3D Systems Inks Deal with Thermo Fisher Scientific as Reseller for Educational 3D Printing Packages

May 19, 2015 by Bridget O'Neal 3D Printing Business Education

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There’s no question that out of all the sectors putting 3D technology to use, the areas of science and medicine are experiencing tremendous–and very positive–impact that does indeed have the potential to change lives, and the world. With 3D printing, a wide range of innovations are being employed–from 3D printed prosthetics to bioprinting in labs–and often, professionals are forced to learn as they go in using a technology that is so new to most disciplines.

For many scientists and researchers (as well as makers in general), there is a huge learning curve that they are more than willing to navigate on their own, driven by the desire to advance into uncharted territory, but due to the growing need for young professionals who are skilled in 3D design as well as 3D printing, many larger companies are coming together to solve the problem at its starting point–by providing more educational products, workshops, and courses. ‘Starting them young’ makes real sense.

3D Systems historically has a great reputation for working with the educational sector in teaching the younger generations about 3D printing and all that may encompass. Staying right on track in their dedication to spreading the knowledge, 3DS has just inked a deal with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Thermo Fisher will be functioning as a reseller in the educational arena, offering 3DS products such as:

Cube 3D printers
CubePro 3D printers
Sense3D scanners
Touch haptic stylus
Education-friendly CAD software

According to 3DS, the comprehensive goal is for Thermo Fisher to provide education not only for advanced students from K-12 and through the university levels, but also very importantly to offer educational solutions to those teaching the courses who may not yet be versed in 3D design or 3D printing from the more basic to advanced levels.

“As a leader in providing STEM educators with the tools they need to teach the next generation of scientists and engineers we are excited to have partnered with such an innovative team and to work together towards the advancement of STEM learning here in the United States,” said Robert Marshall, Product Manager, Fisher Science Education, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The governments of the US as well as of countries around the world are encouraging schools to focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, as percentages are low in terms of children showing interest or excelling in those areas, compared to others. Why that is certainly opens a much larger conversation, but certainly we are not doing any child a disservice by encouraging them to put a balanced focus on STEM areas as well.

The answer as to why 3D design and 3D printing is not being offered in a number of learning institutions is that many teachers themselves don’t yet know how to use the design tools or the machinery–not to mention maintaining it. Those who provide the curricula as well as the instruction teaching need to duly prepared, obviously.

3DS has been working diligently to build skills within the education system through its MAKE.DIGITAL initiative, meant to empower learning institutions in totality, beginning with the teachers. The MAKE.DIGITAL initiative offers educational kits, curricula, and opportunities to integrate programs and partnerships and training into schools.

“We are thrilled and honored to work with a science, technology and education provider of the caliber and reach of Thermo Fisher Scientific, to scale access to our education solutions nationwide,” said Peter Theran, 3DS’ Vice President of Global Consumer Products. “Thermo Fisher Scientific brings expertise in the needs of the STEM classroom, preparing students for tomorrow’s careers in science, healthcare, technology and innovation.”

The partnership should offer dynamic resources to educational settings everywhere, as both companies are leaders within their industries, with 3DS being well-known for their advanced 3D design and 3D printing solutions, and Thermo Fisher Scientific’s role, worldwide, as a global leader in ‘serving science’ and quite simply, helping their customers make the world a better place.

Discuss your thoughts on this new partnerships, as well as 3D printing in the educational system, in the 3DS Inks Deal with Thermo Fisher Scientific forum thread over at 3DPB.com.