Why is 3D Printing becoming popular within the education sector?

As the Digital Age develops further, we are beginning to see the expansion from two dimensional printing to 3D, especially within the education sector.

 

Third Dimensional (3D) printing is a manufacturing technology where objects can be formed by combining layers of material. Within the education sector, it has been identified that incorporating 3D printing into the curriculum can be motivating for students who wish to pursue a career within the design, technology and the engineering industry (Lacey. 2010).  

When students have the opportunity to develop physical prototypes of their own designs, they can understand visual and mechanical elements which will also develop personal skills and abilities to further their careers later in life, making 3D printers popular within the education sector.  
Due to the simplicity of the process, students of all ages and abilities are able to use the system.  Objects are designed by CAD and the printers can work with programs which exports Standard Tessellation Language (Murray, 2013).

3D is set to take off later this year, due to the accessibility and availability of technology available.  At this years Bett Education Show 2014, we will be introducing the brand new iPrint technologies 3D Evolution printer which will be available for demonstration at the event.  You can also be in with the opportunity to grab one for your school!  Scan your bar code via one of the Radecal Team to be in with a chance.  The winner will be contacted after the show.    

   



Lacey, Gary. 2010 "3D Printing brings design to life", Tech Distributions, vol.70, Issue 2, p17-19. 3p.

Murray, Steve. 2013 "Turning students into engineers", Tech Directions, Vol. 73 Issue 1, p12-14. 3p.