3D Printing in Education: From Classroom to the Workplace

Education currently faces unique challenges when preparing students for the practical demands of today’s industries. While traditional learning focuses on theory, modern careers require hands-on problem-solving and technological literacy.

3D printing can help bridge this divide by making the learning process more tangible by helping students grasp abstract concepts, develop critical thinking, and explore through trial and error how they can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

This article will examine how 3D printing can be integrated across different levels of education and how it helps equip students with essential skills for their future workplace.

3D printing in primary education

In primary education 3D printing can serve as a dynamic tool to teach a multitude of subjects, for example in mathematics students can design and print geometric shapes aiding in the understanding of spatial relationships and complex concepts.

We’ll go over each of the main subjects that can leverage 3D printing as a learning tool and see how both teachers and pupils can benefit from the technology.

Learning the basics

We can break down the 3D printing process into 3 main steps: designing/modeling, slicing and 3D printing. Initially, students can learn to transform 2D drawings into 3D objects by printing them and help them get accustomed to the various softwares involved in the process.

1. Designing

Pupils can either search for and download existing models on online STl repositories like Thingiverse or use software options like 3D Slash or Tinkercad to create their own designs. We recommend visting the Thingiverse education section for a large variety of designs grouped by curriculum (including lessons) along with various training courses for educators.

2. Slicing

Since 3D printers work by depositing materials in layers, students will need to use a slicing software like Cura to import their designs, “slice” them, and export them into a format that the 3D printer can use. This process will help students better understand how the 3D printing process works and also allow them to explore and tinker with their designs by changing various printing parameters.

3. Printing

In the final part of the process students can see in real time how the 3D printing process works. With the most common 3D printing technology, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) it is easy to understand how the various parts of the machine work to extrude the filament into layers building up towards the finalized part.

While there is a wide range of materials available, we recommend PLA (poly-lactic acid) as the best printing material for this purpose as it’s low cost, and easy to use.

3D printing applications in primary education

Here are a few examples of applications that are suitable for various subjects within primary education.

Mathematics

Measurement and Scale - Creating real-world objects at different scales helps students grasp concepts like ratios, proportion and dimension. Example project: Finding the Area of a Hexagon

Science

Physics - Concepts like motion, forces and mechanics can be explored through printed simple machines(levers, pulleys, gears) or aerodynamic experiments with 3D-printed objects. Example project: Rubberband Glider

Biology - 3D printing can help students explore complex biological structures such as animal cells, human organs, or skeletal systems. Instead of relying only on textbook diagrams, they can physically examine detailed models.

Geography/Earth Science - Students can print topographical maps, volcano models or even cross-sections of the Earth’s layers to better understand natural formations.

Engineering & technology

By introducing design thinking and prototyping at an early stage, students are encouraged to explore problem-solving. Using 3D modeling software students can create simple tools or functional objects fostering innovation and technical literacy.

For example, students can start from a pre-existing model of a pen that can be fitted to pen replacement cartridges and customize it with their own design.

Example projects: Bic Crystal ball point pen shell and double spiral ballpoint pen body

History & social studies

Printing historical artifacts, models of ancient structures, or world landmarks can allow students to explore different cultures and historical events hands-on. For example, they can recreate the Pyramids of Egypt, Roman aqueducts or create their custom Egyptian cartouches. Example project: Egyptian cartouche hieroglyphics construction kit

Art & design

Allowing students to bring their 2D doodles to life by 3D printing them(you can import 2D images into Cura and slice them into 3D objects) lets them explore their artistic expression. This can be merged with traditional artistic expressions like painting and clay sculpting to help understand how 3D printing can be integrated into other projects. Example project: VeggieMake - Intro to 3D printing

Overview of skills gained through 3D printing in primary education

1. Creativity and Innovation: Simple pre-designed models along with basic modifications, conversions from 2D images to 3D prints all focus on encouraging exploration, visualization and hands-on engagement
2. Digital Literacy: Working with 3D modeling software introduces young learners to fundamental concepts of computer-aided design(CAD) and digital fabrication
3. Spatial Awareness and Geometry Understanding: Manipulating 3D models enhances students spatial reasoning, helping them understand depth, dimension and symmetry.
4. Collaboration and Communication: Many 3D printing projects involve teamwork, requiring students to communicate ideas, delegate tasks and work together effectively.
5. Hand-Eye Coordination and Fine Motor Skills: Engaging in hands-on activities such as assembling printed objects improves dexterity and precision.

Real-World Example: Calcasieu Parish School Board

A case study from the Calcasieu Parish School Board demonstrates how 3D printing transformed student learning. Teachers integrated the technology into various subjects leading to improved engagement and hands-on learning experiences.

Students used 3D printing for projects like designing custom classroom tools and historical artifact replicas enhancing their understanding of multiple disciplines. By introducing 3D printing at the primary level, students gain valuable technical and creative skills that lay the groundwork for future STEM learning. These Foundational experiences can inspire them to pursue engineering, design or scientific research in later stages of education.

3D printing in secondary education

As students progress to secondary education, the applications of 3D printing become more sophisticated, aligning with the advanced curriculum. In STEM subjects, students can engage in projects such as designing prototypes in engineering classes, creating molecular models in chemistry or developing architectural models in design courses.

Mathematics

Geometric Shapes and Fractions - Students can design and print 3D models of simple geometric solids, allowing them to visualize and manipulate shapes. They can also print fraction tiles to better understand mathematical division and proportions. Example project: Calculus volumes of revolution

Geometric and Trigonometric Modeling- Printing functional polyhedra, tessellations and fractals to explore advanced geometry concepts. Example project: Fractal pyramid and customizable convex polyhedra

Science

At the secondary level, 3D printing can be used by students for more complex, interactive and experimental applications that allow them to analyze, manipulate and test scientific models.

Biology: Instead of just printing a static cell model, students can design and modify biological structures such as a DNA/RNA tile model or create 3D-printed prosthetics limbs for STEM competitions.

Chemistry: Rather than just viewing molecular structures, students can design and printer their own custom molecular compounds helping them understand molecular interactions and bonding in greater detail.

Physics: Instead of just observing premade gears and pulled, students can design, print and test their own mechanical systems to study force, torque and rotational motion. They can also start creating functional parts such as bearings to be used as components integrated into more complex designs.

Engineering

Again shifting from a focus on visualizing engineering concepts to hands-on prototyping and testing, students can design, print, and refine functional mechanical parts, structural models and robotics components. This practical approach bridges classroom learning with industry applications serving as a prep tool for careers in mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering.

Structural Engineering: Instead of printing pre-made bridge models, students design and stress-test their own bridges using different materials and designs. Similarly they can experiment with load-bearing 3D printed beams to explore material strength and elasticity.

Mechanical Engineering: Designing and printing gears, pulleys and motors for fully functional mechanical systems or using 3D printing to create hydraulic systems or pneumatic components for testing. Example project: Hydraulic/Pneumatic arm with syringes and gear play set

Aerospace Engineering: Printing airfoil cross-sections to analyze lift and drag or experiment with different propeller blade profiles to see how they affect the power generated by a wind turbine. One popular project for students interested in aerospace engineering is to design and test various rocket fin designs. Example project: Wind turbine

Technology

At the secondary level, students transition from a pre-made design to advanced digital fabrication, gaining skills applicable in professional fields.

Advanced CAD Software & Digital Manufacturing: While in primary education students would use beginner-friendly CAD software like Tinkercad, BlocksCAD or 3D Slash, they would instead use industry-standard software like Fusion 360, SolidWorks or OpenSCAD to design precision models.

This also helps students integrate 3D printing with other fabrication technologies like CNC machining or laser cutting.

Programming & Automation Integration: Learning to write parametric design models allows students to automate 3D printing process. Combining 3D printing with Arduino and Raspberry Pi’s also lets them venture into the creation of functional robotic arms, drones or smart devices.

Overview of skills gained through 3D printing in secondary education

1. Advanced Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Students learn to apply an iterative design process(identify issues, analyze failures and refine designs through multiple iterations). Applying physics and mechanical principles to improve the strength, stability and functionality of their printed components develops their engineering problem-solving capabilities.
2. Collaboration & Communication: With different roles assigned in team-based projects, students design, print and test prototypes mirroring real-world product development. They also develop their ability to write technical documentation by writing reports, presentations on their findings and by defending their design choices.
3. Technical Proficiency & Product Design: Learning advanced CAD software and using parametric modeling to design scalable, functional parts, give students marketable skills that are used in engineering, architecture and other related fields. Working on projects that are centered around developing custom solutions for real-world problems such as designing assistive medical devices or exploring functional, moving parts(e.g. Hinges, ball-and-socket joints) also develops their understanding of the product design process.
4. Resilience and Learning from Failure: Learning to analyze and correct print failures(e.g. layer adhesion issues, warping, overhang) and debugging CAD models develops an engineering mindset where failure is part of the iterative process.

Real-world example: Vathorst College

At Vathorst College in the Netherlands, 3D printing has been seamlessly integrated into the high school curriculum through an elective course designed to ignite students' interest in technology and design.

One of the key projects involves designing and printing components for bottle rockets, applying physics and engineering principles like aerodynamics and structural integrity. Students iterate and refine their designs before launching their water-propelled rockets, providing a real-world demonstration of STEM concepts in action. Their approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation, preparing students for future careers in technology and engineering.

3D Printing in higher education and universities

In higher education, 3D printing is no longer just a learning tool, it becomes a core technology for research, prototyping and industrial application. Universities integrate 3D printing across multiple fields of study, enabling students to push the boundaries of design engineering and scientific research.

Engineering: From prototyping to advanced manufacturing

In university engineering programs, 3D printing serves as a crucial tool for prototyping and manufacturing. Students engage in designing and fabricating functional components, allowing for rapid testing and iteration.

This hands-on experience is invaluable in fields like mechanical and aerospace engineering where precision and innovation are paramount. For example at the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, students utilize 3D printers to produce prototypes for research and development projects.

Product design and industrial design: Iterative prototyping and customization

3D printing revolutionizes product and industrial design education by enabling rapid prototyping and customization. Students can swiftly move from concept to physical model, facilitating iterative testing and refinement.

This process accelerates the development cycle and encourages experimentation with complex geometries, materials and integrating 3D printing solutions into other fields. For example, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign, engineering students modified an UltiMaker 2 Extended 3D printer to create personalized designs in cake frosting, Nutella or pudding on an Oreo.

Medical and healthcare fields

The medical and healthcare sectors in universities leverage 3D printing for personalized medicine and enhanced training. Students and researchers create patient-specific anatomical models for surgical planning, improving accuracy and outcomes.

Additionally, the technology facilitates the development of custom prosthetics and orthotics as seen for example at the Thomas Jefferson University where the Health Design Lab utilized 3D printers to convert patient imaging data into tangible models, aiding clinicians and students in understanding complex anatomical structures.

Business and entrepreneurship: Bridging academia and industry

The hands-on experience is particularly beneficial in engineering, business studies and design courses where students can turn theoretical ideas into tangible products, gaining practical knowledge into product development that can later be translated into a marketable business solution.

For instance, former Duke University Football players make custom athletic equipment by scanning the anatomy of players and using those scans to design and print protective gear. By identifying a problem and creating an innovative solution they were able to found PROTECT3D which has gone on to win a $50.000 prize from the NFL 1st & Future Pitch Competition.

Real-world example: Aalto University

Finland’s largest 3D printing workshop at Espoo’s Alto University School of Arts and Design integrates traditional and digital manufacturing techniques enabling students from diverse fields, such as fashion, architecture and product design, to transform their ideas into tangible prototypes.

Students independently design and produce 3D printed objects, managing their projects from conception to completion. This not only enhances their technical skills but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Integrating 3D printing: From education to the workplace

All of the examples provided show a high-level overview of how 3D printing is becoming increasingly prevalent across industries and how its integration into education at all levels ensures that students graduate with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for the modern workforce.

The transition from education to the workplace is increasingly seamless as business and industries continue to adopt 3D printing for applications in aerospace, healthcare, product design and industrial manufacturing. Companies actively seek graduates with hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, making 3D printing education a key driver in workforce readiness.

As technology advances, the role of 3D printing in education and industry will continue to evolve, further bridging the gap between the classroom and the workplace. Schools and universities that embrace and expand their curriculum with 3D printing will not only enhance student learning but also fuel the next generation of engineers, designers and innovators, shaping the future of industry and technological advancement.