3D Printer for Home, Education and Rapid Prototyping

Students Study Up and Choose Afinia for 3D Printing

John Richardson and Claire Luikart are the IT Implementation Director and Special Projects Manager (respectively) at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, LA. Both influenced the school’s decision on which 3D printers are more beneficial for students’ learning and engagement.

Doing Their Research

St. Joseph's Academy shows off their spirit with their school's 3D printed crest.
St. Joseph’s Academy shows off their spirit with their school’s 3D printed crest.

“We got our first Afinia H479 3D printer in 2011, because it was our students’ top choice. They researched 3D printers, and in the process, improved their technical understanding and communication skills,” explains Richardson. Luikart adds, “We’re glad they recommended it! We’ve been very happy with the Afinia, since the beginning. We’ve also acquired the newer H480 with grant funds. They’re awesome – and students love the [Read more…]

Enhancing Education and Culminating Creations with 3D Printing

Mark Willis is the Tech Ed/Pre Engineering Teacher at Margaret Bell Middle School in Waynesburg, PA.

In the Beginning

Willis had never attempted 3D printing before getting the Afinia 3D Printer. “When it arrived, I just started printing things, learning from trial and error.

Willis’ print demonstrating the Afinia’s 5x5x5 inch build area.
Willis’ print demonstrating the Afinia’s 5x5x5 inch build area.

The printer was pretty easy to use. Afinia also sent their Vice President, John Westrum, to talk with teachers, walk them through how to use the machine, and demonstrate tricks for printing. It was a great gesture and I found it to be very helpful.“ [Read more…]

Leading the Way in STEAMM with Afinia 3D Printing

PLTW-logoTodd Hummer is a Satellite Teacher for Butler Tech, teaching a 7th grade Project Lead the Way STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, art/design, math, and medical) class. Butler Tech is a career-technical school for adults and high school students in Hamilton, Ohio.

Partnering with Butler Tech

“The partnership that our district has with Butler Tech is very exciting. Butler Tech offers classes to high school students, adults, and businesses wanting to educate their workforce. They also provide satellite programs giving 7th through 12th graders the opportunity to learn about engineering and the biomedical fields. Seventh graders are all encouraged to take the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Design and Modeling class, and from there, have the opportunity to [Read more…]

Small School Gets 3D Printer for Student – and Community – Projects

Ron Smith is the Engineering and Metal Fabrication teacher at Nestucca High School in Cloverdale, OR.

Complex Concepts & Making the Connection

Ron Smith doesn’t shy away from teaching his students complex concepts. In his classes, he covers topics ranging from vectors and trigonometry, to statics, forces, and velocity. “Some kids in math classes think, ‘where will I ever use this?’ In my class, students apply the knowledge hands-on. They get a good grasp of the real-world applications for the concepts, and learn what engineers do on the job. They love seeing this real-world engineering, and it gets them fired up for going beyond graduating high school. [Read more…]

3D Printing Technology-Integrated Art Projects Engage the Community

Corinne Okada Takara is a Bay Area artist and arts educator who creates technology-integrated art projects. Takara creates public collaborative works of art and hosts workshops at museums, libraries, classrooms and colleges. Her most recent collaborative art project, “A Serving of Shapes,” incorporated 3D-printed art.

Art and Education

“As an artist and educator, 3D printing sparks my interest on multiple levels. I knew I wanted to explore the exciting possibilities with 3D printing and wouldn’t move my work forward without a 3D printer; I realized this especially after attending a 3D printing expo last fall. I was already working in SketchUp, but the thought of printing my designs was exciting, so I started searching for a printer. The stars aligned, and I found a tradeshow model being sold on Craigslist.”

The Fine (Art) Prints

“I have successfully incorporated 3D printing into my fine art in a short period of time. I’ve received grants that have allowed me to engage the public to create collaborative art, and 3D printing has been a fantastic way to engage youth and the greater community in these projects. People get excited about creating their own 3D printed designs and want to see the prints right away. [Read more…]