THE MUST-SEE CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOLS LOOKING TO BUY A 3D PRINTER

Term 1 of the Australian school year is now well underway and many principals and teachers are looking at how to give their students the educational and technical edge by investing in new teaching resources.

For many schools, 3D printers are among the top items on their wish-lists. An increasing number of schools are buying desktop 3D printers to stay on track with technological developments in school education. However, only a handful of schools are getting optimum benefits their printers.

Part of the problem has been the rush to buy a printer without investigating important considerations. As a result, in some schools, the printers end up sitting in a room gathering dust or are used to print the odd, novelty item.

Therefore, if your school is looking to buy its first 3D printer or wanting to replace a current machine, here’s a checklist of the factors to consider:

Fit-for-purpose

Over past years, the number of 3D printer brands has ballooned. However, not all printers are the same. Some printers are great for hobbyists and the maker movement, others terrific if for innovators wanting to prototype or produce end-use products. 

Schools need a 3D printer that is durable, safe and easy-to-use. Before buying, read on-line reviews and choose a printer most suitable for your needs. For primary-aged kids, choose a solid printer with few exposed moving parts. Older students will need something with more functions and features to challenge their skills and learning.

After sales support

Let’s face it, 3D printers are a machine and like any machine aren’t infallible. Things can go awry so ensure you have easy access to reliable and professional after-sales support. That support should include both technical and maintenance advice and, better still, is a person you can contact direct rather than a web-based inquiry service.

Educational software

We’ve found many schools are confused on how to incorporate 3D printing in their curricula.  Unfortunately, education departments in Australia are yet to embrace overseas developments to officially include technology such as 3D printing in curriculum requirements. 

Luckily, commercial software programs are available to help students understand and use 3D printing. Makers Empire is one example of a program that offers age and curriculum-appropriate projects to engage students in the technology.

Looking after your printer

Make sure there is a suitable place to store your 3D printer. If possible, avoid moving it around too much (this can affect the calibration of the machine) and keep it in a relatively dust-free and temperature controlled room.  If room temperature is too hot or cold, filament can become brittle causing issues with the quality of your prints.

Also, set up a routine for maintaining your printer including removing unused filament when finished printing, and store filament in a moisture-free environment.