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What is 3D printing?
What is 3D printing?
3D printing enables the creation of complex and customized objects, prototypes, and small-scale production parts with intricate geometries that may be challenging or impossible to produce through traditional manufacturing methods. It finds applications in various fields, including product design, engineering, medicine, architecture, education, and even culinary arts. It's a prefect way to blend STEM and Project Based Learning into your classroom!
3D printing generally follows these steps:
Designing: A 3D model of the object is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software (thinkercad.com) or obtained from a 3D scanner. The model defines the shape, dimensions, and intricate details of the object. There are also thousands of free designs available on sites such as thingverse.com (you will want to use caution and good classroom management / planning when having students explore on their own, as some designs are adult oriented).
Slicing: The 3D model is sliced into numerous thin cross-sectional layers using specialized software. Each layer is a two-dimensional representation of the object at a particular height. Your ITF can help you with using this software.
Printing: The sliced model is sent to a 3D printer, which reads the instructions and begins the printing process. The printer deposits or solidifies the chosen material layer by layer, following the instructions from the sliced model. The material can be in the form of a liquid resin, powdered material, filament, or even metal. Usually we use USB drives or SD cards to transfer files. While some printers may offer network printing, these features are not enabled in our network.
Layering and Building: The printer adds subsequent layers on top of each other, gradually building the object. The layers adhere to one another, fusing or bonding together, resulting in a solid three-dimensional object. Prints can be hundreds or thousands of layers!
Finishing and Post-processing: Once the printing is complete, the object may require post-processing, such as removing support structures, sanding, polishing, or painting to achieve the desired surface finish.
Keep in mind that 3D printing is not a fast process, and even the smallest prints may not be able to be started and finished within a single class period. Be sure to contact your ITF and DLF with ample notice (2-3 weeks) to help with design and ensure printer availability! If you're stuck trying to think of ideas, let us know - we can help!
What does your school offer?
What does your school offer?
Laurel Mill Elementary - MakerBot Sketch
Laurel Mill Elementary - MakerBot Sketch
This is a great introdutcion to 3D printing for littles! Protected on all sides by clear plycarbonate, students can stay safe while watching their creations come to life.
This is a smaller printer used for demonstrating to printing process and visualizing 3D printing concepts!
There two available at Laurel Mill. Ask your DLF for more information and availability!
Louisburg Magnet High School - MakerBot Replicator+
Louisburg Magnet High School - MakerBot Replicator+
This is a larger 3D printer, which uses a moveable printing plate to create diorama-sized prints. Use this printer to add creativity and complexity to Project Based Learning.
Open on all sides, this printer allows older students to more clearly see the complexities of 3D Printing. It comes with a single feed spool, and can print in a variety of materials. Many students use this printer to create prints for school work.
There are two available at Louisburg Magnet. Ask your DLF for more information and availability!
Franklinton Middle School - Prusa i3 and Prusa SL1S SPEED
Franklinton Middle School - Prusa i3 and Prusa SL1S SPEED
Prusa is the company that got the craze into high gear! Created using open-source software, this printer brought 3D printing into the mass market and made it affordable for students to learn programming, design, and printing.
The Prusa i3 printer uses a single overhead cross beam to feed the print nozzle. It is completely open on all sides, and should be used with adult supervision (it can get hot!). It also has support for two spools of material, allowing for quicker changes between color or material type. Students and teachers can use this medium-sized printer to teach printing techniques, as well as the value of open-source software and hardware.
The Prusa SL1S SPEED is a smaller printer which uses a orange-tinted polycarbonate to protect students while rapidly printing their designs.
Check with your DLF for more information and availability!
3D Printing Lessons / Activities
3D Printing Lessons / Activities
We have a 3D printer, so now what??
We have a 3D printer, so now what??
Students and teachers can leverage their access to 3D printing to create unique designs to enhance PBL or visualize hard to understand concepts. Check below for pre-made 3D printing lessons and ideas. Reach out to your ITF and DLF for topic-specific ideas and support if you can't find what you're looking for.
K-12 Design Project: Freight Car & Train lesson - this is a longer lesson that may take 5 or more printing sessions
K-12 Design Project: Freight Car & Train lesson - this is a longer lesson that may take 5 or more printing sessions
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