3D printing in education is finally starting to gain some ground. Elementary schools to Universities around the world are beginning to recognize the great influence that 3D printing can have on education. After all, 3D printing is the future, so without educating our youth on how to use it, we are doing our society a great disservice.
Oklahoma State University appears to be in the forefront of 3D printing and design, when it comes to teaching students the ins-and-outs of the technology.
Just last night, first year engineering students at the university had to submit their 3D printed designs as a final project for the semester. These students spent the entire semester learning how to use Solidworks and AutoCAD, as well as many team strategies and design techniques. Apparently they have learned what they were supposed to.
The projects that were submitted were quite astounding:
The Servo Operated Hand – This is controlled using an arduino, and each finger is able to move independently of one another.
3D Printed Bicycle – This isn’t just a model of a bicycle. It includes a 3D printed chain, and it really does work.
The 3D Printed Chess Set – The board is laser cut, but the pieces and fastenders are all 3D printed. Each piece locks into the board with spring loaded quarter turn fasteners.
The 3D Printed Robot – This robot has magnetic joints, that allow it to be posed in different positions at will. Components may be swapped out in order to change its look.
The DaVinci Tank – The top of the tank rotates as the tank moves. It is operated using a worm gear mechanism.
The 3D Printed Board Game – This was entirely 3D printed
The Toy Train
The Assembled Airplane – Each of its parts were 3D printed and then put together
There were a few other submissions, all of which were extremely creative in nature.
