The development of a framework for 3D Printing, casting, and entrepreneurship

Abstract

Casting is one of the oldest manufacturing processes. 3D Printing is known as one of the newest technologies used in the manufacturing field, and it is almost thirty years old. Although both technologies are commonly used in various fields of industry and daily life, this research study reports a unique implementation of both technologies in a new entrepreneurial environment. The entire study had been performed in Summer 2016 as part of the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Supplement of a National Science foundation (NSF) funded project. In ten weeks of extensive design, 3D Printing, and casting studies, several best practices between the P16 educators and students have been established. As a follow-up, a local high school also received an equipment grant to establish similar design and 3D Printing practices for its students. This current paper will report the accomplishments of the summer RET project and its reflections from the teacher's side.