A WEST CORK college has gained first prize for design in a nationwide 3D printing problem, and can now go on to symbolize Eire at a European stage.
College students at Togher Nationwide Faculty in Dunmanway have been tasked with figuring out one thing of their college or house that required fixing or enhancing.
Some solutions — like a swimming pool — have been a bit too formidable, however one concept was to print someplace to carry the college’s ever-growing assortment of locker keys.
Having recognized the issue, the youngsters needed to sketch out potential options, make modifications and create prototypes utilizing recycled supplies.
They then used Pc Aided Design and Slicer software program to get their design prepared for 3D printing. Trial prints recognized additional modifications and redesigns earlier than the completed merchandise was 3D printed.
The designs have been made on a 3D printer which was loaned to the college after two academics attended a workshop funded by EIT-Manufacturing, and supported by Stryker and I-Kind (College Faculty Dublin) in Eire; Arts et Metier Institute of Know-how in France; and College of Tartu in Estonia.
As a part of the course they discovered the advantages of instructing kids design ideas. ‘It was a unbelievable course and I’d suggest it to all academics,’ mentioned principal Helen O’Connell.
‘3D printing gives kids with the power to design and create their very own distinctive objects. This helps foster their creativity and creativeness in a enjoyable means. 3D printing additionally exposes kids to STEM (Science, Know-how, Engineering and Arithmetic) and might encourage them to pursue careers in these areas sooner or later.’
Instructor Richard Swann mentioned that ‘design and manufacturing is a large alternative that ought to be embraced at main college stage. Design is a special mind-set – it’s each arts and maths.’
The journey from conception to design and eventually to manufacturing was recorded as a brief video which was accessed by the judging panel from Stryker and I-Kind, primarily based in UCD.
For his or her successful design, the college has gained a €1000 voucher, whereas kids shall be offered with particular person vouchers within the close to future.
They’ve additionally been invited to go to Stryker. Togher Nationwide Faculty will now go ahead to symbolize Eire at a European stage on the finish of the month.
The video can now be considered on the college weblog at https://togher.edublogs.org/.
