When Laurie Dale started her role as Senior Leader of Assistive Technology Solutions at Ability Beyond, she knew she had to get creative when it came to providing technological assistance to young adults with disabilities.

“It was me, myself, and I,” Dale says. “So I looked around and thought, 'Well, who am I going to trust to help me with this project?' And the only people I really trust, as far as their opinions go, are the people using the technology for themselves. So that's how we came up with the TIP Squad.”

The TIP (Technology Innovations for Peers) Squad provides young adults with disabilities the chance to learn technology skills and build adaptive solutions to barriers they and their peers face.

These days Dale and the students she works with are quickly and cheaply building adaptive tools with the help of 3D printers. It’s been a very successful program at Ability Beyond, a nonprofit with locations in Bethel, Connecticut, and Chappaqua, N.Y., that educates and assists people with disabilities. The organization recently received $32,000 in grants from Verizon for the TIP Squad.

Dale says that educators looking to start similar accessibility programs with the help of 3D printing should remember it’s easier than it looks and that students benefit in many ways.

3D Printing and Accessibility: Listening To What Those With Disabilities Need

3D printers are amazing devices, and designing accessibility tools can sound high-tech, but the process itself is straightforward.

“We just make what's needed,” Dale says. “Somebody has a need. And they say, ‘What about this?’ Or ‘How could we help this person with that?’ And we just make it from there.”

The types of tools they make with 3D printers include a device that makes it easier for someone to hold a pen or crayon, and another tool that can steady a key so someone who might not otherwise be able to open a lock now can. Another tool is a device that rolls dice, which can allow for more accessible gaming.

Sometimes Dale and her team design their own tools, while in other instances they find existing designs at Makers Making Change, a nonprofit that provides open-source 3D printing designs for assistive tech tools.

Starting a 3D Printing Program and Jobs Training

If you’re an educator thinking of starting a 3D printing program with students, Dale’s advice is: Go for it!

“It's easier than you think, and you just have to do it," she says. "The only way to really understand it is when you start printing it, and you go. 'Well, why did it do that?' And then you can figure out why it did that.”

Her program has been designed as a job-training program as well.

“The TIP Squad has always been about getting an honest opinion from someone with a disability and using the technology and working toward soft skills for employment,” she says. “The TIP Squad members have to come on time. They have to wear specific clothes. They have to be neat. They have to work together as a team, all those beginning steps that make for successful employment.”

AI and The Future of 3D Printing

Dale says that while many new tech advances are not designed with accessibility in mind, “the byproduct is, people with disabilities can be more independent.”

That’s very true of AI technology, which will help bolster assistive technology in many ways and could make 3D printing easier for everyone.

“Within a year or two, you're going to be able to say, ‘I need a hand brace.’ Just say it, and it will print it,” Dale says, which isn’t as far out as it may sound since 3D designs are already available on the internet. AI might also be able to help guide students through the 3D printing process.

“A large part of the difficulties TIP Squad members face is communication,” Dale says. “Reading, understanding certain things, understanding how people are talking to them. AI can really help change that.”

• Best 3D Printers For Schools
• Teaching Robotics And STEM With The Help Of 3D Printers

A longtime challenge of teaching STEM with robots is that when parts break or need to be replaced that often means purchasing more expensive components for an already expensive product.

Krzysztof Szyliński, a teacher at the Vocational Training Centre & School Complex No. 1 in Stargard, Poland, doesn’t worry about this happening with his students. That’s because the robots his students use come with a 3D printer with repairs in mind.

“Students can take measurements of damaged elements themselves, and then model them in CAD, and print them,” Szyliński says. “The measurements made force the student to perform mathematical calculations, the design develops spatial imagination, and the result is a printout of a finished element.”

Szyliński is one of several teachers I spoke with in Poland (via email with the help of a translator) who is using Astorino robots. Made by Kawasaki Robotics and development partner Astor, these recently debuted in the U.S. and lend themselves well to incorporating 3D printing into robotics education.

Szyliński and his colleagues recently shared tips for teaching robotics and 3D printing to support student success and job training in STEM.

Teaching With Robots: Letting Students Lead

Robotics, as with many STEM subjects, needs to be hands-on for the students. That’s why Paweł Derwich at the Electrical and Electronic School Complex in Toruń, Poland, advises not solving problems that come up for students.

“Help as much as it is needed but give them the opportunity to come up with different solutions on their own,” Derwich says. “The most important thing here [for student] is to create your own algorithms in programs and draw conclusions from any failures.” He adds that students should be reminded that making mistakes at this stage are to be expected and a key part of the learning process.

Sławomir Szymanowski agrees. “We must make sure that students do not passively accept technology and technical solutions,” says Szymanowski, a teacher at the Technical School Complex in Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland. “We want them to be creators, to be able to create not only programs for a robot or a PLC, but also machine parts or elements of robotic production lines.”

Benefits of 3D Printing

Incorporating 3D printing into robotics education in particular, and STEM education in general, offers many lessons for students, say the educators interviewed for this story.

“Spatial modeling develops many skills and competencies,” Szymanowski says. “In addition to teamwork and developing creativity, 3D printing teaches a technical approach to many areas of life, including those related to robotics or broadly understood industrial automation.”

He adds, “When we develop even the simplest element for printing, we first have to imagine it. 3D modeling develops spatial skills and spatial visualization. When we reconstruct machine components, we have to take them apart, analyze, measure, or at least determine their size and proportions.”

Real-World Jobs Training And Beyond

Utilizing robotics lessons alongside lessons in 3D printing helps students develop skills that can lead to jobs. But it’s important for these lessons to be designed with the current and ever-evolving needs of the industry in mind.

“Teachers should be open to cooperation with companies where students will find employment in the future,” Szyliński says. “It is important to educate staff who not only have general knowledge of the educational material but also take into account the needs of the local labor market.” He adds this isn’t always easy. “The challenge for me, as a robotics teacher, is to meet expectations regarding the educational process and to properly prepare students for the requirements of the labor market – industry 4.0.”

For his part, Szymanowski says that one way to accomplish your objectives as a robotics instructor is to embrace the STEM concept of learning through discovery. "Such classes activate students very much, and give them a lot of joy when they are allowed to create and discover on their own," he says. "They do not passively participate in the teaching and learning process, but even create it and to some extent even direct it."

• Drone Soccer Looks Like Robot Quidditch. Here’s How Educators Are Using It
• Using AI and Robots To Build Social Connections For All Students

The best 3D printers for schools are better than ever and are improving all the time as a fantastic way to bring hands-on learning to students.

Not only can students now work to create virtual models with 3D software, but they can then have that made with a printer that then allows them to hold what they imagined. A powerful learning experience for anyone.

A 3D printer can work across a whole host of uses, including teachers creating replacement parts and showcasing pieces to suit their class. They also help in lessons such as shop class and art or geography and sciences.

The printers, as well as the software, are now more affordable and accessible than ever -- where it previously may have required some technical skills to master.

This guide aims to lay out the best 3D printers for schools right now.

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Best 3D Printers For Education

1. Dremel Digilab 3D45: Best overall

The Dremel Digilab 3D45 is a superb example of a 3D printer that is built for schools and beyond. It is WiFi-connected so students can print from anywhere, even at home, which makes it good for hybrid learning as well as in class. But it's the unique 720p camera that's a real draw here so students can view progress of the print in real-time. The auto-leveling bed and auto-filament detection are big parts of this too, so printing can start without the need to make physical adjustments in person.

For in-classroom use, the unit features a HEPA filter and closed printer chamber to remove any toxins from the filament. Dremel also bundles prepared lesson plans aimed at K-12 students. Plus, it offers a certification program to help instructors become better at using, and teaching use of, its 3D printers.

2. Flashforge Finder 3D Printer: Best for beginners

The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer is a superb option for schools looking to test the use of a 3D printer as it's designed for beginners. As such, it is priced low, is easy to use, and offers excellent reliability.

Despite the low cost, this unit features a removable print plate for easy flipping of the finished product, WiFi connectivity for online printing remotely, and very quiet running. Setup is near effortless, which is a big appeal in the sometimes-complicated world of 3D printers. That it works with a whole host of filaments and that there is auto detection for proprietary types is a bonus.

The Flashforge Education Program offers schools and colleges discounts to lower the already very fairly priced 3D printer.

3. Ultimaker Original+: Best for building challenge

The Ultimaker Original+ is a novel 3D printer in that it harks back to the start of this type of printer, when you were required to construct it yourself. As such, it represents a great project for a class, to build the printer before using it to build more items. This also makes it a more affordable option, perhaps one that students could have in their homes, if they were interested in investing in 3D printing.

The print area is plenty big enough and there are several popular filament options that work with this unit. Pair with a computer and the Ultimaker Cura software and you have a powerful tool for designing and building many different projects.

Ultimaker as a brand has been around for a long time in the 3D printing world and, as such, offers a wide selection of resources for educators -- from the basics through operation and maintenance right up to lessons for students that focus on STEM learning.

4. LulzBot Mini V2 3D Printer: Best for scalability and versatility

The LulzBot Mini V2 3D Printer is a big name in the 3D printing world as it stands for quality. That not only means high-resolution printing but reliability too -- something well appreciated and needed in schools. The vast array of filament types that this works with also speaks to its versatility, ideal for use across various subject types. Everything runs quietly and printing can be done wirelessly thanks to a GLCD controller.

While this doesn't take up a large space it will still print a decent-sized model with a 20 percent increase in volume compared with the previous model, without growing externally in size. This isn't the cheapest unit but for the versatility, reliability, and ability to scale this offers, it justifies the price.

5. Sindoh 3DWOX1: Best for remote printing

The Sindoh 3DWOX1 is a 3D printer that brings some of the best innovative features to a model that sits at the mid-level price point. As such, it boasts a heated platform and removable bed for easy product removal, HEPA air filter in a contained print area to stop fumes, and hands-off filament loading for safety and ease. You also get WiFi connectivity, so this is remote learning-friendly for off-site printing.

This unit works with plenty of different filaments, both Sindoh's own as well as third-party options such as PLA and ABS. It is a reliable printer that keeps the price lower than you'd expect for what you get here. Speed adjustment is also useful, especially for remote printing in which time constraints aren't an issue, as you can go slower to get a higher-quality end result.

6. Makerbot Sketch Solution: Best for lesson plan STEM learning

The Makerbot Sketch Solution is from a brand that has more than 7,000 models in schools across North America. That's not only thanks to the quality of the hardware but also the backing of tons of educational resources. This unit comes with more than 600 free lesson plans, a certification program for students, and ISTE-certified 10-hour 3D printing training. The cloud-based file management system that works with the powerful TinkerCAD and Fusion 360 3D CAD software is a really nice feature both for in-class design and from home hybrid learning too.

The printer itself comes with a heated and flexible build plate for easy removal of printed items. The enclosed chamber and particulate filter make it super safe, and touch screen controls make for easy in-class use. Everything is easy to setup and use but the lack of filament compatibility and price may not work for everybody.

7. Original Prusa i3 MK3S+: Best for consistent quality

The Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is the latest in a long line of iterations of this flagship 3D printer that has continually been improved on, with an already good setup, to reach the level it's at now. The result is a build quality and print consistency that is fantastic. This comes pre-built and features some excellent additions such as the magnetic bed, which fits perfectly into place and stays there for consistently high-quality print results.

For the price the build size could be a little larger, but with that new bed-levelling probe and the results, at the 150-micron resolution, speaking for themselves, it's tough to find fault with this 3D printer. The fact it supports lots of filament types and the company's own PrusaSlicer software is easy to use, make for a compelling setup that justifies the price.

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The best 3D printers for education can help to build physical structures in the real-world as well as remodel student thinking in the classroom to prepare them for the future ahead.

While 3D modelling software is now more immersive and engaging than ever before, there is still a lot of power in building a physical structure that you can hold. This is especially important for young minds that can potentially benefit greatly from their own tactile creations.

From shop class and art to geography and sciences, the uses for 3D printers are wide in school -- helping to justify the price tag. That said, with more models available now, prices have dropped dramatically, allowing schools to own models that just a few years ago were only accessible to professionals. 

This fast-developing area also means that 3D printers and the necessary software are far easier to use than before, making this accessible to an even wider age and ability range of students.

Students can fashion models to be used as part of projects or presentations while teachers can create tactile talking points to help make lessons more physically engaging for students. 

So which are the best 3D printers for education?

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Best 3D Printers For Education

1. Dremel Digilab 3D45: Best overall

The Dremel Digilab 3D45 is a superb example of a 3D printer that is built for schools and beyond. It is WiFi connected so students can print from anywhere, even at home, which makes it good for hybrid learning as well as in class. But it's the unique 720p camera that's a real draw here so students can view progress of the print in real-time. The auto-leveling bed and auto-filament detection are big parts of this too, so printing can start without the need to make physical adjustments in person.

For in-classroom use, the unit features a HEPA filter and closed printer chamber to remove any toxins from the filament. Dremel also bundles prepared lesson plans aimed at K-12 education. Plus, it offers a certification program to help instructors become better at using, and teaching use of, its 3D printers. 

2. Flashforge Finder 3D Printer: Best for beginners

The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer is a superb option for schools looking to test the use of a 3D printer as it's designed for beginners. As such, it is priced low, is easy to use, and offers excellent reliability.

Despite the low cost, this unit features a removable print plate for easy flipping of the finished product, WiFi connectivity for online printing remotely, and very quiet running. Setup is near effortless, which is a big appeal in the sometimes-complicated world of 3D printers. That it works with a whole host of filaments and that there is auto detection for proprietary types is a bonus.

The Flashforge Education Program offers schools and colleges discounts to lower the already very fairly priced 3D printer. 

3. Ultimaker Original+: Best for building challenge

The Ultimaker Original+ is a novel 3D printer in that it harks back to the start of this type of printer, when you were required to construct it yourself. As such, it represents a great project for a class, to build the printer before using it to build more items. This also makes it a more affordable option, perhaps one that students could have in their homes, if they were interested in investing in 3D printing.

The print area is plenty big enough and there are several popular filament options that work with this unit. Pair with a computer and the Ultimaker Cura software and you have a powerful tool for designing and building many different projects.

Ultimaker as a brand has been around for a long time in the 3D printing world and, as such, offers a wide selection of resources for educators -- from the basics through operation and maintenance right up to lessons for students that focus on STEM learning.

4. LulzBot Mini V2 3D Printer: Best for scalability and versatility

The LulzBot Mini V2 3D Printer is a big name in the 3D printing world as it stands for quality. That not only means high-resolution printing but reliability too -- something well appreciated and needed in schools. The vast array of filament types that this works with also speaks to its versatility, ideal for use across various subject types. Everything runs quietly and printing can be done wirelessly thanks to a GLCD controller.

While this doesn't take up a large space it will still print a decent-sized model with a 20 percent increase in volume compared with the previous model, without growing externally in size. This isn't the cheapest unit but for the versatility, reliability, and ability to scale this offers, it justifies the price.

5. Sindoh 3DWOX1: Best for remote printing

The Sindoh 3DWOX1 is a 3D printer that brings some of the best innovative features to a model that sits at the mid-level price point. As such, it boasts a heated platform and removable bed for easy product removal, HEPA air filter in a contained print area to stop fumes, and hands-off filament loading for safety and ease. You also get WiFi connectivity, so this is remote learning-friendly for off-site printing.

This unit works with plenty of different filaments, both Sindoh's own as well as third-party options such as PLA and ABS. It is a reliable printer that keeps the price lower than you'd expect for what you get here. Speed adjustment is also useful, especially for remote printing in which time constraints aren't an issue, as you can go slower to get a higher-quality end result. 

6. Makerbot Sketch Solution: Best for lesson plan STEM learning

The Makerbot Sketch Solution is from a brand that has more than 7,000 models in schools across North America. That's not only thanks to the quality of the hardware but also the backing of tons of educational resources. This unit comes with more than 600 free lesson plans, a certification program for students, and ISTE-certified 10-hour 3D printing training. The cloud-based file management system that works with the powerful TinkerCAD and Fusion 360 3D CAD software is a really nice feature both for in-class design and from home hybrid learning too.

The printer itself comes with a heated and flexible build plate for easy removal of printed items. The enclosed chamber and particulate filter make it super safe, and touch screen controls make for easy in-class use. Everything is easy to setup and use but the lack of filament compatibility and price may not work for everybody.

7. Original Prusa i3 MK3S+: Best for consistent quality

The Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is the latest in a long line of iterations of this flagship 3D printer that has continually been improved on, with an already good setup, to reach the level it's at now. The result is a build quality and print consistency that is fantastic. This comes pre-built and features some excellent additions such as the magnetic bed, which fits perfectly into place and stays there for consistently high-quality print results.

For the price the build size could be a little larger, but with that new bed-levelling probe and the results, at the 150-micron resolution, speaking for themselves, it's tough to find fault with this 3D printer. The fact it supports lots of filament types and the company's own PrusaSlicer software is easy to use, make for a compelling setup that justifies the price.

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Educators are looking for opportunities to teach students the skills that will best prepare them for college and career. Design thinking is a process to help them solve real-world problems. Specifically, it is a problem-solving process that puts people at the center of an inquiry.

“It allows students to think about the challenges the world is facing,” says Laura McBain, 

Director of K–12 community and implementation at the K–12 lab at Stanford University’s design school. “It puts them in the driver’s seat to be really engaged to solve those problems, to feel empowered to change the world.”

Design thinking is a useful framework when teaching in-demand 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. The iterative design process allows students to focus on a solution for a particular problem, interview and gather data from the people who have the problem, and refine and test potential solutions until they get to the one that resolves the problem.

Using 3D Printing to Support the Design Process

3D printing allows students to test their designs with high-quality models. It also facilitates STEM thinking within the design process, which provides real-world practice that they will encounter in their careers. Other student outcomes include practicing the finding/defending/presenting of design decisions as well as applying advanced 3D printing skills to communicate those design decisions.

Learning to use design thinking and 3D printers gives students an advantage. “Having the technology in school prepares them [students] to fabricate and build and test and gives them an edge that none of us had a few generations ago,” said Willy Wong, Professor at Parsons School of Design

3D Printer and Design Thinking Training and Certification

A new cloud-based 3D printing solution by Makerbot removes any apprehension an educator new to 3D printing might have. It maximizes student access with multiple printers so that teachers have increased classroom engagement without slowing down the learning process.

With MakerBot Cloud, teachers have seamless classroom management at their fingertips.

Students can queue up their designs and print them without a hitch. By making 3D printing more available to students, it boosts the opportunity for student innovation as they test their designs to solve real-world problems.

The Makerbot SKETCH Classroom is a reliable 3D printing platform that gives students the access they need and sets teachers up for success. It includes:

• 2 MakerBot SKETCH Desktop 3D printers.
• 600+ curated lesson plans created by Makerbot Certified educators.
• ISTE-certified 3D printer training for both teachers and students.
• Allows you to certify 2 teachers and 10 students in real-world problem-solving, design thinking, and 3D printing.
• Cloud-based integration manages student projects and allows direct printing from TinkerCAD

To find out how you can jumpstart design thinking and efficient 3D printing in your classroom, visit https://www.makerbot.com/3d-printers/sketch-classroom/ 

Whether constructing a 3D printer from a kit or letting students’ imaginations fly (and then expecting them to ground those wild ideas through engineering skills), one grant-savvy Wisconsin Tech Teacher credits his bounty of talented young tech minds to one idea: “If you build it, they will come.”

Who: Nels Lawrence, Technology & Engineering Youth Apprenticeship/CO-OP Coordinator

Where: Kaukauna High School, WI—2019 National Award Winner for Manufacturing Career Pathways

What: Using 3D Printers for puppy prosthetics and other engineering challenges

I first read about 3D printers online in 2009, and called a guy named Bre Pettis to ask if I could buy a kit (I did not know that at the time the Makerbot company was probably running out of his apartment in NYC— later sold for millions). I got a pile of parts back, no instructions. Challenge one. Bre put some info online and we built the printer. Challenge two was how to use it. Lucky for me I had two future computer tech pros as students in my class who mastered the Linux software and we started printing. 

Today, we have three printers in the Fab Lab attached to the library, several at the middle school, and eight more outside my door. I learned quickly I wasn’t going to get anywhere without money, so I started writing grants (earning from $500 to $200,000), and supply my students outside the school budget.

Between offering great materials and college credit through the local community college and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the program started attracting the top talented and very gifted students. In fact, one passed me walking down the hall today holding a jet engine he had built first in plastic on the 3D printer, a second following that in metal. (I asked, he was on his way to an interview with MIT.) 

The school allowed me to run classes with small numbers and it was in one of these engineering classes where the puppy paw prosthetic was designed. I already had a unit where students design and document some sort of assistive device for humans, so when I heard about this golden retriever puppy who was missing part of his front leg, it made sense. I mentioned it to my student, Ben Brochtrup—now an aerospace engineer major at UMN—who got excited and started designing.

Positive Results

The main value of offering tech like the 3D printer is drawing out design creativity. Students had to push themselves to learn the drawing skills to do an original project rather than going to the web and printing a ready-made file. 

Biggest Challenge

The puppy project involved many versions. We worked through troubleshooting and redesigns half a dozen times. We had five different types of printers as well as a new liquid process one. When trying the first model on the puppy with velcro, we realized cracking could be an issue. We experimented with plastic infused with metals, carbon fibre and then did more tests using a Vernier Structures & Materials Tester. We decided to use wood fibre-infused plastic to offer flexibility during stress and movement. 

Meanwhile the puppy was growing, so Ben also created a screw-in attachment so the bottom portion could be switched out and expanded for length.

Finding Funding

Grant money is out there. Look for your state resources; many offer big value grants in tech. Don’t discount smaller independent grants. They all add up.

Pro Tips

I suggest educators look for a way to use the printer as a tool, not just a way to download cute stuff to print. Students need to have some design skills and then apply engineering brainstorming and development looping to actually learn with this tool. Create lesson plans in engineering. Let the students design something that could actually work—that's the exciting part about engineering.

Tech Tools

Creative Programs:

Solidworks

Inventor

Blender

Slice program—Simplify 3D

College credit courses teach all of the major 3D design systems

Best 3D Classroom Printers 

Though originally considered by some as yet another fad, 3D printers have become increasingly prevalent in schools. 3D printers can be found in libraries, technology labs, innovation labs, and similar locations within schools. 3D printing and 3D printers, depending on how they are used, can help build students’ visual spatial, math, engineering, design, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. 

Choosing the right 3D printer can be difficult with so many choices on the market. While price often plays a considerable part, the features of a 3D printer and available support should play a role as well. Here is a comparison of features of some of the top 3D printers for preK-12 schools.

Filaments to consider 

Protoplant is a Vancouver, Washington based company, with a filament line dubbed Proto-pasta. Proto-pasta offers several unique filaments including composite filaments such as metal-filled, matte fiber, and carbon fiber. One of the composite filaments they offer is an electronically conductive filament that allows users to print simple circuitry for interactive projects. The conductive filament is available in two diameters 1.75mm and 2.85mm, and can be used with most PLA compatible printers with standard PLA settings. No heat bed or special extruder required! Proto-pasta also offers heat treatable PLA, which provides more durable prints once they have been heat treated, and Polycarbonate-ABS Alloy, also designed to print resilient parts. 

3D Printing Curriculum 

Several manufacturers, as well as other companies offer 3D printing curriculum to help educators introduce 3D printing to students. The Educators Guidebook from Makerbot offers valuable lesson plans that make incorporating 3D printing into the classroom easier. The Makerbot certification program is a training opportunity (also available to purchase separately) that helps educators earn professional development credits while learning about 3D printing and designing 3D printing curriculum, and is ISTE-certified. 

The Dremel EDU bundle includes 30 standard-based lesson plans ranging from how to 3D print, to using printed items to learn additional curricular concepts. Their EDU bundle also includes a 4 Hour professional development course for teachers.

The Flashforge curriculum includes 3 lesson packs with 21 lessons, complete with presentations and 190 resources. The lesson packs include beginner, intermediate, and advanced and are aligned with the Autodesk suite.

Autodesk  offers a suite of 3D modelling software, including Fusion 360, Inventor, AutoCAD, MAYA, 3DS MAX, and Tinkercad, all of which are available free to educators and students. In addition, Autodesk offers wide variety offer courses in how to use their product, as well as projects and competitions.

Tinkerine U offers multiple resources on 3D printing, including courses, stories, experiments, and challenges for students and teachers. 

More 3D Printing Options

Looking for a more flexible 3D printing solution? Learn more at Tech&Learning's latest article on 3D pens.  To read about how schools are using 3D printing in the classroom, check out 3D Printing in Action. 

James I. O’Neill High School: Creating Real-World 3D Printing Products

Students at James I. O’Neill High School in Highland Falls Fort Montgomery School District in New York, under the leadership of school media specialist Sheri McNair, have moved beyond printing simple key chains and phone cases to creating working prototypes of real world products. 

One project students in McNair’s Discovery CS & Coding course complete is to create an original arcade game combining coding, 3D printing, and fabrication. Student first design and code a video game on Code.org that utilizes the 4 arrow keys and spacebar for play. They then have to design and build a desktop-computer sized arcade cabinet to enclose and hide all but the screen on a Chromebook. Finally, using BlocksCAD, a cloud-based 3D modeling tool that utilizes block based programming, students create controllers for their games, which are printed using Dremel’s 3D40 and Protopasta’s conductive filament . The controllers are then attached to a Makey Makey , which in turn is connected to the Chromebook. This allows the conductive controllers to be “activated” and work as part of the cabinets build. 

A second project students complete in McNair’s course is a building a working drone. Students again utilize BlocksCAD to code the design of a drone body, and print it on the Dremel 3D40. During this project students are working on design and coding skills, as well as learning about aerodynamics as they design a drone that needs to fly. 

Rather than allowing students to print pre-made models, McNair requires students to design their own, accounting for things like weight of the finished product and its relationship with flight. According to McNair “Students learned quickly that they need to hollow out their designs, as many of the first attempts don’t make it more than a few feet off the ground. This type of hands-on problem solving allows students to break design problems down into their component parts, and learn from their failures.”

University at Albany: Taking 3D Printing to the Next Level 

Under the guidance of Michael Leczinsky, a full time lecturer and director of the University’s makerspace, undergraduate students in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany have taken 3D printing to the next level, exploring customization and personalization to solve problems big and small. 

Leczinsky credits the dramatic drop in costs associated with 3D printing with revolutionizing how we solve problems, stating “the sub $500 3D printers is a huge win for schools, libraries, makerspaces, hobbyists, and industry as it allows us to solve problems in entirely new ways. When we have a problem, technology exists to solve it. The rise in open source hardware and software is democratizing access to tools and innovation.”

The CEHC UAlbany Makerspace is equipped with Prusa i3 3D printers  and AutoDesk Fusion 360. The Prusa i3 is based on the open source concept, and offers pre-built as well as build your own printers. Leczinsky describes Prusa printers as rugged and easily fixable - noting that with the amount of use the 3D printers in the makerspace get, the ability to print new parts when repairs are needed makes them ideal.

Students in Leczinsky’s courses, as well as students using the makerspace as hobbyists, are engaged in a number of projects as they learn to prototype products for real world problems. As students advance in their skills, the focus turns to solving problems big and small. From designing storage solutions, to creating vent covers for the makerspace’s laser cutter, Leczinsky explains “we may be creating low impact unexciting things, but the idea of customizing to solve your own problems is the focus.” Not all projects being created in the space are low impact, however.

Matthew Tyler, a recent graduate of the Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security program, is working with local first responders to prototype and develop parts and modifications for first responder’s drones. The intent of the project is to develop modifications for existing drones to allow for additional sensors, actuators, and parts. According to Leczinsky “In one case, the part designed allows responders to attach lights to the drone so they can illuminate an area and provide better situational awareness and safety for the response team.” Leczinsky went on to describe additional projects such as equipping drones with speakers so that first responders can engage in two way communicate when responding in emergencies, or developing actuators that would allow first responders to use drones to drop life saving medical supplies, or even life rafts. Once the prototypes are approved, Leczinsky estimates they will be deployed across New York State to equip more than 200 drones with additional functionality, and will be used in daily emergency response activity. 

Leczinsky explains “with reasonable computing power, and cost effective tools, anyone can learn to solve simple and complex problems. The underpinnings of our space are to help users learn to do just that.”

Choosing a 3D Printer 

3D printing applications at the PreK-12 and college level offer opportunities for students to engage in real world problem solving, building, design, coding, and critical thinking skills that can be applied to 21st century problems. Choosing the right 3D printer for your students can lead to a world of possibility. Tech&Learning's 3D Printer Guide offers a detailed comparison of the best 3D printers for the education environment today. Not sure that a 3D printer is your best choice? Check out Tech&Learning's look at 3D printing pens for education. 

For educators not quite ready to dive in to 3D printing, there are several 3D pens on the market, which are hand held devices that mimic the extrusion process of a 3D printer, but allow for more free form control over what is created. Two of the more popular manufacturers of pens include the 3Doodler and Scribbler.

3Doodler is the maker of the first ever 3D printing pen, with 2 versions: Start (safe for ages 6+) and Create+ (ages 14+). 3Doodler Start uses low-temperature melt, non-toxic, biodegradable filament, and has no external heated parts. 3Doodler Start basic pens cost $49.99, with various packages and activities available. 3Doodler Create+ is compatible with multiple filaments, including ABS, PLA, flex, and wood filaments available on their website. Prices start at $79.99, with multiple kits and activities available. Educational bundles of both versions are also available. 

Scribbler  offers three 3D pens. The Scribbler V3 ($89) offers an ergonomically friendly grip, and durable, long-lasting motor.  The Scribbler Duo ($110) is the first ever dual extruder hand-held pen, allowing users to combine colors without the hassle of switching filaments during the build. The Scribbler Nano ($99) is the smallest 3D pen on the market. All three pens offered by Scribbler allow users to adjust the speed of extrusion and the temperature of the nozzles, and are compatible with ABS, PLA, flex, wood, copper, and bronze filaments offered on their website.

If you're looking for a more involved experience, the 3d Simo Kit ($35) is the world’s first build-your-own 3D pen kit. Powered by a microcomputer based on Arduino Nano, this kit is open source, which means advanced makers can customize parts, firmware and the circuit board to fit their needs. Appropriate for middle school and older students, this kit is a great way to introduce students to fabrication by asking them to build their own tools. 3DSimo also offers the Kit 2 ($69), which is a 4-in-1 tool - 3D pen, soldering iron, burner, and foam cutter. 

To learn about the top 3D printers for the preK-12 classroom, visit Tech&Learning's updated 3D Printer Guide. 

From our friends at Tom's Guide: From classrooms to design shops, 3D printers have found an audience with students, makers and industrial designers. And as you would expect for a product that appeals to everyone from professional designers to educators to hobbyists, even the best 3D printers vary wildly in the features they offer and how much they cost.

Why this matters: STEM teaching and technology in the 21st century K12 classroom are crucial to preparing students for college and careers - and 3D printers are becoming an affordable way to engage learners in STEM topics.  That's why K12 administrators, IT specialists and teachers need to know the benefits, drawbacks and costs of the latest 3D printers. Read the full report at www.tomsguide.com

Tinkercad

Amazingly simple yet powerful and flexible online CAD tool

Pros: Designing 3D objects has never been easier or more rewarding; kids can move from learn to design to print in no time.

Cons: Requires an internet connection and a laptop or desktop, which could be a problem for tablet and BYOD environments.

Bottom Line: A big step forward in making iterative 3D design more accessible and social.

Read more here.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed byCommon Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

By Common Sense Education

The team behind Dremel® DigiLab products is partnering with Mosaic Manufacturing to bring multi-color and multi-material 3D printing to the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D printer. The Mosaic Palette 2 Pro S is a hardware product that integrates with the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 to allow for multi-color printing and soluble supports and flexible materials to harness 3D printing in new ways.

The Mosaic Palette 2 Pro S enables the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 to combine flexible materials, soluble materials, ridge materials and a different colored materials in a single print.

Dremel will be showcasing this new set-up,  along with its Laser Cutter and new 3D40 FLEX 3D Printer – at booth #2157 at ISTE19.

 XYZprinting will invest over $1,000,000 into the XYZprinting STEAM 3D Education Program, which will will put over 300 3D printers into the classroom within the continental US. 

The Stockbridge InvenTeam, from Stockbridge High School, Michigan, which has over 10 XYZprinting 3D printers, is just one example of a school that's using 3D printing to create problem-solvers of the future. “The team aims to inspire, engage, and educate the endless possibilities with 3D printing while leaving a positive impact in the world.” said Bob Richards, Technology Teacher who leads the Stockbridge InvenTeam. One of the team’s latest projects is The Ezra Project. Inspired by a previous 3D printed prosthetic hands project, Chelsey Asquith, a freshman, decided to make a 3D printed fishing pole adaptor for Ezra, a 7-year-old boy who has little use of his hands due to a stroke he suffered from a young age. The prototyping process took the team numerous trials and errors, but with the right mindset for success, the team eventually created a 3D printed fishing pole adaptor that fits on Ezra’s hands. 

Schools that are selected into the STEAM 3D Education Program will be receiving one XYZprinting 3D printer, the da Vinci Jr 1.0 (valued at $199.95) and a FREE one-year Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) NGSS-based curriculum for teachers to utilize in the classroom. The program is divided into 3 categories and schools will be selected based on grade levels:

• 80 schools within Grades K-5
• 100 schools within Grades 6-8
• 120 schools within Grades 9-12

Applications for selections in the program will be accepted until September 5, 2019. 

Schools interested in the program may complete the application from here. For more information, visit the XYZprinting STEAM 3D Education Program website.

Visit booth #1959 at ISTE 2019, Pennsylvania Convention Center, to find out more about STEAM 3D Education Program as well as our newest da Vinci Color mini, the 2nd generation FFF full-color 3D printer that uses new inkjet technology to print 3D objects in millions of color combination. Read about the da Vinci Color mini. 

Looking Glass Factory today announced the Looking Glass Pro: A Holographic Workstation, an all-in-one 3D visualization solution available for pre-order for a limited time at $5,500. The Looking Glass® Pro is designed for enterprise customers seeking a turnkey holographic display solution for groups of people without the need for VR or AR headsets.  The Looking Glass Pro Workstation will be showcased to the public for the first time at AWE 2019 (Booth #705). Pre-orders start today at http://look.glass/lkgpro

The Looking Glass Pro is a general purpose, self-contained holographic interface that comes with a suite of software tools, including the HoloPlay Unity® SDK, HoloPlay Plugin for Unreal®, and the three.js Looking Glass library, enabling companies to generate holographic applications in the fields of 3D design & simulation, volumetric and 360 3D video capture, architecture, medical visualization, education, and experiential marketing. The hardware features a proprietary 15.6” lightfield display with an embedded computer for fully standalone functionality, an integrated full-size 15.6” touchscreen, secondary fold-out 2D display for UI navigation, and a Leap MotionTM controller for 3D spatial interaction. 

When customers turn on The Looking Glass Pro for the first time, they will see a sample app library containing dozens of holographic apps in the system which they can browse and experience. Customers can then use some of the apps to display and interact with their own content holographically or use a special commercial version of the Looking Glass Unity, Unreal, and three.js SDKs to generate their own holographic apps for the Looking Glass Pro.

Pricing and Availability

The Looking Glass Pro Workstation lists at $6,000 and will be offered at a special pre-order price of $5,500 from May 29 - June 2.  The units will begin shipping mid-July 2019.  

XYZprinting produces a wide range of 3D printers, but the company seems especially adept at making printers aimed at novices and newcomers. The da Vinci Nano, XYZ’s entry-level printer released in 2018, is a prime example of that. Priced at $179.99, this simple printer offers a lot of features for a small price, and it’s our pick for the best 3D printer for beginners.

Design

The da Vinci Nano, which measures 14.9 x 14 x 11 inches, looks more like a kitchen appliance than something high-tech; it’s like a cross between a bread maker and a 1970s sci-fi movie prop. Though a front door blocks off the moving and hot parts of the printer, there is no override. If you open the front door, the printer keeps going, so it isn’t suitable for unsupervised use by younger printers.

The door does help block off much of the noise of printing, though—a low whirring and buzzing sound that is quieter than that from most printers.

Behind the lift-up front door is the print area, with a glass print bed that allows for prints of up to 4.7 inches on each side. That’s not as big as the prints possible from printers like the Dremel Digilab 3D40, but it’s big enough for most uses. 

For the full exhaustive review and for purchasing links and suggestions, go to tomsguide.com and search on the product name.

Dremel has announced the debut of its newest 3D printer, the Dremel DigiLab 3D40 FLEX 3D Printer.  

The 3D40 FLEX includes a flexible build plate to help make it easier to remove parts after printing – one of the biggest challenges with most 3D printers today.    

To accommodate more users, the 3D40 FLEX also prints 30 percent faster in draft mode. The printer also features higher resolution capabilities to better print intricate features like arches, organic forms, small details, engravings and diagonals.   

Features include:

• Flexible build plate for easy removal of prints 
• 30 percent faster printing while in draft mode to maximize the utilization of the machine 
• 50 (.05mm) micron resolution to better print more intricate and detailed designs  Cloud-based printing software to easily maximize printer usage 
• UL-certified and rigorously tested to ensure safety 

For educators interested in hands-on, project-based learning, Dremel has an education-focused offering featuring both the 3D40 FLEX and the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer. In addition to the products, users receive access to a four-hour professional development course and 30 standard lesson plans for students ranging from third to 12th grade.   

The Dremel DigiLab 3D40 FLEX will be available at select retailers and online this February (MSRP $1,299 USD). For more information about the Dremel DigiLab 3D40 FLEX and the entire DigiLab suite, visit digilab.dremel.com.  

Skriware educational startup will be showcasing its learn-through-play ecosystem for students at Bett Show 2019, booth no. B56. 

Their hands-on learning experience for students uses technologies such as 3D-printed, programmable robots to teach coding engineering and design. The solution also includes 3D printers and online learning platform. 

Skriware Academy, the online STEAM platform uses teaching methods that have been developed in cooperation with experts in the field of education. The startup worked with the faculties from Dartmouth College, Astro Center at Texas A&M University and Harvard Graduate School of Education to create its courses. It has also recently partnered up with Microsoft as a Global Education Partner to tackle challenges in education.

3D Slash

Minecraft-like 3D modeling (and printing) made super easy for all ages

Pros: Simple, Minecraft-inspired design tools are familiar to some users and easy to learn for others, especially with the great tutorials and examples.

Cons: Designs are exclusively composed of cubes, which makes creating very complex designs a bit challenging, and the teacher dashboard is limited.

Bottom Line: This may be the fastest, cheapest route from idea to 3D printing out there, if you don't mind low-res, pixelated designs.

[Building Cities on the Red Planet]

Read more here.

Site of the Week picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best edtech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

By Common Sense Education

Canon U.S.A. showcases its latest solutions for the education market at ISTE 2018 (Booth #2375), from June 24 to June 27, 2018 at the McCormick Place West Building in Chicago.

At the show, Canon demonstrates its Intelligent Grading Solution (IGS) IGS PRO, a test grading and analytics cloud-based software. The current IGS system provides educators with the flexibility to create and grade exams, and then generate detailed, analytical reports from an imageRUNNER ADVANCE system. Additional features now available through IGS PRO software include the ability to utilize a web-based portal, incorporate math questions on answer sheets, review exceptions and adjust test data accordingly, export grade data into popular learning management systems,1 and more.

[What’s New: New Tools for Schools]

Canon invites educators to an exhibit to learn how a PIXMA G3200 MegaTank All-in-One printer, in collaboration with a Silhouette America digital fabricator and software, can create 3D educational models utilizing 2D prints. The Canon USA-Silhouette America collaboration will include a library of 250 Canon Creative Park crafts that are processed to work with the Silhouette fabricator after being printed on the Canon printer so that students can immediately immerse themselves into the assembly of fun learning crafts. The solution provides a fast method for producing 3D crafts when compared to traditional 3D printers, has applicability to STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art & Math) curriculum and has been validated by educators as an effective pedagogical tool for teaching design, assembly and spatial rendering.

MakerBot announces its 3D printing certification program for educators,available now.

The MakerBot Certification™ Program trains educators on operating MakerBot 3D printers as well as on how to create their own 3D printing curriculum.

[3D Printing For Learning]

Teachers can become certified in one of two ways. The first is a series of online, self-paced courses that trains users to become operators first, then curriculum creators. The second covers the same material as a blended workshop that combines online coursework with an additional 5 hour hands-on training session, led by 3D printing experts at MakerBot HQ.

To learn more, visit https://www.makerbot.com/3d-printing-certification/

All it took was the purchase of one 3D printer to convince Upper Grand District School Board Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Technological Educational Lead for Upper Grand DSB Charles Benyair that the new technology is integral to the future of his students and the community at large. Just two years after buying his first printer, the district has evolved to host a full network of over one hundred 3D printers, with curriculums modified in every subject matter, programs that encourage students to build parts needed by the local community, and trained teachers who have become experts in the skill.

Following an initial investment, Benyair came across technology integration firm Advanced Education, at a local showcase venue, demoing Dremel’s new 3D printer.

Upon making the investment, Advanced assisted in the integration of Dremel 3D printers specifically into district schools, offering necessary tech support as well as establishing the critical professional development training needed to fully utilize the technology.

Since the Upper Grand District School Board invested in 3D printers, many students in the Upper Grand School District have worked with a printer, in subjects as diverse as math, science, technology, history, geography, art, design and literature. And, in addition to enhancing curriculum teachings with the technology, Benyair has taken the opportunity to involve his students in community service by solving local problems with 3D printing.

The district has also gotten involved with the “E-nabling the Future Prosthetic Hand Project”, which is made up of a community of individuals from all over the world who are using their 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those in need of an upper limb assistive device.

Since implementing 3D printers into their curriculums, the average percentage of students taking a technology class grew to 40%, which is 10% above the national average.

The purchase of one 3D printer has convinced Upper Grand District School Board Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Technological Educational Lead for Upper Grand DSB Charles Benyair that the new technology is integral to the future of his students and the community at large. Two years after buying his first printer, the district now hosts a network of over 100 3D printers, with curriculums modified in every subject matter, programs that encourage students to build parts needed by the local community, and trained teachers who have become experts in the skill.

Following an initial investment, Benyair came across technology integration firm Advanced Education, at a local showcase venue, demoing Dremel’s new 3D printer. “I knew that these printers were the future of education,” he said. “We decided to also invest in Dremel’s 3D printers to help empower teachers and students to immerse themselves in the technology and further align their frame of thinking with the future.”

Advanced assisted in the integration of Dremel 3D printers into district schools, offering tech support as well as establishing professional development.

In addition to enhancing curriculum teachings with the technology, Benyair has taken the opportunity to involve his students in community service by solving local problems with 3D printing.

“We take some K-12 students out into the schoolyard and pose issues to them, which they in turn, design solutions for with the necessary software and printer.” Benyair said. For example, we had students design picnic table plugs that sealed up the umbrella holes in the winter when they weren’t being used.”

The district has also become involved with the “E-nabling the Future Prosthetic Hand Project,” a community of individuals from all over the world who are using their 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those in need of an upper limb assistive device.

Since implementing 3D printers into their curriculums, the average percentage of students taking a technology class grew to 40%, which is 10% above the national average.

“3D printing is going to be a part of our everyday lives soon enough,” said Arthur Public School Vice Principal Jason Boyce. “While it is amazing to learn about a scientist using 3D printing to replace body parts or plans for 3D printing future colonies on the moon, the technology can solve practical problems everywhere, starting in the community.”

Makerbot has made its full 200-page guidebook for 3D printing in education, MakerBot Educators Guidebook, available for free on its website.

Included are:

• A crash course in 3D design and 3D printing
• 9 classroom ready 3D printing lesson plans
• Tips and tricks from STEM educators

No technological concept has intrigued yet disappointed the education community as much as 3D has. From floating Second Life avatars flying students to imaginary learning islands to throbbing dissected hearts projected in dimly lit classrooms to curricula springing from handheld tablets, the promise of teaching in the next dimension has been too good to be true. Most, if not all, of these attempts have gone the way of the paperless classroom.

3D printing is different. The products you see on the cover and read about on page 42 are not prototypes but actual devices in action right now. Admittedly, when we first reported on 3D printers (check out our September, 2014 cover story in the archives: www.techlearning.com/currentissuearchive), these machines did little more than print out novelty plastic doohickeys. But since then, teachers and students have designed curricula, spawned innovative projects, and even created new industries.

Another indication that 3D printing is more than a fad is how important its use is in three other edtech hot topics—the Maker Movement, STEM education initiatives, and project-based learning. Contributing editor Ellen Ullman describes sixth-graders in Denver’s STEM launch K-8 program (How schools make “making” meaningful,) designing and creating architectural models for tiny houses in conjunction with a social studies project that addressed housing shortages. I don’t know about you, but that’s not what I was doing in the sixth grade!

I must admit that 3D printing still mystifies me a bit. There is some sort of Willy Wonka magic that occurs between the image on the screen and the thing in the box. But for students, it’s just another day in the classroom, which gives me hope for the future!
— Kevin Hogan
Content Director
khogan@nbmedia.com

Students at Charter High School for Architecture and Design in Philadelphia (PA) are working with an Ultimaker 2 Extended+ to learn about art, design, and giving back to the community. This year’s senior design challenge involved creating a prosthetic hand for a middle-school student with cerebral palsy. Students spent six months designing and iterating until they created a final product that allowed this student to draw and paint. This is just one of many stories illustrating how 3D printing is allowing students to experience real-world design and problem solving.

As educators around the globe implement 3D printing in their classrooms and libraries, students are developing art, design, technology, engineering, and math skills. As more schools adopt 3D printing technology, the number of 3D printer models available continues to grow, and companies are releasing design curricula as quickly as they can.

MakerBot recently announced the launch of My MakerBot, a cloud-based platform for print preparation that connects directly to Tinkercad, a cloud-based 3D design program made by AutoCAD. This new partnership allows for seamless 3D design and printing for teachers and students. My MakerBot works on all platforms, including Chromebooks, which will make it easier for students and educators to prepare and monitor 3D prints. My MakerBot works with all MakerBot printers, including the MakerBot Replicator and the MakerBot Replicator Mini+, both of which are excellent choices for 3D printing in schools.

MakerBot will also be releasing the MakerBot Educators Guidebook in early fall 2017. The MakerBot Educators Guidebook, written in conjunction with over 80 educators, provides not only nine classroom-ready lesson plans, but also information on where to find the best additional 3D-printing lesson plans, information on getting started with 3D printing, and best practices. The lesson plans are written in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step format, and they include correlations to national standards as well as helpful notes from the authors. This is a fantastic addition to the already diverse options for educators, which include Thingiverse Education and an array of 3D printers.

                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                    
The Afinia H400 and Dobot Magician make 3D printing attainable for all students  

At ISTE 2017, XYZprinting announced a STEAM curriculum that’s designed to align with the K–12 Next Generation Science Standards. This curriculum won a Best of Show Award from Tech & Learning. XYZprinting will continue to add to the curriculum, and the remaining courses will be available by the end of 2017. The addition of this STEAM curriculum means that XYZprinting now offers a complete educational solution, which includes hardware, software, and curriculum. They’re also introducing a new education section on their website, and the company will be offering schools the opportunity to participate in an ambassador program, where educators can share their knowledge and classroom successes in 3D printing.

A number of new printers available for the 2017 school year include offerings from Afinia, Dremel, and Robo 3D—all leaders in 3D printing.

Afinia 3D is introducing the new Dobot Magician EDU, a robotic arm that can 3D-print, manipulate objects, write, and draw. With a graphical programming environment, multiple tool heads, and the capability to work on the Arduino platform, Dobot allows students to explore multiple areas in STEM and robotics. The EDU package will cost $1,499, and it comes complete with tutorials and lessons for students to explore coding, development, and automation in one unique tool. The Dobot Magician prints in HIPS, PET, and PLA, with a 0.1mm (100 microns) resolution and a maximum print size of 150 x 150 x 150mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 in.). The Magician offers wifi and USB connectivity and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty with lifetime phone and email support. Dobot Magician EDU also comes with a vacuum pump kit, gripper, writing and drawing kit, 3D-printing kit, Bluetooth module, wifi module, joystick control, and tool package.

The Dobot Magician is the latest in Afinia’s line of printers, which includes the H800+ and the H400—both of which print in a wide array of materials and are two other great choices for educators. The new Dremel DigiLab 3D45 ($1,799) has a layer resolution of .01–0.3 mm (100–300 microns), a 292.1 x 190.5mm (11.5 x 7.5 in.) build plate, and a maximum print size of 254 x 152.4 x 170.18mm (10 x 6 x 6.7 in.). The 3D45 offers a heated print bed, full enclosure, auto calibration, touchscreen display, air filter, USB and wifi connectivity, and automatic filament recognition that updates temperature settings to ensure optimal printing. The 3D45 offers an HD camera for fleet management, remote viewing, and time-lapse video capture. It prints in proprietary ABS, flexible PLA, nylon, PLA, and polycarbonate. If it’s used for non-commercial or educational purposes, the printer has a one-year warranty against defective materials or workmanship and comes with lifetime customer support. Dremel customers receive support via video tutorials, Skype, chat, email, and telephone, with most calls answered within 45 seconds.

Robo 3D has just released the Robo R2, with a retail price of $1,499. The Robo R2 offers dual print heads (the second is available as an add-on) and will print in ABS, flexible PLA, HIPS, nylon, PET, and wood with a resolution of 20–300 microns. The print plate is 200 x 200mm (7.87 x 7.87 in.) with a maximum print size of 8 x 8 x 10 inches. The Robo R2 offers a heated and fully enclosed print bed, auto calibration, touchscreen display, USB and wifi connectivity, an on-board camera, integrated model slicing, filament run-out detection, and a nylon unibody XY gantry. The Robo R2 has a range of capabilities, including the ability to print in two materials at once. It comes with a one-year warranty and Robo 3D offers 24/7 lifetime support.

3D printing is a fantastic way to introduce students to both curriculum-based and real-world skills as well as life skills. Tap in to creativity, problem solving, iteration, math, science, technology, art, engineering, and design; meet Next Generation Science, ISTE, and Common Core Standards; and open your students’ worlds to entrepreneurial skills and ways to give back to the community—all with one simple tool.

Revolutionizing Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is a top priority at PS 15 Patrick F. Daly School of the Arts. Located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, this public school relies on creative and academic projects to lead students through concepts that are aligned with the national Common Core Learning Standards, in addition to local and state standards.

Through a federally-funded Magnet Grant, STEM Educator Jenna Utter found a unique way to add a fresh sense of innovation, creativity, and fun to her classroom.

Brought to you by MakerBot

 Autodesk Digital STEAM Visual Design 

Cool tool helps teach principles and elements of design in 3-D 

Pros: Multiple visual and text examples make terms easy to understand, and the app is free.
Cons: Missed opportunity for incorporating audio; no assessment included in app.
Bottom Line: Autodesk Digital STEAM Visual Design can be a good tool for individual, self-directed learning.

Read more here.

By Common Sense Education

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. 

In November 2014, HP introduced Sprout, calling it an immersive computer. Seven months later, in June of this year, HP released 3D Capture, which adds the ability to capture physical objects in 3D. Sprout is the first fully integrated desktop scanning solution. It allows users to scan 2D and 3D images and then manipulate and edit them on the 10-point touchscreen computer or on the HP 20-point Touch Mat.

Adding Sprout to a 3D printing environment opens up a whole world of possibilities for student creativity. With Sprout, students are able to scan physical objects and embed them in what they are doing digitally, which allows for more immediate prototyping of new objects that can be added to existing ones. (Want to build an accessory to house those pesky wires? Scan the wires to ensure a perfect fit!) The capacity to blend existing digital content with physical objects opens the door for creativity and innovation in new ways. Sprout and 3D Capture also allow for real-time virtual collaboration in the 3D platform, so students can work with each other and with experts who aren’t in the same room—or even in the same country. Once files are generated, they can be saved as .obj or .stl and downloaded for local printing or sent to Sculpteo, a 3D print service that produces and ships high-quality prints in a multitude of materials.

Sprout, an advanced, all-in-one desktop computer, is a fully functioning, high-powered, stand-alone workstation, and it can be used for creative activities beyond 3D prototyping and printing, including stop-motion animation with Sprout Stop Motion, 4D applications with Crayola Color Alive, and the Ideum Origami Apprentice (which guides users through the creation of origami models).

MORE ON SPROUT

The Computer: Sprout runs on the Windows Operating System on a 4th-generation Intel Core i7-4790S Processor with a 1TB SATA solid state hybrid drive with 8GB flash acceleration cache, which offers SSD-like speed, HDD capacity, and 8GB DDR3-1600 memory (expandable to 16GB). There are dual USB2 and dual USB3 ports, integrated Bluetooth 4.0 and wireless LAN. Sprout features DTS Sound, an HP 3-in-1 media card reader that supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC, and NVIDIA GeForce GT 745A graphics card with 2GB DDR3 dedicated memory. Sprout has a 23” diagonal, 10-point touch-enabled, full HD (1920x1080) wide viewing angle, and white-LED backlit LCD display. Sprout also comes with a wireless chiclet-style keyboard with volume control, Windows 8 hot keys, and an optical mouse.

3D Capture: Sprout captures 2D and 3D images using the HP Illuminator, powered by the HP DLP projector, the HP high-resolution camera with up to 14.6 megapixel resolution, and the Intel RealSense 3D camera and an LED desk lamp. The available Capture Stage (a separate purchase) has a turntable and automatically tilts 15 degrees while turning, which helps ensure that all aspects of the object being scanned are captured. The stage is not required for 3D scanning.

3D Capture and Manipulation: The 3D Capture application allows users to scan and manipulate objects using the included HP Touch Mat, which is a 20” diagonal, 20-point touch mat with ultra-resistant top coating and Adonit Jot Pro stylus. Additionally, users are able to share 3D objects with others via email, Facebook, and other social media sites, in an online viewer where they can collaborate on and manipulate the objects.

3D Printing: HP is currently partnered with Dremel to create an integrated printing solution with the Dremel 3D Idea Builder (which can be purchased as a bundle) and is aligning with Sculpteo, a print service, to offer 3D print delivery by mail.