Educational institutions integrate 3D printers into many departments to enhance programs and expose students to leading edge technologies. The printers are indispensable in providing students access to physical models.
Advantages for the Classroom
- Speed - A high-throughput 3D printer is ideal to support several classes of 20 to 30 students each semester
- Low Cost - A low cost per printed part is critical both to support students and keep within budgetary constraints.
- Reliability - A safe and reliable 3D printer is important, since it operates continuously in a classroom environment.
- Safety - Unlike other machines, 3D printers require no model support structures that need to be removed with razor knives or chemical baths.
Applications
- Mechanical Engineering - 3D printers are capable of creating appearance prototypes directly from digital data, allowing students to evaluate their designs in 3D.
- Architecture - quick, inexpensive models make it possible to print multiple pieces during the course of a project and use the models not only to present, but also as part of the creative process.
- Industrial Design - 3D printers can produce models of any complexity. The models can be sanded and painted to replicate production models.
- Fine Arts - students are able to create physical output of their projects and gain valuable feedback on their projects.
- Bio-Medical Research - the unique capability of a Colour 3D printer to create full colour parts allows researchers to accurately represent molecular models in three-dimensions.