Dive Brief:
- 3D printing may be on the wish list for many departments, but administrators should keep three questions in mind as they decide which product to buy.
- According to eCampus News, the safety of the product should be a concern, as some printers emit harmful particles or fumes in addition to being noisy or hot, but paper-based printers cut out most of that risk and provide a more environmentally friendly process than those using plastic.
- Thinking beyond the startup costs to long-term investment in materials and maintenance is key, along with understanding the needs of students — 3D printers that can’t print in full color, for example, may not be worth the cost.
Dive Insight:
The six departments eCampus News identified as being particularly ripe for 3D printing technology are architecture and interior design, life sciences, history, fine arts, geoscience, and math. Students in these departments can bring their studies to life, test their calculations, and learn to better articulate concepts after seeing products off the page.
3D printing labs can serve as recruitment tools for students who want to use the latest technology in their training. The question of cost is important, though. Besides the initial purchase, budgets must account for printing materials and the consequences of an unreliable but more affordable machine.