3D Printer for School & Education

3D printers, the modern machines with many advanced features are simplifying different works. It can be said that modern 3D printers have different types of uses in various professions, hobbyist, and home.

Now with time, the machines are gaining wide acclaim in educational and classroom settings.

As the name suggests, a 3D printer prints 3D objects, not using ink but using different types of substantive materials, for example, resin and filaments.

The rapid advancement in 3D printing technology has made 3d printers for school or an education 3d printer quite affordable and comfortable to use. They are designed to offer a lot of educational benefits for each grade.

The growing implementation of 3D printers in the education industry

Using 3D printing in different educational scenarios is quite effective for different learning processes.  With this, students can now easily understand challenging learning concepts that are difficult to represent using standard learning methods.

Preparing them for the future career while obtaining valuable skills through 3D printing is an ideal path that most colleges and schools use today.

In the educational field, the best 3d printer for schools serves as a revolutionizing tool and offers teachers different teaching methods.

If you are a math professor, maybe you might be thinking about letting the students make their own geometry with 3D objects.

If you are a business teacher or an economic teacher, you can let your students design, produce, and sell 3D printed models made using a 3d printer for the classroom.

Or maybe you are a science professor interested in creating realistic 3D objects of DNA, atoms, and cell with the students.

The possibilities are unlimited. The best 3D printer can let you create any design you want. It all depends on your creativity and imagination.  

Besides, you can save your money and time by 3D printing the objects that you want. There is no need to go out to search for the people who can make the models for you.

However, choosing the best 3d printers for education is not a simple task. The advanced technology has enabled companies to introduce different 3D printers, making choosing the right one quite challenging.

If you don’t know what exactly to look for, the process can be very overwhelming. To help you with this, we have created this article. Keep reading, and you will choose the perfect one that will go a long way in helping you create high-quality 3D objects.

It is a fact that learning is always better and more comfortable when you have the right tools. 3D printing has dramatically empowered students, educators, and teachers who want to combine reality and theory by crafting 3D models that will suit different situations. In fact, implementing 3d printing in education has become more common.  

In education, this can offer unlimited solutions to various issues. For instance, the architecture students wonder about creating mockups or models of their assigned projects. Well, why not 3D-print those models using a 3D printer that you can use at your home. Just imagine how enjoyable your chemistry classes will have been if students can touch and feel the molecules’ real structure.

Just get the design and print that within a few seconds. Keeping these things in mind, the leading 3D printer manufacturers, like Dreambot3D, have already designed and developed advanced 3D printers for students and cover various educational requirements.

Uses of 3D printers in the field of education

It has been seen that schools and colleges throughout the world are gradually adapting creative ways to teach. They are converting all the boring lesson plans into learning through fun and play.  While the whole world is transforming with modern technology, the education industry should change with it. To prepare students for a great career in technology, 3D software design, and other fields, educational institutions are now buying the best 3d printer for the classroom.

This technology has enabled students to easily explore the world differently and creatively. Professors and teachers are now adding 3D design into the curriculum in different subjects, like art & design, science, math, economics, and more. 3D printing offers easy access to the desired segments and samples that make sure that students understand the subject correctly.

Students are positively enthralled by the pragmatic approach, which has made the colleges and schools more desirable. So, it can be said that 3D printing technology is a valuable asset that can revolutionize the innovative spirit along with the technological fitness of the budding students.

3D printing effectively engages students

Both the educators and manufacturers are now leveraging the fantastic benefits of modern 3d printers for school. 3D printers and 3D modelling can bring all the educational concepts to life, helping develop practical skills, for instance, creative design, coding, problem-solving, and more.

A recent study conducted by Macquarie University in Australia and Makers Empire, a well-known educational technology company, proved that 3D lesions and assignments effectively engage students, developing advanced skills and concepts.  On the other hand, an article on Additive Manufacturing provides a comprehensive literature review of the use of 3D printing in the classroom.

The articles talk about different benefits of 3D printing that go beyond science and math comprehension. The study supports students having different learning styles and effectively enhances speaking and collaboration skills. Active-learning technology like 3D printing lets them shift from consuming information to crafting and analyzing more in-depth.

For 3D printer’s use in schools and colleges, bringing the digital object out of the screen into the real world is a thing of bringing the digital object out of the screen. Here are some examples of how 3D printers can be used in classrooms.

• Students studying history can now easily printout historical artefacts for a better analysis
• Geography students can now easily 3D-print population, demographic and topography maps.
• Graphics design students are 3D printing their artwork for demonstration or as a part of their assignments.
• Students studying biology now can print out real-looking 3D models of different organs, cells, viruses, and other biological things.
• Chemistry students can 3D print molecule models for their study.
• Math students can now 3D print different models of mathematical problems to solve them efficiently.

These are some of the significant ways that 3d printers for school are bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.  Now, let’s have a look at some significant roles of 3D printers in this industry.

1.1, Optimize teaching work

It has been proved that 3D printing has some added benefits of keeping the interest alive for students with the help of visual aid. The process and techniques of designing and 3D printing the creations can trigger creativity. Besides, the instant feedback from idea generation to creation can make the learning process practical and enjoyable. Besides utilizing a 3D printer, the classroom can transform the classes into a highly interactive and exciting learning experience.

As a teacher, you can 3D print different skeleton parts to make your biology class enjoyable. On the other hand, you can make different prototypes for your engineering classes. All such processes need an adequate level of exploration through interaction, which, in turn, stimulates the learning process.

3D printers can position students as a good creator. Instead of spending money on buying someone else’s creation, students can become inventors and identify their requirements and craft solutions. The technology has encouraged students to think autonomously and effectively organize the workflow. Letting them do their work by themselves, you will make them in charge of the project, starting from designing the models to printing the final 3D objects. This way, their problem-solving skills will be improved.  

Some example to consider

1. 3D printed models in science classes

The Napa New Technology High School is widely using 3D printing for various purposes. Shawn Carlton, a teacher at the school, sees the possibilities of using 3D printing in education. He has emphasized how it helped develop various skill sets, such as out of box thinking, problem-solving, and more. It sparks creativity through different types of educational projects. It helped students to understand and design complex models and 3D print the objects.  You can go for DB-345/DB-550 3D printer for large size printing while the ME-192 is perfect for small size printing. 

2. Real-looking 3D printed fossils at the University of Florida

The University of Florida is well-known for its massive investment in 3D printing technology for education. To make the study enjoyable, the University obtained fossils from the digital collections of the ‘Florida Museum of Natural History. The fossils have bones from giant ground sloths, three-toed horses, the Megalodon and more.

Using these 3D printed bones, the University created perfect replicas of the animals. This encourages students to utilize their conceptualization level and brain differently. By using the 3D printed replicas, students are able to interact with those ancient fossils.

3. Life-like organs

A Urologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, utilizes 3D printers to build different non-functional human organs. The models can be used to conduct robot-assisted surgery. For simple surgery procedures, for example, spleen removal, there is a little requirement for this. But there are some types of complex procedures, for example, tumour excising, that can vary from one patient to another.

He began by 3D computer-assisted “tomography scan.” He scanned the tissue of the patient. After that, he used the data in Mimics, a medical modelling software to create 3D objects. After that, he printed the 3D models using the FFF printer in hollow plastic moulds. He inserted blood-vessel replicas that can connect to the fake-blood. He injected hydrogel in moulds that solidified and created a perfect level of organ-like stiffness. Using that, surgeons can practice different treatment procedures.

1.2, Participate in students’ creative practice projects

3D printing in the field of academics is helping students by transforming them from students to active creators from passive consumers. The current educational system heavily depends on theoretical learning and a tiny percentage of real-world knowledge use. However, getting access to the 3D printers at the grass-root level lets them adopt a perfect practical hands-on approach.

On the other hand, 3D printing technology greatly rewards students from different classes with affordable and quick results that can positively influence the students to work and grow. 3D printing requires different types of skills, from creative skills to abilities for technical designing. When students learn these skills, they become more creative.

Earlier, students used to draw out the designs for their projects. But now, using a desktop 3D printer, they can create a perfect 3D model of their project. For example, they can create 3D printed molecules and elements to learn structural properties. Crystalized enzyme models to test the interaction of the model enzyme substrate. Besides, students can 3D print molecules that are being used in therapy.  

In biology, students create RNA, DNA, and the 3D models of proteins to better understand every macromolecule structure. The student can also create the model of the flow of genetic information to RNA and protein from DNA. It is now possible to 3D print Biomolecular models for pedagogy and research purpose.

The physical world and 3D data now can interact

It is a fact that the 3D printers, both the FDM and LCD 3D printers, have revolutionized the meaning of crafting something useful from nothing. Here students start with brainstorming an idea and end with the ideas being converted into 3D models. Such things are very empowering and exciting.

For instance, builders are now constructing bridge 3D models before building a real one or are now creating different versions of their products to test the. The technique has improved the education industry by showing an ideal way to covert the ideas into a physical object. If used properly, it can trigger creativity and innovation in children.

Kabaku, in Japan, has partnered with Microsoft and introduced an easy to learn Minecraft-based 3D printing and coding program for the students of 6^th grade. They have named it “Digital House Making.”  The program includes 10 sessions, and the duration of each session is around 45 minutes. Using the program, the students first design a house in Minecraft and, after that, 3D print them into a 3D-printed physical house. This way, printing creates a problem-solving and engaging environment for the students. Besides, it also boosts up their analytical skills.

It can be challenging to keep the students engaged when the subject is challenging and requires comprehensive hands-on attention. It lets educators effectively illustrate the difficult concepts and then enhance student engagement through an interactive learning process.

When they feel comfortable trying out new things, think creatively and test different theories, it can significantly aid the learning process. As discussed above, 3d printing in schools can encourage students to be more creative and innovative as they can change the ideas by the trial-and-error method. As a result, students can now easily remember those lessons and facts learned. Students can use ME-192 LCD 3D printers of Dreambot3D to create highly accurate small size 3D objects. 

The ways in which 3D printing is utilized in the classroom

1. The “Engineering and Metal fabrication” program offered by Nestucca Senior/ Junio High school, located in Cloverdale, utilized a 3D printer to create real-life designs. For instance, they have altered, and 3D printed a prototype of an intricate steel part of a machine.
2. Campbell’s Tintah Public School used 3D printers for the technology program. Under this program, the teacher took the students to an engineering plant to teach them how 3D printers are used in the industries. Then they told the students to recreate those projects.
3. Greenville’ J.H. Rose High School utilized 3D printing to create toy drag racers to teach aerodynamics, iPod speakers and different robot parts.

1.3, Helping scientific research in school laboratories

Using 3D printing, it is now possible to create different 3D printed organs and bespoke cells. Some exciting advancements in this technology are happening in the bioprinting. Scientists in different laboratories have successfully created a 3D printed liver that can operate for around 40 days. Besides, 3D models are being created to teach students about the functions of different body parts. Furthermore, 3D printers are also helping in creating fossils.

For example, iDigFossils. This is an initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. It is developed through a collaboration between the Florida Museum of Natural History and the University of Florida. Under this project, 3D printing has an integrated K-12 curriculum.

Under this program, 3D printers and scanners have purchased for classroom studies in around 15 schools. Besides, teachers have also adequately trained to successfully print perfect replicas of fossils used in different lesions. Claudia Grant, the project manager of iDigFossils, has informed that the Megalodon fossils are a great hit.

Students can be significantly benefited from the utilization of 3D printing in two crucial ways. First, they will get to know about different new technologies. 3D printing lets them create new things to test. On the other hand, with 3D printing, different complex theories related to laboratories work can be easily simplified.

Can 3D printing be used in a different elementary school?

Mrs. Brown, from St. Stephen School, said yes. She used 3D printing technology to solve different real-world issues, for example, the foot tissue of her daughter. She has some legs relate problems and has to utilize specially-designed straps to walk.

Even though when she grows, she struggles more while using the straps. They were making her feel uncomfortable, and she was unable to play with her friends. However, those straps helped her to grow properly.

Following this, Mrs. Brown finalized to add 3D printing lesions in the syllabus. She began educating students about various real-world problems and how 3D printing can be used to develop solutions. After that, around 6 students came forward to help her daughter, and they started creating 3D-printed clips.

While doing this, they didn’t just consider the girl’s comfortable level; they also thought about the safety factors. By trying out the different doll straps, they developed various solutions utilizing 3D printers for idea visualization.

They used 3D printers available at school and created prototypes. Finally, they came up with the perfect design. The benefits of 3D printing utilized for such projects are the faster production time and low cost. It has also proved that 3D printing can teach elementary school students to come up with practical solutions to different issues.

How to make the 3D printing projects function smoothly?

1. First, get familiar with various 3D design software

If you are using 3D design tools and software for the first time, you should spend some time learning how to use them to help the students with some basic 3D printing questions. There is no need to become an expert, but it will be right for you to acquire knowledge to suggest some good tutorial videos for students.

2. Tell the students how does a 3D printer work?

When the students understand how a 3D printer works, they will create a design that can be easily 3D printed without facing mush issues. In the field of education, you can use both LCD and FDM 3D printers. The 3D model making process will vary from one type of printer to another.

For example, while the FDM 3D printer process plastic filaments to use 3D objects, extruding liquid filament through nuzzle, the LCD 3D printer creates 3D models by curing resins with the help of UV light that procced through an LCD panel. During 3D printing, you need to use slicing software. Teach all these rules to your students.

3. Offer rulers to your students

Before beginning, understand the size limitations, i.e., height, width and length of the 3D printer. When your students ask, “If 20 millimetres long is enough or not,” you need to give them a ruler and let them find out the answer. If they forget to ask about it, you should remind them to measure the object design dimensions to make sure that the printer is large enough for that object.

4. Inspire the generation

Have fun with the 3D printer, and then keep encouraging the students to use the machines. There is no doubt that 3D printing is an ideal option to convey theory from different core subjects, trigger creativity, and spark a healthy debate. It won’t take much time to teach your students 3D printing as it is an exciting thing. Go for it now.

However, it is advisable to buy the best quality 3D printer. You can always trust Dreambot3D for this as the brand is quite famous for offering world-class FDM and LCD 3D printers for different industries, including the education industry. Now, let’s discuss some benefits of using 3D printing in the field of education.

Some avoidable challenges related to 3D printing in the education sector

Even though 3D printers are among the most influential and ideal learning sources, there are still some obstacles in this field. However, most of the obstacles can be eliminated with the necessary steps. Some of the challenges are:

Lack of knowledge can be an issue:

Some studies proved that it took teachers and professors a few months to get some knowledge about this technology to utilize the 3D printers successfully and confidently in the classrooms. But this is not the case for all. The teachers and professors with enthusiasm for the projects or the teachers who have gone through a training session found it a lot easier to implement this additive manufacturing technology to their curriculum. The training sessions included a demonstration of 3D printers and software by a trained and experienced trainer. Another thing to consider is that two schools can combine the course to save money and nourish ideas.

It requires an adequate level of supports

The schools who have successfully adopted 3D printing technology have financial and practical supports from their management. Besides, they also have received encouragements from different sources to use unfamiliar technology. The management also has created a strong team of highly talented individuals who can effectively share their technical knowledge with teachers and students. Schools and colleges without this support can face struggle implementing 3D printer successfully.

The accessibility factors

Easy access to 3D printing technology can be a crucial factor for effectively implement the technology.  In a study, the printers were placed where the machines can be accessible to people, such as teaching rooms. In some colleges and schools, 3D printers were moved around frequently and sometimes kept in staff rooms. Such settings affected the involvement of students and teachers, along with the effectiveness of learning.

The funding factors

It has seen that some schools and colleges are finding it difficult to buy a 3D printer. In some places, the government is also taking initiatives to promote 3D printing in education. However, it can be said that after the rapid development in the 3D printing technology, the price of 3D printers has gone down. So, now it is easier to buy a 3D printer for education.

Some reports have suggested that some 3D printers can take hours to complete the printing while some can get the printing done within a few minutes. It may be noted that 3D printers may require a lot of efforts and time to finding suitable materials, fixing different technical issues and troubleshooting software issues.

But feedback from different schools about the implementation of 3D printing is very positive as such issues can be eliminated. Besides, you can use LCD and FDM 3D printers of Dreambot3D which are very easy to use and budget-friendly.