3D printing in primary school

[agarwald]

Hi. I work in a primary school in Barnes SW London and we are looking at getting a 3D printer as well, but wanted to get some views from someone who already had one, I would very much appreciate it if anyone was able to share their experience. Specific questions I have are

1. How much does it cost to print a model - I realise it will depend on the model but I'm struggling to find info on this

2. How do you organise support

3. What software do you use

4. What areas of the curriculum do you link to

5. How did you go about introducing it/training

6. Any health & safety considerations

7. Anything else?

 

Danny

[Leeoakley]

1. How much does it cost to print a model - I realise it will depend on the model but I'm struggling to find info on this......Not just the model size, complexity etc. but also the type of resin you use and the printer you end up with.

2. How do you organise support.....What exactly do you mean by this? you would probably need to speak to who you get it from.

3. What software do you use.....It really depends on what you are doing/printing. zbrush seems common with professional artists for organic, there are a few for geometric style models. There must be something out there a lot more basic for younger users. There is also usually some software for slicing up the 3D model, that you get charged for with the printers.

4. What areas of the curriculum do you link to......Not one I can answer, i'm answering this based on what a close friend of mine does for a living.

5. How did you go about introducing it/training......Find yourself a good freelance printer/Model maker/printer (I know a couple if your stuck).

6. Any health & safety considerations.....speak to the manufacture of the printer you go for before you put your hand in your pocket. There is a real art to not just producing a model/design but also in the slicing and printing of the object.

[Joanne]

As Leeoakley said, it depends what model printer you have. Media can range from £30-£50 for a reel and each model uses a different amount. I think they tend to come in 600g reels, so I guess the weight of the model varies!

 

Software will come with the printer, but I know that 2simple do some 3d printing programs on Purple Mash if you have that?

 

I imagine curriculum wise it will be DT with the whole design a product / manufacture a product / package a product.

 

If I were getting a 3D printer, I'd have it connected up to my PC for printing out. However, if you aren't in the school full time, maybe set it up in the ICT suite and show people who have an interest in it how to use it (after experimenting yourself!).

 

H&S would be similar to using any other printer. Heat is involved and only staff should use it.

[Leeoakley]

Have you asked local secondary/academies if they have one you could use to start with?

 

The important bit is the product design which you don't need the printer for.

 

I can see the long term benefit of having your own, if it will get used.

[compsue]

Hi Danny

 

Just wondering if you ended up purchasing a 3D printer? We have been working with Tinkercad and our digital leaders are dying to get their models printed. They have even started fund raising and after researching I'm going round in circles! Thanks

[Davit2005]

I use a Prusa MK3 at home but for a primary I'd look at getting an fully enclosed model whatever happens such as Ultimaker. Also need to check the slicer that is used to generate the g-code for the printer, some slicers proprietary which can be a good or bad thing depending on the slicer :-)

 

 

Cost/time to print is going to vary depending on filament, infill, etc. I've had small prints costing a 50p taking a few hours to larger costing £5 and taking 12+ hours

 

I'd engage the teaching staff who are going to be using them.

 

Also consider that some filaments when used will need to be enclosed and fumes extracted and/or filtered. Storage of filament can be a make or failure of prints too.

 

But they are great learning tools, jus been able to create something on a screen then handle and see it physically as well. Plus they are handy for doing the odd unusual part you may be looking for :-)

Edited April 1, 2022 by Davit2005

[EssentialRug]

I ran an extra curricular club previously at one of my primary schools for 3D printing. Had students create models using TinkerCAD and then printed for them each week...it was a big hit!

 

EDIT: We have an Ultimaker 2+

Edited April 1, 2022 by EssentialRug

[paulellam]

We have a Sindoh 3D WOX printer, its brilliant!