To celebrate Manufacturing Day, an annual event during which North American manufacturers open their doors to showcase the potential of modern manufacturing and foster interest in manufacturing careers, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology announced that is has donated a 3D printer to Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School to support an interdisciplinary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program.

“AMT is doing its part to support the 3D printing industry’s effort to place a 3D printer in every school in the U.S.,” said Greg Jones, Vice President – Smartforce Development, AMT.

In order for a school to apply for a 3D printer, it had to fulfill a few requirements. First, the school had to provide a statement of need explaining why they were starting a STEM Program or describe the program they had in place. A program such as that may include a number of different classes, including CAD, robotics, science, math and art and may also include partnerships with area community colleges. Second, they had to identify specific projects that would keep the machine in use throughout the school year and fund the materials demand for projects. Finally, they were asked to describe specific outcomes for students across departments. Brecksville Broadview Heights High School met all of the requirements.

“3D printing is a process of transferring a three-dimensional digital model and creating a physical object by laying down layers of material. Giving young minds the ability to easily create designs, digitally model them and then create a finished piece provides a real-world example to students about how things are made,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods.

“A 3D printer in our school sends a message to our students, staff and community that we recognize economic and technology trends. We are dedicated to preparing our students for successful careers in their high tech futures,” said Joseph Mueller, Principal of Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School.

One of the sophomore students at the high school, Wyatt Slifcak, already had the chance to use the 3D printer and had this to say, “I’ve been engineering things from a young age and when the 3D desktop revolution happened – I jumped on board. We can now bring our own ideas and designs to life. I hope to become a mechanical engineer.”