Results of 3D printing at schools and universities
Understanding and using this growing technology can benefit children’s learning, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. But also beyond these more traditional fields, for example in design technology, biology, history and geography. Advantages are the increased pupil motivation when engaged in 3D printing projects and the ability to learn through trial and error. It has a ‘wow factor’ that can engage students who otherwise would not have been interested in the school subject.
Learning new skills
The increasing numbers of 3D printers in schools is not only due to the increasing recognition of 3D printing in education being a relevant and engaging educational tool, but also relates to the number and availability of low cost 3D printing machines. It is now possible for schools to buy an affordable 3D printer. Advances in resources available for teachers and other education professionals are also making 3D printing more widely accessible. Teachers can now download design software and access it via tablets and mobile phones. There are also online databases available with free 3D printable designs, for example Thingiverse. Easy tutorials for beginners are available for those without basic knowledge of the technology. Using 3D printing in the classroom will allow students to become a part of the growing community dedicated to 3D printing.
3D printing technology benefits education as it positions students as creators. Instead of buying or consuming the creations of someone else they become the inventors. 3D printing is a technology that scientists and engineers are using to change the world. Put that same technology into the hands of your students and introduce them to some of the challenges facing your community. With 3D printing in education they will learn empathy, teamwork, and problem solving as you set them loose on a real-world problem. Don’t be surprised if they come up with solutions you hadn’t even imagined. Given the right tools, resources and support, think of all the innovative objects the students can create.
Visualisation of an idea
Using 3D printing in education as a production method enables students and pupils to move from the conception of an idea to producing a physical object with relative ease. The technology provides the ability to produce a part quickly, which is an advantage for students learning about design, particularly the limitations and constraints of the different technologies. Investigating a physical object can make it easier for pupils to spot mistakes in designs. This allows them to gain valuable problem solving skills in a creative, hands-on way; without the ability to print prototypes, it would be considerably more difficult for students to identify weaknesses in their designs and improve upon them. Students are now able to relate their learning in the classroom with practical applications in industry, a link that may otherwise be difficult to grasp.
- Students are free to make mistakes so that they are able to learn, as the materials used are not expensive.
- Students are able to stay on top of the latest technologies by having 3D printing implemented in their degree program.
- It makes complex research missions possible
- It makes learning future proof
- Big learnings, minimal effort
Tractus3D industrial 3D printers for education
✓ Most advanced ✓ Competitively priced ✓ You are always covered
While much attention has been focused on the consumer marketplace, consumer-grade 3D printers are not suitable for large-scale production grade 3D manufacturing. They do not have the speed, facilities or robustness which are critical for industrial manufacturing. Our industrial delta printers are different. Do you want to 3D print large parts at once or produce a lot of small parts in one print session, Tractus3D printers make it possible. Need light weight parts that have the same strength as metal, with our PEEK 3D printer you can make it happen.
Create small and detailed parts
With a 3D printer on your desk you can easily create small parts and specialized tools yourself. It is far less complex than other machines, which means that you can produce more products in an efficient and simple way without the high costs. The 3D printers in our desk-series have a fast printing speed, a high accuracy and a low weight, making it easy to put on your desktop or move around.
Create strong and lightweight parts
High-performance materials, like PEEK and ULTEM® (PEI) are stronger and more resistant than other thermoplastics, making them popular in a number of engineering applications. To 3D print such materials, you need a special printer that can handle very high temperatures. The High Temperature printers are designed for 3D printing high performance thermoplastics, which are strong and durable for long-lasting parts.
Create large parts up to 2,1 meters
The ability to use 3D printing to enhance business operations, reduce costs and improve efficiency is exactly why a 3D printer has become a popular solution. If you’re looking for a way to produce detailed and big objects our large volume 3D printers are an excellent choice. They have a much larger build size than most other industrial 3D printers and can print objects fast at a high resolution.
Do you have a question about 3D printing in education? Please never hesitate to ask us!
Find out exactly how 3D printing can improve both end results and the bottom line of your learning programs. 3D printing positively affect many aspects. Our experts can tell you more about it and together we will discover how and where 3D printing can have a significant impact. Please contact us so we can start discussing the possibilities.