Does Your School Have a 3D Printing Program Yet? Explore 3D Printer Projects Software
Since its conceptualization in the early eighties, 3D printing has come a long way. This is both in terms of capturing the popular imagination, and creating new confluences where tech and human creativity combine - there’s magic in creating an object out of new material!
No other space provides such promise as educational institutions across the United States. It’s a big responsibility for schools, though: the potential of countless learners rely on the stewardship of mentors and school administrators in terms of advancing toward both the known and unknown.
Has Your School Started on a 3D Printing Program Yet?
Every school, and every learner, deserves to learn about 3D printing and the endless potential it provides in terms of utility, function, and the sheer magic of technological creation. If your school doesn’t have a 3D printing program yet, especially for STEM students, then maybe it is time that you explored the possibilities.
3D printing is not as difficult as it might seem at first. We’ve seen schools that work with their more “techy” students – some of whom own their own 3D printers – to popularize 3D printing to the whole student body. These students can champion the cause of getting a full 3D printing program going, and they are invaluable in the support they can give to school faculty and staff. Plus, it gives them a chance to shine.
What Can You Do With 3D Printing Technology in Your School?
A 3D printing program can bring new interest to what students may have considered a dull subject. And the subjects the already thought were interesting become unforgettable and downright amazing.
Students can achieve both mastery of the 3D printing technology, and grow a new appreciation for the subject matter itself. For example, one of the makerspaces we work with has a 3D printed model of the world’s oldest lock. Students have to design the key they think will open it, and each student only gets one opportunity to test out their design! What a merging of math, history, design and tech…with fun and a hint of competition!
And this is just the tip of the 3D printing iceberg. Let’s take a deeper look.
STEM – 3D Printing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Students can now learn 3D modeling software and design principles and apply the principles directly to projects.
We’ve seen them print models of cells, organs, and even entire organisms for hands-on dissection and study.
They can create amazing models of DNA structures and protein folding.
Or build three-dimensional models of chemical compounds and molecules (and the atom, of course).
Students can also design and print lab equipment – one student we know is 3D printing a part…to repair a different 3D printer!
Print models of gears, levers, and pulleys to demonstrate mechanical principles.
Create stunning parts for robots, such as gears, frames, and sensors. Students engaged in robotics can also design and print parts like grippers and robot hands. Some of our university makerspace clients have told us about firefighting robots their students have 3D printed.
3D Print complex geometric shapes to help students visualize them.
Create three-dimensional models of fractals and other mathematical concepts.
In art or history, students can recreate ancient sculptures or design their own – both types of imaginations will see the light of day. Students can explore art, history, and more while researching, learning, and mastering different 3D printing techniques and materials.
Students can design and create custom jewelry pieces. Depending on the theme of the project, they can dive into established themes throughout art and jewelry history, or create their own trend with their creative prowess.
Print scale models of buildings and structures. One of the projects we’ve heard of has students working class by class to build a model skyscraper: each class or group builds one level, with as much detail as possible, then the finished product needs to fit with those of the other groups. And of course, everything needs to be straight and true geometrically!
3D print replicas of historical artifacts, such as tools, weapons, and sculptures. Trebuchets, siege towers, and more!
Create miniature or massive dioramas of historical events.
3DPrinterOS is a Reliable Partner for 3D Printing Programs for Schools
Managing your school's 3D printers and 3D printing program needs to be easy. That's the main vision behind 3DPrinterOS. 3DPrinterOS is a user-friendly platform designed to serve the needs of both students and staff, from aspiring engineers to 8-year-olds who are 3D printing a present for mom. We are trusted by top universities like Yale, Harvard, and MIT. Ivy League institutions are using our platform right now to manage their 3D printing programs - and they are reaping the benefits. There's no reason for your school not to have the same advantage as them.
Think of the platform as your digital command center - with all the bells and whistles. 3DPrinterOS gives you a crystal-clear view of every print happening across your school. You can see who's printing what, when it's happening, and even track filament usage or maintenance issues. Need to pause a print or cancel a job? No problem! 3DPrinterOS puts the power at your fingertips.
Say goodbye to manual tracking. This platform automates the whole process, saving you precious time and reducing the risk of errors. Now, you can focus on bigger things, like inspiring the next generation of innovators. Book a demo today to see it in action!
