Category Archives: News
Must-See Infographic: How 3D Printing Will Revolutionize the Classroom
As 3D printing becomes more accessible to the public, educators are learning how this technology can – and is – revolutionizing the classroom.
In this rich infographic by OnlineDegrees.org, the subject of 3D printing in education is explored.
Key topics include:
- Which universities have embraced 3D printing
- Materials used in 3D printing
- How 3D printing is being incorporated into the classroom
- 3D lesson plans
Published under Creative Commons license.
3D Printing in the Classroom to Accelerate Adoption of Technology
Interest in 3D printing is increasing, and there are new programs introducing the technology into the classroom to encourage students to get exposure to the potential of 3D printing at an early age.
In a recent New York Times blog post following President Obama’s State of the Union address, the question was posed:
“Can the United States get a foothold in manufacturing one 3D printer at a time?”
The article continued to cite several examples of how education programs for 3D printing may make this reality.
First, the Creative Machine Labs at Cornell:
Hod Lipson, an associate professor and the director of the Creative Machines Lab at Cornell, said “3-D printing is worming its way into almost every industry, from entertainment, to food, to bio- and medical-applications.”
It won’t necessarily directly create manufacturing jobs, except perhaps for the printers themselves. Dr. Lipson, the co-author of “Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing,” said that the technology “is not going to simply replace existing manufacturing anytime soon.” But he said he believed that it would give rise to new businesses. “The bigger opportunity in the U.S. is that it opens and creates new business models that are based on this idea of customization.”
Second, new programs at the University of Virginia:
In addition to the lab that the president mentioned, a federally financed manufacturing innovation institute in Youngstown, Ohio, schools are embracing the technology. The University of Virginia has been working to introduce 3D printers into some programs from kindergarten through 12th grade in Charlottesville to prepare students for a new future in manufacturing.
“We have 3D printers in classrooms, and in one example, we’re teaching kids how to design and print catapults that they then analyze for efficiency,” said Glen L. Bull, professor and co-director of the Center for Technology and Teacher Education. “We believe that every school in America could have a 3D printer in the classroom in the next few years.”
The education system may want to speed things up. The time between predictions for 3D printers and the reality of what they can accomplish is compressing rapidly.
Read the full feature at the NYTimes blog.
Top 3D Printing Headlines Last Week: POTUS SOTU, stocks, TED, Fashion
A roundup of the top news On 3D Printing brought you from February 11 to February 17:
Wednesday, February 13
- President Obama Calls 3D Printing “Revolutionary” in State of the Union
- Details on the 3D Printing Institute from Obama’s SOTU Address
Sunday, February 17
3D Printed Kimberly Ovitz Jewelry Designs Come to Shapeways
3D printing marketplace Shapeways has partnered with Kimberly Ovitz on a new line of 3D printed jewelry.
The designs are inspired by the sleek look of female comic book crime fighters. Ranging from $35 to $95, the designs are available for sale at Shapeways and can be designed to custom fit the customer.
Ovitz’ new line was inspired by the idea of “natural defense,” which in practice means form-fitting jewelry that, in this case, looks like it was lifted right out of a comic book. The Coelom Bracelet and Squama Ring are similar – both wrap around the pointer finger and hand in a delicate spiral, and come in either stainless steel or flexible nylon. The bracelet extends a little further, wrapping around the hand completely before terminating at the wrist. The Thana Earcuff and Spicules Earhook are worn around the ear, and neither require piercings. The Spicules combined with the Prosoma Necklace look like they’d be a pretty solid duo if you’re planning on making the career jump to masked crime-fighter.
Below is a video featuring Kimberly Ovitz designs.
Make: Where Do We Really Stand On 3D Printing?
Make magazine has published an extensive opinion piece about 3D printing as part of its 3D Thursday series. The article is called 3D Printing Revolution: the Complex Reality.
The main thesis of the post is that while 3D printers are becoming increasingly popular, the reality might not match the hype. For one, designing for manufacturability is hard – from CAD software to industrial design techniques. Another issue is the durability and precision of materials used in 3D printing, such as ABS plastic, may not be engineering-grade.
Concluding, the author states:
One day, a silver bullet solution may materialize; if it does, it will be probably nothing like any of the existing technologies we are experimenting with. Until then, it pays to focus on the process, not on this week’s most-hyped tool.
These points are valid and one has to acknowledge that 3D printing won’t replace all manufacturing processes overnight. But look at the applications that are already commercial, from medical and dentistry to fashion to toys and games. Expect more to follow quickly with the rapid pace of innovation in 3D printing!
