3D PRINTING 2
Pemberton Community Library
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Library
3D Printer Comparison
3D Printer’s Name Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer Makerbot Method X 3D
Printer
Price $800.00 $5000.00
Materials Used to Print PLA<
Polypropylene (PP)
Nylon, Carbon filled,
Woodfill
PLA
Nylon
PETG
PETG CF
Metal UF 316L
Nylon
Nylon CF
Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber
SEBS 95A
Print Resolution down to 50 microns 20 - 400 microns
Print Speed 50 to 100 mm/s Up to 500 mm/s
Acceptable File Format 3MF
STL
STEP
OBJ
MakerBot (.makerbot)
STL (.stl)
SolidWorks (.sldprt, .sldasm)
InventorOBJ (.ipt, .iam)
3D PRINTING 4
The Method X 3D printer is manufactured in the United States by MakerBot. They have been
manufacturing 3D printers for 12 years, making 3D printing accessible and affordable. Here are
some advantages:
Maintaining a high chamber temperature is crucial when printing with some of the more
difficult filament types. It is especially impressive how the Method X is truly exceptional
in this regard, as it can print with a wide variety of high-performance filaments that
require high temperatures. The Method X model can maintain a chamber temperature of
100°C, you can avoid issues like warping and delamination that may occur due to cool
air-induced part shrinkage, particularly when working with higher-temperature materials
like ABS.
Calibrating a 3D printer can be challenging due to the number of parameters that need to
be met. However, the Method X is initially leveled at the factory; this calibration process
guarantees that your build plate is perfectly aligned, ensuring optimal printing outcomes.
The printer will guide you through the process, measuring the positions of three points on
the build plate using the sensors in the printhead.
Choosing the right filament is crucial for successful 3D printing. The Method X supports
ABS, ASA, PLA, PETG, PVA, and SR-30 filaments, giving you the flexibility to create
functional and aesthetically prints. In addition, one key aspect is the enclosed printing
area, which can help maintain a consistent temperature during the printing process.
Lastly, the 4.5-inch touchscreen interface and Wi-Fi connectivity also make it easy to
control the printer and monitor the prints remotely.
Letter to your Administrator
3D PRINTING 5
Dear Ms. Reed,
I'm reaching out to you because I believe that our educational system needs a change. As
you may know, students today strongly prefer technology-enabled learning, and our educational
system must adapt to meet their needs (Moore & Diehl, 2018). With my expertise in this area, I
can make a positive impact and help ensure our students get the best education possible. I am
referring to an interesting method of technology-enabled learning that has made notable
advances in recent years: Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing. This method produces 3D objects by
adding layer upon layer of materials based on a virtual or computer-generated model of the
desired object. Furthermore, according to Torrey & Robert (2017), 3D printers offer unique
opportunities for students to actively engage in learning by designing and building 3D objects
and encourage students to explore and discover knowledge in a more authentic and creative way.
In addition, Monkovic et al. (2022) examined the use of 3D printing to reinforce a science lesson
on homeostasis and immunity. All students in the experimental and control groups who
participated in the design watched a video explaining how the immune system defends the body
from invading viruses. After watching the introductory video, the control group had the
opportunity to interact with 3D prints, which provided a tangible representation of the lesson.
Then, both the experimental and control groups took a quiz on the topics of homeostasis and
immunity before and after completing their activities. Clearly, as compared to the control group,
students in the experimental group were less sure that the lesson had helped them understand the
subject more thoroughly. Surveys of teachers and students in the control group revealed that the
3D prints helped them effectively learn and retain the material, were delighted with the
participation, and would highly recommend this activity to other science teachers. As we can see,
3D printing can be used in many subjects. In a history class, 3D printing can be used to explore
3D PRINTING 6
fossils, providing students with tangible examples that they can examine and hold. Physics is
another subject where 3D printing can be a valuable learning tool. Students can print their own
model boats to experiment with buoyancy and understand why some objects float, and others do
not. In a biology class, it can improve understanding of human anatomy (Branko et al., 2022).
I believe every student should have access to this kind of experience as it allows students
to design and prototype, connecting abstract concepts with tangible realities. Moreover, this
technology can also help students explore and express their ideas, interests, and passions,
fostering a sense of agency and ownership over their learning (Leinonen et al., 2020).
Furthermore, to prepare students with some basic knowledge. I will provide them with examples
and inspiration for various projects they can undertake. For instance, Platforms like Thingiverse,
Tinkercad, and Sketchfab offer a diverse range of designs and models that they can explore and
experiment with to gain experience. On the other hand, aligning this initiative with learning goals
and standards ensures they are relevant, meaningful, and connected to real-world problems and
issues. Finally, to get started with this initiative, I recommend that the school purchase the
Method X 3D printer for its affordability and flexibility, as it can print with a wide variety of
high-performance filaments that require high temperatures, such as ABS, which have higher heat
resistance and produces more durable objects. It doesn't need to be connected to a computer
throughout printing, making it very convenient. The best part is that the design is enclosed and
safer than an open-frame model, ensuring the safety of our students. In addition, the design
reduces the odor associated with some filaments. This 3D printer has many other advantages, but
the most important are its educational benefits and practical application.
Sincerely,
References
3D PRINTING 7
Branko, A., Zsolt, A., Ulbrich, E., Cvjeticanin, S., Filip, P. & Mirjana, M.<(2022). Contribution
of 3D modeling and printing to learning in primary schools: a case study with visually impaired
students from an inclusive Biology classroom. Journal of Biological Education.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2022.2118352
Leinonen, T., Virnes, M., Hietala, I., & Brinck, J. (2020). 3D printing in the wild: adopting
digital fabrication in elementary school education. International Journal of Art & Design
Education, 39(3), 600-615. https://doi.org/10.1111/jade.12310
Monkovic, J. M., Jones, S. M., Nicolas, M., Katyal, P., Kamia, P., Noland, D. & Montclair, J.
K.<(2022).<From concept to reality: the use and impact of 3D prints as academic tools for high
school biology education. Journal of Biological Education,&56(5),<528-
539.<https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2020.1858927
Moore, M. G. & Diehl, W. C. (2018). Handbook of distance education. Routledge. https://doi-
org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4324/9781315296135
Torrey, T. & Robert, W. M.<(2017).<Why 3D print? The 21st century skills students develop
while engaging in 3d printing projects. Computers in the Schools,&34(4),<253-266.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2017.1384684
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
