Not all companies understand just how important 3D printing can be for the classroom quite like Dremel. Although they’re well-known for their successful handheld rotary tools, they were one of the first nationally recognized brand names to adopt 3D printing, and released their 3D Idea Builder Printer back in 2014. This April, they announced the second generation: the 3D40-01, which is the retail version, and the educational 3D40-EDU. Soon after, Dremel released an app to go along with the 3D40 Idea Builder, and in an effort to make sure teachers stay engaged with the technology, they even partnered with new organization PD Learning Network (PDLN) a few months ago to create a badge-certified 3D printing course for K-12 teachers.
[Image: Dremel Facebook]
This is a little different than the contest they offered a couple years ago in collaboration with Instructables, where entrants had to create a video, image, or step-by-step based Instructable for a digitally fabricated object. To enter the #LearnMakeGive contest, visit the contest page and click the “ENTER NOW” button at the top. Educators will need to enter their information, and also the school’s information. Then they can submit a photo of a model, sketch, or CAD design that will inspire their 3D printable design (the photo will need a title), and a 50-100 word description of how the print will give back, or make a positive impact on the school or community, this holiday season.
Winners will be chosen through public voting. Friends and family of those who apply, and anyone else who follows Dremel Education on their various social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) are more than welcome to vote for their favorite design once per day, until the contest closes at 11:59 PM CST on December 19. So you have just ten days to enter and vote for your favorite design! As it’s only been one day since the contest was announced, there obviously aren’t many designs up yet, but I’ll definitely be following this contest on social media to see what people come up with.
So here’s the best part: up to 50 schools, from across the US, will be chosen as contest winners! The 50 schools with the highest number of votes will each win two Dremel Idea Builder 3D20 printers, valued at over $2,000! Voting opens at midnight CST on December 20, and closes at 11:59 PM CST the day after Christmas.
The benefits of two 3D printers of this caliber at that many schools are great: they can help kids unlock their creativity, and really get on track with STEAM learning. So be sure to vote often for your favorite design! Don’t forget to follow Dremel Education on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for contest news and updates. For full contest details, click here. Discuss in the Dremel Education forum at 3DPB.com.
