Students from the University of Montenegro, the University of Banja Luka and the University of Tirana collaborated on a practical challenge proposed by Montleon DOO, based in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, within the Erasmus+ DERHE project.

Coordinated by the University of Montenegro, the project examined how 3D printing parameters affect surface quality, production time and estimated manufacturing costs. It brought together engineering and economics students to connect technical research with business considerations.

Engineering students investigated how layer height and printing speeds influenced the surface roughness of parts produced using PLA and PETG filaments. Students from the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, contributed the economic analysis, assessing material costs, printing time, equipment depreciation and electricity use.

The findings highlighted the importance of considering quality and cost together. For the PLA specimens, faster printing with thicker layers reduced estimated fabrication costs, while some finer-layer settings produced smoother surfaces at a higher cost. The analysis provided a basis for selecting printing conditions according to the required quality and economic priorities.

Academic staff from the three universities supported the work, with industry guidance from Montleon DOO. Online meetings and presentations enabled students to exchange findings and combine their contributions.

The collaboration illustrates DERHE’s approach to practical learning: connecting company challenges with academic expertise and international student teamwork. It gave students experience in analysing a real production problem, working across disciplines and presenting evidence-based findings.