tangible and significantly enhancing comprehension.

In this work, two full-scale prototypes have been developed using additive manufacturing: a turbofan engine and a turbojet engine. These models are used during lectures to help students better understand the internal components, their interaction, and the manufacturing processes involved in real engine production.

Each prototype is accompanied by a detailed component sheet booklet, including information such as real dimensions, materials, operational regimes, and real manufacturing and inspection methods. These resources are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industrial applications, fostering deeper student engagement and understanding.

Moreover, the design and fabrication of the 3D-printed models were carried out by two students as part of their Bachelor's Thesis. The project aimed to explore the potential of additive manufacturing as a didactic tool for training future engineers in turbine design, performance analysis, and production.

In conclusion, in addition to both Bachelor’s thesis, the integration of 3D-printed models into the classroom has proven to be an effective strategy for improving visualization, comprehension, and interest in aeronautic turbines.

Keywords: 3D printing, mechanical engineering, turbine, aerospace, visual support.