Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are becoming an incredibly popular subject, with 24% of the US workforce working in STEM occupations. The job market is expected to grow by 10.4% between 2023 and 2033, and it’s interesting to consider the role of 3D printing and how it will help advance STEM education further.
How DLP 3D Printing Could Help Advance STEM Education
You can give a student a textbook and a lecture or watch how they light up when they use a 3D printer and decide which is better.
DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printing means science becomes tangible instead of something to be memorized. Students are learning, building, breaking, and learning again — and that’s where the magic happens.
DLP printers are known for precision. Using light to cure resin one layer at a time leads to intricate models being created, like biological skeletons, living structures for biology, mechanical engine components, and even chemistry molecular models. If they’re not using the printers to construct designs themselves as part of engineering, for example, there’s so much more for it to be used for.
DLP printers are also incredibly fast. When there is a classroom full of eager students waiting to see results, fast print time is essential. You can find everything explained in more detail in this DLP 3D printing guide.
With DLP printing, modern technologies like CAD design, slicing programs, and engineering simulations are taught, extending the scope beyond physical components. The process of preparing files for a 3D printer’s digital fabrication involves various reasoning and literacy skills, including spatial and logical thinking, which are invaluable in the modern world.
What About Other Methods of 3D Printing?
Not every 3D printer functions the same way. FDM, SLA, SLS—these and many more acronyms exist. Each technique has its advantages, but DLP has an outstanding contribution.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is likely the technology that most people use. It is ideal for beginners. It involves operating a plastic filament system, which is simple to use and good for creating basic prototypes. But if you talk about intricate details? It misses the mark. The layer lines are too coarse, and the resolution is not nearly as sharp as DLP.
Then there is SLA (Stereolithography)—which is like the older sibling of DLP. Both technologies use resin and light. The big differentiating factor is the application of light. In SLA, a laser draws each layer separately. DLP flashes an entire layer in one go. This makes DLP faster and more consistent, which is ideal for classroom settings.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) is an absolute beast. It uses a laser to fuse powdered material. This is industry-grade and absolutely spectacular; however, it is also sophisticated and pricey, not particularly classroom-friendly unless you have a budget and a high-tech ventilated laboratory.
Why STEM Subjects Are Becoming More Popular
Technology is not the future but right now. Students are aware of this, parents are aware of this, and employers definitely know this extremely well. And that is the reason STEM is flourishing.
Children are growing up with smartphones, 4K (well, 8K, now), seeing Space X break scientific and engineering boundaries – there’s so much influence to push children and young adults towards STEM.
STEM also has endless career opportunities that offer excellent salaries.
DLP 3D printing is a revolutionary advancement in STEM education. It is putting theory into practice – students are now able to dream big and build even bigger!