In the past year, the 3D printing industry has experienced a boom. These advanced printers have moved from the realm of exciting new technology to reality, with new developments emerging on a regular basis. As industry advances become more sophisticated, 3D printers are starting to drive manufacturing education across the United States.
The American manufacturing industry is changing fast as companies, consumers and government officials push for a resurgence of domestic production. Unfortunately, the existing infrastructure is old, outdated and unable to support the productivity levels that are required to make manufacturing a viable part of the American economy. This is where 3D printing comes into play. With advanced printers, manufacturers will be able to streamline the prototyping process, produce one-of-a-kind products without major equipment rearrangement and adjust rapidly to changing consumer demand.
In order to keep pace with the rapidly shifting manufacturing landscape, the nature of manufacturing education in the United States must also change. After all, without skilled workers, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities will not have the required manpower.
Seeing the possibilities of 3D printing technology in education and in industry, many universities are getting on board. To prepare students for the demands of the new manufacturing industry, colleges are integrating 3D printing courses into the standard engineering curriculum. In 2013, the University of Connecticut opened the Pratt & Whitney Additive Manufacturing Innovation Center in partnership with aerospace manufacturing company Pratt & Whitney. In the UM3D lab at the University of Michigan, students can design and print their own creations for free. The trend extends to all levels of post-high school education; a community college in Lorain, Ohio recently received a $2.5 million grant to incorporate more additive manufacturing equipment and course content in their Advanced Digital Manufacturing program.The 3D printing revolution is also moving into earlier educational levels, from elementary school to high school. MakerBot, a company that produces 3D printers, has announced that it wants to put a 3D printer in every school in the United States. Stratasys, another producer of additive printers, also develops products designed especially for K-12 settings.
Under the directive of President Obama's National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, universities around the country will have the chance to open or participate in manufacturing centers that focus on next-generation production techniques. America Makes, also called the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, focuses heavily on the applications of 3D printers. As of August 2014, the institute included 28 different universities and labs, giving students and professors the opportunity to participate in the latest research and development activities.
As the focus on manufacturing education shifts to meet changing industry needs, many universities and colleges are reconsidering their curricula. In the coming years, 3D printing is expected to be a significant focus and driving force behind educational changes.
Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!