To celebrate Manufacturing Day, an annual event during which North American manufacturers open their doors to showcase the potential of modern manufacturing and foster interest in manufacturing careers, AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology has donated a 3D printer to Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School to support an interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Program.
"AMT is doing its part to support the 3D printing industry's effort to place a 3D printer in every school in the U.S.," said Greg Jones, Vice President - Smartforce Development, AMT.
In order for a school to apply for a 3D printer, it had to fulfill certain requirements. First, the school had to provide a statement of need explaining why they were starting a STEM Program, or describe the program they had in place. A program such as that may include a number of different classes, including CAD, robotics, science, math and art and may also include partnerships with area community colleges. Second, they had to identify specific projects that would keep the machine in use throughout the school year and fund the materials demand for projects. Finally, they were asked to describe specific outcomes for students across departments. Brecksville Broadview Heights High School met all of the requirements.
"3D printing is a process of transferring a three-dimensional digital model and creating a physical object by laying down layers of material," said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. "Giving young minds the ability to easily create designs, digitally model them and then create a finished piece provides a real-world example to students about how things are made."
"A 3D printer in our school sends a message to our students, staff and community that we recognize economic and technology trends," said Joseph Mueller, Principal of Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School. "We are dedicated to preparing our students for successful careers in their high tech futures."
One of the sophomore students at the high school, Wyatt Slifcak, has already had the chance to use the 3D printer. "I have been engineering things from a young age and when the 3D desktop revolution happened I jumped on board," he said. "We can now bring our own ideas and designs to life. I hope to become a mechanical engineer."
For more information contact:
AMT
7901 Westpark Drive
McLean, VA 22102-4206
703-893-2900 / 800-524-0475
AMT@AMTonline.org
www.AMTonline.org
Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School
6380 Mill Road
Broadview Hts., OH 44147
440-740-4700
www.bbhcsd.org/hs
Manufacturing Day
www.mfgday.com