This time, we want to share the ups and downs of our 3D printing experiences at the STEM center. As we all can imagine, learning how to use a machine from scratch is always a challenge.
We started looking for a 3D modeling program compatible with our printer type and tried several platforms until we found the right one (Tinkercad). This platform has a variety of easy-to-use tools that are compatible with our printer. Some of you may think, that's easy, but we had never seen a 3D printer, much less how they work.
The number of hours invested in self-learning is paying off. More than 100 projects have been printed and sold in our community. These funds are to comply with a self-sustainability plan that we created to generate money for maintenance and purchase necessary materials to print and teach others about this fantastic 3d printing world. More printers would allow us to bring students to the STEM center to learn and print their designs. These are some of the projects we have printed.
It is essential to mention that thanks to our great donors, the students in our zone will have the privilege to see, for the very first time, a 3D printer. These are the unique 3d printers in the entire department. We wish the whole student community the opportunity to discover that there is a different way to learn other than just the reading process in books. This plan of bringing students to the STEM center will start with the students from the nearest High school in Camasca, Santo Tomás de Aquino. We believe this project will bear fruit in the future with more students prepared for STEM education. Here are our main objectives for this year.
The low
As in every project, there are difficulties that become threats. In our case, one of our most difficult is Bad electrical service. When it happens, we have to restart our printer, and our prototypes are ruined. However, having an electric generator is a great alternative that helps us overcome this problem momentarily.
Despite all the highs and lows, we are happy to continue generating funds to ensure the sustainability of this great project.
