EAST staff and alum Keeley Frye provides an overview of what a 3D printer is, how it works, and what it means to students inside the classroom.
EAST classrooms welcome individuals who are not comfortable with technology, providing them with a space to learn. When I was in EAST, everywhere I turned, there was new technology for me to understand. My attention was immediately caught by the 3D printer. I could not believe I had access to something so advanced, let alone something I could use on my own. There were endless possibilities with what I could do with this piece of technology.
I watched the printer in awe as my classmates printed keychains, fidget toys, and small handheld games. Getting to take home a tangible item I made in EAST was just a small part of the reason I was so eager to keep learning.
So, what is a 3D printer, and how does it work? The 3D printer builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer. The printer takes a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and, with the help of specialized software, slices it into thin, horizontal layers. Tinkercad, for instance, is a great software program for beginners. Each 3D printer requires a filament that is fed through the printer and into the printer's heated nozzle, which forms each layer of your 3D object. A good filament to use for beginners is Polylactic Acid (PA). The layers of the 3D object will be printed out and built onto the print bed, which is often visible due to the 3D printer's transparent wall design.
Innovation in Action: EAST Projects Utilizing 3D Printing
The versatility of 3D printing has led to numerous EAST projects gaining widespread recognition across the state. It's inspiring to witness the innovative ways EAST students leverage 3D printers to address real-world problems within their communities and classrooms. Truly, there's no limit to what can be achieved with this technology!
Here are a few examples of impactful projects created by EAST students using 3D printing:
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of 3D printing, a wealth of resources is available, including in-person training opportunities occasionally offered by EAST Initiative.