3-D Printing and Design
What is Johnson's 3-D Printing and Design Class All About?
Our 3D Printing and Design class is led by the legendary Mr. Coatney. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. An object is created in this process by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is built. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.
Concepts of 3D design are taught, and STEM skills are developed in this class. Students learn to operate AirWolf 3D printers and work with different printing filaments. Computer software skills including CAD (computer-assisted drafting) and CAM (computer-assisted manufacturing) are taught, and students design and print a variety of everyday objects, as well as some of their own custom designs and creations.
One of the most exciting aspects of this STEM-based class is the affiliation with Enabling the Future (enablingthefuture.org), a non-profit organization that provides free prosthetics to people around the world.
Johnson students were able to design and craft a Raptor Reloaded prosthetic hand, assemble it, and mail it to Enable, an organization approved to make hands for any matching recipients in our area. The original test hand was given to a person in need, and the class was very excited to see how it helped change a person's life. A larger version of a Raptor Reloaded prosthetic hand has also been built as a sample for display, for testing, and to perhaps give to someone in need in the future.
It’s always a fun, innovative, and exciting experience in Johnson Middle School's 3D Printing and Design class!
