As three-dimensional prototyping equipment is becoming more accessible, students are able to interact with these facilities more than ever. 3-D printing has allowed young designers, engineers, creators, and hobbyists to create physical models that communicate their ideas easily and efficiently. At various prices and qualities, the 3-D printing market has expanded to offer many equipment options for higher education institutions. The Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer stands out, combining sophisticated mechanics with accessible UI to allow students to easily utilize 3D prototyping at a more optimal capacity than many other printers on the market.
Students can adjust time settings based on the quality requirements for their model, allowing for time using the printer to be evenly distributed amongst students depending on the desired application of their specific model. The adjustable settings also allow students to create multiple iterations within a short period of time, which encourages experimentation and ideation.
3D printing using the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer also saves money for students; buying a spool of filament is for the most part much cheaper than buying other materials used for prototyping, such as wood, foam, glue etc. Spools come in varying price points, colors, and materials, so the student can balance their printing needs with their funding for prototypes. Dremel’s nylon filament is an example of a high-quality filament at an accessible price. Utilizing 3D printing saves on precious time as well; many time-exhaustive activities that are often involved in the prototyping process, such as creating molds and carving materials, are no longer needed when you can models. And with a high-quality printer, steps such as finishing (sanding, priming, filling, and painting) take much less time than with other methods of prototyping, and are just as presentable to teachers and professors.
From utilizing 3D printing, students can learn skills ranging from refining ergonomics to creating mechanisms to conducting user testing in a much more efficient way. 3D printed models allow students to create and test their ideas quickly and affordably, so they can create multiple iterations for review and evolve concepts within a short period of time. 3D printing also offers less of a learning curve for students who may be unable to craft models with traditional mediums. Now a student who is unable to communicate a form through foam can present a concept that accurately represents what they are thinking through their computer aided design skills.
Recently, three-dimensional prototyping has also become more accessible to students who are outside of the industrial design and engineering realm. Medical students are able to learn about anatomy in a more hands on way. Culinary students are able to create molds for desserts and garnishes using food-safe filaments. Fashion designers are able to create custom jewelry to add as accessories to their outfits. The ability to be an entrepreneur is also now more accessible to students through three-dimensional printing; they can create models for clients faster and at a more professional grade than ever before. The Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer is giving students the ability to learn and create at a whole new level.