For those educators looking to incorporate 3D printing to improve student learning, we all know that there’s more to implementing the technology than just installing the printer and turning it on.
How can you get the most out of your investment? How can you make sure to promote students’ critical thinking, real-world problem solving, collaboration, creativity and innovation — all while running a smooth logistical operation in the lab / classroom?
Stratasys has developed a detailed list of the five best practices you can use to embed technology-based problem-solving skills into your curriculum. We’ve outlined some of them below but we recommend downloading the full white paper to learn how other schools are putting these guidelines (successfully) into practice.
Use The Workshop Like A Real Business
In the real world professional designers and engineers don’t operate the 3D printers or other rapid prototyping equipment themselves. They hand their files over to workshop or service center personnel for final production. That’s exactly how leading schools manage the work, too – with some educational twists. For example, students need a rundown on what services the workshop provides. Also, students need to learn how to communicate effectively with the technicians running the gear.
Choose The Right Tools For The Job
Whether you’re a K-12 school, college or university, the 3D printer you select must fit the purpose. What type of printer makes the most sense for your investment?
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Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) utilizes extrusion technology. It heats thermoplastic to a semi-liquid form and deposits it in a tiny thread along the path defined by the design software. Where support is required, the 3D printer lays down additional threads to act as scaffolding. During the cleanup process, the user breaks away that support material or dissolves it in detergent and water and does final work on the printed parts, such as gluing or fitting them together.
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There are several different techniques to get the most out of the variety of FDM 3D printing materials on the market. If you’re interested in FDM, it’s also worth looking into Stratasys’ new elastomer material that creates more flexible, realistic durable parts.
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PolyJet printing utilizes resin technology — it works like an inkjet printer. The 3D printer sprays a complete layer of droplets of liquid photopolymer onto the build tray, and that digital material hardens with exposure to UV light. In places where there’s an overhang or a complex shape, the printer sprays a gel-like material that’s removed during the clean-up process.
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Teach Iterative Design, Work As a Team + Seek Continual Improvement
There are several other things to consider as you add or augment the additive manufacturing capabilities at your school. Download this white paper to learn more about five best practices that faculty can use to integrate 3D printing, including:
- The value of iteration for teaching design optimization
- The importance of teamwork between faculty and workshop staff
- The benefits of sharing experience with other institutions
- How to interface with the 3D printer workshop
- How to choose the right tools for the job
