3D printers sound like something right out of a Star Trek episode – but they are fast becoming popular in several different industries, such as health care, research and science. Schools and education can also greatly benefit from the use of 3D printers.
What is it?
First, it’s important to explain what 3D printing is. A 3D printer is designed to “print” objects – but rather than using traditional ink, it uses substantive materials such as rubber, plastics and metal. It takes a scan of an object and slices it into layers that it can convert into a physical object. So what is the result? A product that is a replica of its real-world equivalent, albeit not as functional or durable as the real thing, but nonetheless something exists that didn’t 30 seconds earlier before it was printed. For small items, such as a keychain, the printing process may only take a few minutes; for bigger items the process could take several hours. This innovative technology has many benefits across many industries and schools can benefit greatly as well. Here are just a few of the benefits to be had:
- History class students can print historical artifacts for a more detailed examination
- Prototypes can be printed by engineering design students
- 3D models and designs can be printed by architecture students
- Cooking students can create and print molds for various food products
- 3D artwork designs can be printed by graphic design students
- Geography students are able to print out demographic, population or topography maps
- Replacement parts and modified existing parts can be printed by automotive students for testing purposes
- Molecules can be printed in 3D by chemistry students
- Biology students can print viruses, cells, organs and other biological artifacts
- Math students can print “problems” so they can solve them in their own spaces, such as city infrastructural design and scale model challenges.
With the help of 3D printer technology, students can have an advantage that students in years past never imagined possible. No matter what a student is studying, or what their challenge is, it can be examined more closely and solved more quickly using a 3D printer. These used to be available only in industrial applications. Since these printers have scaled down in both size and price, they are available to virtually anyone. Explore the many possibilities that push the limits of imagination, creativity and ingenuity! Students who have access to 3D printers have a distinct advantage over those who don’t.
3D Supply Guys is the place to call if you want to learn about the benefits of 3D printers for schools. View their website for further information.
