In the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing, many industry experts see the education sector as a crucial growth area within the desktop 3D printer market. However, integrating 3D printers into classrooms remains a challenge for many educators, administrators, and parents. A common question often arises: "Can 3D printers truly be used in schools? Are there real-world examples of their success?"
While 3D printing has started to make an impact in schools globally, it is still not widely included in standard national curricula. If you walk into a typical school, it's unlikely you'll find a 3D printer in use. But this is changing. Everyday, we see more and more creative applications of 3D printing in both domestic and international educational settings. Schools are increasingly exploring how this technology can enhance learning and problem-solving skills.
Take, for example, a school in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where students and staff have discovered that 3D printing offers both educational value and cost-saving benefits. One high school student, Tanner Hauger, who is enrolled in engineering and manufacturing courses, has been using the school’s 3D printer to create spare parts, ultimately helping the school save over $10,000.
Tanner was responsible for printing components for the school’s heating and fire safety systems. These parts were no longer being produced by the original manufacturers, making replacement expensive and difficult. Charles Masterbray, the school’s technician, faced a tough situation when a small part of the heating unit broke, but the manufacturer only sold the entire component for $250. That seemed unfair, especially since it was just a small piece.
Similarly, the school’s fire safety doors began to show signs of aging, and some parts could no longer be replaced due to discontinued production. Replacing each door would cost $1,000, and with ten doors needing attention, the total cost was staggering. This financial burden was something the school couldn’t afford.
However, Tanner stepped in and solved the problem. He measured the original parts, created 3D models using Autodesk Inventor, and printed the replacements on the school’s 3D printer. The results were nearly identical to the original parts and fully functional.
Earl Wingrove, a science teacher at the school, said, “Our Science and Technology Department always gives students real-life tasks to work on during or after school. I hope the community recognizes how seriously we take the adoption of new technologies to better prepare our students for the future.â€
Thanks to Tanner’s efforts, the school repaired three fire safety doors for just $6 in materials, instead of spending tens of thousands. He also fixed the heating unit for less than a dollar, saving the school $250. More importantly, he gained hands-on experience with 3D printing technology, which will undoubtedly benefit him in his future career.
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