3D printing is a key tool for the Brazoswood Career and Technical Education department, especially in our robotics and rocketry classes. Get an in-depth look at how our high school students are utilizing free CAD tools to design and print custom components for competition robots and student-built rockets. Our CTE department has purchased a industrial grade 3D printer, capable of printing composite continuous fiberglass, nylon, and carbon fiber filaments. The material properties of the prints produced allows our students to prototype and refine designs that can then be used in real-world applications. In addition to creating durable prints for use in robots and rockets, our robotics students built their own FDM printer farm by assembling five open source kit printers. These will support the STEM program and raise money through the sales of prints to students and teachers while also educating our campus and community about 3D printing technology and applications. The robotics students learned about the history of 3D printing and the RepRap movement. Students applied for specific roles, including management, marketing, and assembly. They then worked in their teams to assemble, calibrate, and deploy the five printers.
Brad is a mechanical engineer who teaches high school engineering, robotics, and UAVs. He is passionate about bringing digital fabrication to the classroom.
