3D printers help cultivate next-generation engineers

3D Systems gives out 3D printers to K-12 schools and universities to help students learn design, prototype, and test their innovative ideas with latest design software and scanning technology.

By Joy Chang September 10, 2014

3D Systems partnered with SME Education Foundation to provide advanced manufacturing education to next-generation engineers. 3D Systems’ line of printers uses ABS and PLA materials to produce models of custom parts in different shapes and colors. Targeting consumer market and in-home use, these small-scale printers also can be used for educational training in classrooms.

Partnering with SME Education Foundation, 3D Systems’ MAKE.DIGITAL education initiative focuses on promoting advanced digital literacy in K-12 and college STEM education. (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math.) The company provided 3D printers to use in laboratories and classrooms to foster an interactive and inspiring learning environment. With the latest 3D educational printing kit, students and researchers can design, prototype, and test their innovations faster and with less limitations.

3D Systems showcased its educational 3D printing kit at IMTS 2014. Students interested in industrial design could try out interactive design on MAKE.DIGITAL platform at the Smartforce Student Summit.

"With all the STEM initiatives and the U.S. focus on closing the skills gap, we find that 3D printing has the potential to provide tremendous help in training future engineers. This is a way to transform traditional industrial design classes into real-time, real world applications, " said Megan Innes, consumer events manager at 3D Systems.

– Joy Chang, digital project manager, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, CFE Media, jchang@cfemedia.com  

For more about 3D Systems, see www.3dsystems.com 

For more about SME Education Foundation, see www.smeef.org