Generating data of mathematical figures for 3D printers with KETpic and educational impact of the printed models

Abstract

KETpic has the capability to create graphic objects which are used in LATEX documents. These features alone make KETpic an ideal portable code language for printing mathematical materials for in-class use or textbooks for publication, and are available at no cost. The latest version of KETpic supports the making of easy-to-use 3D graphs. Recently new commands for generating data in obj format have been introduced in KETpic. The data is easily converted to stl format, making prints of 3D models possible. As a result, a LATEX document with a figure and a 3D model are obtained simultaneously. It is the view of the authors that combining printed materials and 3D models is the preferred mode of approach in math education. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.