The SPE Foundation brings 3D printing to schools with “Print the Future”

We have heard it time and time again: children are our future. The tools and knowledge we give students play a direct role in their education and therefore humanity, which is why education is so important. This is especially critical for manufacturing fields like 3D printing. The industry has long struggled to overcome barriers to entry due to the lack of trained technicians and practitioners in the sector, a problem that is mirrored in many other fields. We met with the SPE Foundation, which is dedicated to solving such problems, to chat with them about their work and in particular their new campaign “Print the Future”, which you can donate to directly. HERE.

3DN: Could you introduce us to the SPE Foundation and the “Print the Future” campaign?

The mission of the SPE Foundation was established in 1977 with the mission of supporting workplace development in the plastics industry. This is done by funding quality educational programs, grants and scholarships that emphasize science, engineering and sustainability. The foundation also works to create inclusive opportunities for students around the world.

One way to achieve this is to use the 3D Printer Grant program. In 2024, twenty-one 3D printers have been awarded to middle and high schools in the United States and Canada, benefiting more than 3,100 students. That’s more than three times the number of 3D printers we donated in 2023, and interest is only growing. Subsidy requests are piling up, demonstrating the enthusiasm of schools for this technology. But for now, the budget cannot meet the demand.

To meet this growing need, we are now launching the “Print the Future” campaign, launching on December 3.^rdwhich also celebrates Giving Tuesday, a national day of philanthropy after Thanksgiving in the United States. The campaign’s goal is to raise $30,000 to fund 3D printers and PlastiVan® visits to twelve schools. This campaign is designed to equip students with valuable hands-on experience in engineering and design, as well as introduce them to topics such as chemistry, history, processing and sustainability.

3DN: Why did the SPE Foundation choose 3D printing as a method to involve students in plastics processing?

3D printing is an exciting plastics technology that has a large and active online community. Students are excited about the creative possibilities and can delve as deep as they want into the “technology” of 3D printing. There is a wealth of information on online forums and YouTube, as well as websites to easily find and download free 3D models.

If students take courses in GUJAT Or 3D modelingor simply want to know more, they can create their own templates to print. At its core, plastic manufacturing is the art and science of melting, moving, and making plastic. 3D printing does all of this and at a relatively low cost.

3DN: Which 3D printer does the SPE Foundation grant and why?

We chose the Flashforge 5M printer series for our 3D printer grant program. Flashforge 5M printers are fast, reliable, and well-built, all at a reasonable cost. Our track record with them on the ground is excellent. Fully enclosed printer models allow a wide range of materials to be printed, allowing students to explore a wider range of plastic materials for their projects.

3DN: Can you give some examples of how students (and teachers) are using these printers in their teaching?

Authorized printers have been implemented in classrooms and STEM clubs across the United States. Students use them in their class work and to print fun crafts. A teacher used his 3D printer to have students design and print basic 3D shapes in an effort to help students better understand the principles of geometry. A Montessori agricultural school teacher used the printer to help students solve problems on a real working farm.

At a Detroit-area school, students use the printer as part of the SPE Junior Researcher program. SPE Junior Researchers work with industrial companies and mentors to complete projects and solve problems. Students print and test robotic grippers using different filament types, while comparing the properties and processing parameters of primary and recycled filaments.

3D printers offer great flexibility to support a range of learning opportunities. Ultimately, we want students to work with plastics and walk away feeling good about this unique and wonderful material.

3DN: Any last words for our readers?

This campaign is vital in helping the SPE Foundation equip students with valuable experience, empowering the future plastics industry workforce. So join us this Giving Tuesday to provide access to 3D printing to students across the country. You can find out more or contribute to the campaign HERE.

What do you think of this 3D printer grant program? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, FacebookAnd Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free week Newsletter herethe latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*Cover photo credits: SPE Foundation