In 2025, 3D printing is changing STEM education big time. Schools are using 3D printing to make learning more hands-on and fun. This way, students learn complex ideas by doing real projects. It also gets them ready for jobs in technology.
The global market for 3D printing will be worth over $63 billion. More and more schools are using it in STEM classes. 3Dprinting.com says it helps students make real things. They learn to work together on projects. This connects what they learn with the real world.
3D printing is moving from just making prototypes to being used in big ways. This is true for areas like defense, aerospace, and managing data. The Tech Showcase reports that new updates in 3D printing are coming. These include smart customization and new materials like carbon fiber. These improvements will make making things better and greener. They show 3D printing is a must-have for learning about STEM today.
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing in STEM Education
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is changing how students learn about complex topics in STEM. It offers a new way to be hands-on in learning, making it more active. STEM careers are huge, making up 69% of the U.S. economy and generating $2.3 trillion in taxes. Yet, only 20% of high school grads are ready for college STEM courses.
Schools are now using 3D printing to link book learning with the real world. Universities like Penn State and Carnegie Mellon even have special degrees for it. This means students get better at subjects like math and science and get ready for a future with lots of technology.
Even with tight budgets, K-12 schools manage to include at least one 3D printer. Colleges, though, have many more printers and resources for big projects. An AMUG survey found 45% of people think schools aren’t doing enough to prepare students for 3D printing jobs. This shows we need to do more to help students learn this important tech.
“The future of 3D printing in education will hinge on how effectively we can blend this technology with traditional teaching methods,” says a study from the American Society for Engineering Education.
Universities are working with tech companies on cool projects. They work on things like materials for NASA and defense stuff for the U.S. Army. STEM jobs are growing fast, by 8%, which is more than twice the average job growth. This means we need smart people for these future jobs.
3D printing is also helping with things like making parts in new ways. The way we teach with 3D printing is not just a trend. It’s needed to fill almost 3 million jobs by 2028 in manufacturing. We’re getting students ready to face new tech challenges and to be inventors in their future jobs.
Benefits of 3D Printing in Education
3D printing is changing education in big ways. It lets students learn by doing. This method helps them understand better and grow their skills.
Enhancing Hands-On Learning
Students can make objects they design with 3D printing. This hands-on approach makes learning science and math fun. Schools using 3D printing see a 30% increase in students wanting to learn more in class.
Making models helps students remember 50% more. This is really good for hard subjects. Almost all students say 3D printing makes learning clearer for them.
Creative Problem Solving
3D printing teaches kids to solve problems in new ways. They try, fail, and try again. This is important for work and life. About 75% of teachers say their students are getting better at solving problems with 3D printing in class.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Schools use 3D printing to get students ready for careers in tech. Making 3D objects teaches important work skills. Students work together 40% more. About 60% of schools say 3D printing helps with projects across different subjects. This makes science and math more interesting for 85% of students.
| Benefit | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Increase in Participation | 30% increase in student engagement |
| Retention of Information | 50% higher retention |
| Improvement in Problem-Solving | 75% of educators noted improvements |
| Higher Interest in STEM | 85% of students expressed more interest |
| Collaborative Learning | 40% rise in collaborative experiences |
| Interdisciplinary Projects | Enabled in 60% of institutions |
Additive Manufacturing in Education
Additive manufacturing is changing education. It brings 3D printing to students at all levels. Students can turn their ideas into real things. This helps them solve problems and be innovative.
Many universities worry about the risks of metal 3D printing. They think about safety, needed skills, and costs. So, they often choose to print with plastic. Yet, using 3D printing in class really helps students get involved.
Chesterfield College added six 3D printers for everyone to use. This helps students improve their designs. UMass Amherst has many top-quality 3D printers, thanks to a grant. They run workshops. This lets students meet professionals and try different materials.
3D printing is great for science and engineering classes. Students can quickly make their ideas real. Also, fashion and jewelry use it to make detailed items. This technology is reaching kids in schools. But, most young students use simpler printers.
The following table provides a comparative overview:
| Institution | Investment | Materials Used | Student Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield College | Six 3D printers | Plastic | Cross-departmental access |
| UMass Amherst (ADDFab) | High-quality, industrial-grade 3D printers | Nylon-12, Stainless Steels, Polymers | Workshops and direct involvement |
Working with metal in 3D printing can be risky. But, new tech makes it safer. It uses sealed cartridges. Users only need simple safety gear. Schools want affordable metal printers. They teach students about metal 3D printing’s uses.
Penn State is doing cool things with all types of 3D printing. It gives students hands-on learning. They’re using a big grant to study virtual reality in 3D printing. They hope it makes learning easier and better.
Using 3D printing in schools is powerful. It readies students for future jobs. It also teaches them about an important technology.
Conclusion
Additive manufacturing (AM) is changing STEM education in big ways. It helps students learn better by doing things hands-on and solving real problems. Using 3D printers makes learning more active and exciting.
This tech is also making STEM more interesting and up-to-date. For example, by 2025, 3D printing and robots will make learning even cooler. It will help make special parts for robots easier to get. This prepares students for future jobs and makes them ready for new tech challenges. For more info, check out these studies.
3D printing is also making it faster and easier to make new things. Now, students can work with 3D printers and learn a lot in class. This is especially good for college students who are studying hard subjects.
They get to really understand how AM works. This is important because lots of jobs need these skills today. AM is becoming a big part of education because of all these reasons. If you want to know more, click here.
Source Links
- Looking ahead to additive manufacturing in 2025 – Engineering.com – https://www.engineering.com/looking-ahead-to-additive-manufacturing-in-2025/
- The Rise of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing – https://blog.thriveon.net/the-rise-of-additive-manufacturing-and-3d-printing-modern
- How ASU is transforming additive manufacturing science and education – https://prod-fullcircle.fsewp.asu.edu/fulton-schools/how-asu-is-transforming-additive-manufacturing-science-and-education/
- Additive Manufacturing in Education & Research | Infinite™ – https://www.infinitematerialsolutions.com/eu/en/learn/article/industry-education-and-research
- Revised Introduction to Additive Manufacturing .docx – https://usasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Revised-Introduction-to-Additive-Manufacturing-.docx.pdf
- 7 Benefits of 3D Printing in Education – https://www.allprintheads.com/blogs/news/7-benefits-of-3d-printing-in-education?srsltid=AfmBOora-5XePDXtSXVy_Xiz36uYj_J7jWpYruy7G6vJlccg1Z2CHEFz
- 3D printing in education – https://www.3ds.com/make/solutions/industries/3d-printing-education
- Preparing Future Innovators: The Benefits of 3D Printing in Education – STEM in the Middle – https://steminthemiddle.net/3d-printing-in-education/
- Where Does Additive Manufacturing Fit in the Education Arena? – https://www.fierce-network.com/technology/where-does-additive-manufacturing-fit-education-arena
- Additive Manufacturing in Education: UMass Amherst ADDFab – https://markforged.com/resources/blog/additive-manufacturing-education-addfab
- Putting reality in virtual additive manufacturing education | Penn State University – https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/putting-reality-virtual-additive-manufacturing-education
- Trends in engineering education for additive manufacturing in the industry 4.0 era: a systematic literature review – International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM) – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12008-020-00733-1
- Additive Manufacturing for Surgical Planning and Education: A Review – https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/6/2550
- Microsoft Word – 9-3-1164.doc – https://www.designsociety.org/download-publication/39081/NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN DESIGN EDUCATION FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
