Education

3D Printing in Schools

Empower Tomorrow’s Innovators Today

3D printing is a cutting-edge tool for education that brings creativity, problem-solving and hands-on learning to the classroom. Engage students across STEM and arts disciplines, preparing them for future careers with our range of 3D printers suitable for a learning environment.

Scroll down for our full range of printers for schools.

Benefits of 3D Printing in Schools

Hands-On Learning: 3D printing helps to transform abstract concepts into tangible models, helping students to better understand subjects like maths, science, engineering, design & technology and computing.

STEM Applications: 3D printers can be used to promote “a greater interest in STEM subjects”.

Encourages Creativity: Whether it’s developing a prototype or working on an art project, a 3D printer allows students to bring their ideas to life.

3D Printing School Clubs: Foster collaboration on creative and STEM projects by setting up a 3D Printing School Club. Allow students to take ownership of their own projects, from prototype to finished product. You could even consider showcasing their work at school events and competitions.

Builds Problem-Solving Skills: 3D printing can be used to help teach students how to learn to iterate designs, troubleshoot issues they may come across and think critically throughout the design process.

Prepares Students for Future Careers: Prepare students for careers in a wide range of industries that utilise 3D printers, such as engineering, manufacturing, healthcare and more.
 

Example 3D Printer Projects for Students

A practical way to apply theoretical concepts, enhance students’ understanding in your lessons with the following 3D printing educational applications:

• Geometric shapes and mathematical tools: Explore volume, surface area and other mathematical concepts tangibly, aiding learning.
• Ecosystem Dioramas: Create visual representations of the different types of ecosystems when teaching biology and environmental science. You could print models of animals, plant life or landscape features, for example.
• Historical Artifacts: Allow students to explore the design of items from different cultures and time periods by recreating historical tools or artifacts in history lessons.
• Prototype Invention: Students can develop iterative design skills by creating their own 3D printed prototypes. Doing so can encourage independent thinking, problem-solving and foster creativity.
• Architectural Models: Introduce architectural and engineering principles to your students by creating scaled-down models of buildings, replicating existing buildings or encouraging them to design their own original structures.

Explore Our 3D Printing Solutions for Education

If you decide to take the leap and incorporate 3D printing into your classroom, let 123-3D.co.uk help make the process as easy as possible. With us, you’re not locked into a contract and can buy as much, or as little 3D printing filament as you need. Our UK support team are here to help should you have any questions. Finally, over on our YouTube channel, you can access a wide range of tutorials that are ideal for teachers looking to train in 3D printing.
 

Best 3D Printer for Schools

Creality 3D K1C

The Creality 3D K1C is a good option for educational environments because of its fast printing speeds, user-friendly interface and reliable performance, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced students. Its enclosed design enhances safety, while its automatic bed leveling simplifies the setup process. However, its relatively high cost might be a limiting factor for schools on a tight budget.
 

Creality 3D K1 Max

The large build volume of the Creality 3D K1 Max makes it ideal for larger-scale or complex projects for students. It also features a fast print speed, which is great for classrooms with limited time. Importantly, the enclosed design of the K1 Max enhances safety, for added reassurance when incorporating a 3D printer into your classroom. More suited to older students or those with prior 3D printing knowledge, the advanced features of this printer might be too complex as a starting point for younger students or beginners.
 

Prusa MK4S

Known for producing consistently high-quality prints, the Prusa MK4S is extremely reliable, making it an ideal choice for frequent printing in a classroom setting. Easy to maintain, upgrades and repairs are straightforward to carry out, so you won’t need to worry about complex printer maintenance. This Prusa printer also has an open-source community, which is great for encouraging hands-on learning. Less safe for younger students due to its open frame design and exposed moving parts, the MK4S may require a more advanced setup and understanding, which may be challenging for 3D printing beginners.
 

How to Choose a 3D Printer for Schools

Here’s what to look for when choosing the right 3D printer for your classroom:

Ease of Use: In terms of teaching students (and yourself if necessary) how to use the printer, you should look for a user-friendly interface, with a simple setup and intuitive controls.

Safety Features: Prioritise safety features like an enclosed design and automatic shutdown to protect users in the classroom.

Reliability and Durability: Look for consistent performance as well as robust build quality which can withstand frequent usage.

Material Compatibility: You can use the printer for a wider range of educational projects if the printer supports multiple filament types.

Print Speed: Make the best use of limited classroom time with faster print speeds.

Build Volume: Think about the size of the build area to make sure it meets the needs of your student’s projects.
 

Empower Your Classroom with 3D Printing Today

Here at 123-3D.co.uk, we’ve got a range of free, educational resources for those looking to incorporate 3D printing into their curriculum.

Encourage innovation and creativity for your students with our range of 3D printers for education. Whether it’s introducing students to the basics of design or advanced STEM projects, at 123-3D.co.uk we can help you get started.

Explore our range of 3D printers for education today! Also be sure to check out our wide range of affordable 3D printer filament.

Got a question about incorporating 3D printing into your classroom? Simply contact us to find out more.