In recent years, the 3D printing industry has increasingly recognized the education sector as a key growth area within the desktop 3D printer market. However, integrating 3D printers into classroom settings remains a complex challenge for many educators, administrators, and parents. A common question often arises: "Can 3D printers truly be used in schools? Are there any proven examples of their success?"
While 3D printing is gradually making its mark in educational institutions worldwide, it's still not widely included in national curricula. If you visit a typical school, you're unlikely to find a 3D printer on display. Yet, this is changing rapidly. Schools around the world are beginning to explore the potential of 3D printing, with exciting real-world applications emerging both locally and internationally.
Take the case of a high school in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where students and staff have discovered that 3D printing isn't just an educational tool—it can also be a cost-saving solution. One student, Tanner Hauger, who is enrolled in engineering and manufacturing courses, has been using the school’s 3D printer to create replacement parts, ultimately saving the school over $10,000.
Tanner was responsible for printing components for the school’s heating and fire safety systems. These parts were no longer being manufactured by the original suppliers, which meant that replacing them would require costly full-component replacements. For example, a small broken part in the heating system once cost $250 to replace, even though it was only a minor component. This situation frustrated Charles Masterbray, the school’s technician, who felt it was unfair to pay such a high price for a small piece.
Similarly, the school’s fire safety doors began to show signs of aging. Due to discontinued manufacturing, some critical components could no longer be replaced, forcing the school to consider replacing entire doors at a cost of $1,000 each. With 10 doors needing attention, this would have been a significant financial burden.
However, Tanner stepped in and solved the problem. He first measured the original parts, then created 3D models using Autodesk Inventor and printed the replacements using the school’s 3D printer. The new parts matched the originals in function and quality, allowing the school to avoid expensive replacements.
Earl Wingrove, a science teacher at the school, emphasized the value of such projects. “Our Science and Technology Department always gives students real-world tasks during or after school,†he said. “We hope the community recognizes how seriously we take adopting new technologies to better prepare our students for future careers.â€
In the end, Tanner repaired three fire safety doors for just $6 in materials, instead of spending thousands. He also fixed the heating unit for just $1, saving the school $250. More importantly, he gained hands-on experience with 3D printing technology—skills that will undoubtedly benefit him in his future career.
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