Choosing a printer
Even as they become more ubiquitous in schools, 3D printing is still an emerging technology, and therefore, a learning curve for CIOs.
The biggest challenge is understanding how to best incorporate the technology for high-volume use by inexperienced users. They will also need to be familiar with the various software options available. Training in the CAD technology that drives 3D printers is a must.
Printers are much easier to use now than they were a few years ago, says Matt Young, engineering specialist at Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota.
But integrating printers into a course curriculum can be more challenging for beginners. To help, most manufacturers have tutorials and videos on their websites, Young says.
A robust curriculum must be built around the printer to make it a fully effective teaching and learning tool. Mahtomedi High offers a two-week summer course to learn how to effectively teach in a FabLab setting—where 3D printers are just one of several high-tech tools used for engineering and design.
Each printer company has its own school-focused offerings. A hands-on learning guide and bundled kits along with a curriculum could integrate engineering concepts with core academic knowledge in science, math, art and 3D printing technology.
No matter what printer manufacturer is chosen you need to consider include:
Technology. 3D printing technology is advancing quickly, which means CIOs will have to upgrade. Mahtomedi High School assumes its printers will be used for less than two years before they are outdated—another reason the district bought less expensive printers.
Other newer, cheaper technologies also include stereolithography and direct-light-processing desktop 3D printers that use liquids rather than paper, metals or sand, says Dalia Lasaite, CEO of CGTrader, a 3D-model marketplace. Liquids are a less expensive filament with smoother surfaces.
Choosing a printer is only one part of the process. You also need to consider the following issues:
The biggest challenge is understanding how to best incorporate the technology for high-volume use by inexperienced users. They will also need to be familiar with the various software options available. Training in the CAD technology that drives 3D printers is a must.
Printers are much easier to use now than they were a few years ago, says Matt Young, engineering specialist at Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota.
But integrating printers into a course curriculum can be more challenging for beginners. To help, most manufacturers have tutorials and videos on their websites, Young says.
A robust curriculum must be built around the printer to make it a fully effective teaching and learning tool. Mahtomedi High offers a two-week summer course to learn how to effectively teach in a FabLab setting—where 3D printers are just one of several high-tech tools used for engineering and design.
Each printer company has its own school-focused offerings. A hands-on learning guide and bundled kits along with a curriculum could integrate engineering concepts with core academic knowledge in science, math, art and 3D printing technology.
No matter what printer manufacturer is chosen you need to consider include:
- Reliability. Because 3D printer technology is at an early stage, the prints often fail—sometimes there is a software glitch, the filament is bad or there is too much heat. Therefore, it’s crucial to learn as much as possible about the reliability of the printer. Several unbiased 3D printer ratings can be found on the web, and asking other educators for advice will provide valuable insight.
- Ease of use. IT staff, educators and students with varying skill levels will use the printers, so it must be easy to set printers to the right temperature and calibrate the correct height between the nozzle and the printer bed.
Technology. 3D printing technology is advancing quickly, which means CIOs will have to upgrade. Mahtomedi High School assumes its printers will be used for less than two years before they are outdated—another reason the district bought less expensive printers.
Other newer, cheaper technologies also include stereolithography and direct-light-processing desktop 3D printers that use liquids rather than paper, metals or sand, says Dalia Lasaite, CEO of CGTrader, a 3D-model marketplace. Liquids are a less expensive filament with smoother surfaces.
Choosing a printer is only one part of the process. You also need to consider the following issues:
- Maintenance and support. Heavy use and inexperienced users will take a toll on the machines. At Mahtomedi High School, too many students using a single printer led to breakdowns. But even with multiple machines, certain parts—like the extruders—wear down quickly. While major problems are usually written into contracts and warranties, ensure someone on staff can fix a software glitch or other small problem. Maintenance packages have structured pricing, so schools can control the costs. The average service package can cost approximately $2,000 a year, including continued tech support and a limited parts warranty, Young says.
- Software. Larger companies provide proprietary software for their printers. Smaller companies often modify available software to work with their models. The 3D-design software market is growing, and many products are supported by a variety of operating systems. Software can be curriculum-specific.
- Networking printers. Can the printer be used with Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a USB drive? Network compatibility and bandwidth are technical issues that CIOs must solve before putting a machine online.