Education and technology have always been closely interlinked. Modern schools and universities rely on different kinds of technology a lot, and, every year, more and more innovations find application in education. One of such is 3D printing. And there is an increasing interest among students to know about the US universities with 3D printing labs.
Since the introduction of the first 3D printers, educators have recognized their huge potential in education. By this time, many universities have already equipped themselves with 3D printing labs to deliver better learning experiences to their students.
Interested in learning more? Then read on to learn about the top six US universities with the best 3D printing labs.
US Universities with 3D Printing Labs
Carnegie Mellon University
The first 3D printing lab on our list is the Next Manufacturing Center, located at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA. This facility is recognized as one of the best research centers in the world that focus on innovative approaches to development and manufacturing.
The center’s projects focus on manufacturing for bio and electronic applications, robotics and automation, global manufacturing and policy, technology commercialization modeling, and other fields. The lab is equipped with five advanced 3D printers.
Who can use it? The university’s students run the majority of projects. However, there are some initiatives created for middle and high school students and teachers as well.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University also has an advanced additive manufacturing program and an outstanding 3D printing lab. The lab is called the Polytechnic School Innovation Hub. This lab can boast of a multi-million dollar collection of scanners, software, post-processing equipment, and, of course, 3D printers.
The core focus of this lab is to provide each student at the university with all the needed equipment to complete their research projects and become the best paper writer. Apart from this, it is worth noting that Arizona State University offers a number of undergraduate and graduate-level courses covering additive manufacturing. As you can guess, the facility’s Polytechnic School Innovation Hub plays a large role in these courses too.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and its Center for Additive and Digital Advanced Production Technologies is the next position on our list. MIT has always been known for its interest in innovations and technologies. So, there is no wonder why its research center is recognized as one of the best ones in the US.
The center’s research projects focus on innovative AM technologies, computational methods, breakthrough materials, and other progressive areas in 3D printing. The center is equipped with the latest tools, which is why it can be deservedly called one of the best university 3D printing labs in the US.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University is another university that can boast of a great 3D printing lab. The university features the Additive Manufacturing Demonstration Facility that takes up 8,000 square feet. This facility features a wide range of equipment, including six 3D printers.
Apart from a printing lab, this facility also has a prototyping laboratory and a state-of-the-art design studio. The core goal of this center is to develop technologies that will enhance the use of additive manufacturing in different industries.
Virginia Tech
One more US university that is known for its outstanding 3D printing lab is Virginia Tech. The university’s lab is called DREAMS Lab. The acronym “DREAMS” in the lab’s name stands for the Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing Systems. The lab was created as a part of the university’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The DREAMS Lab is equipped with a large number of advanced 3D printers and other equipment used to empower students and research groups in their endeavors in additive manufacturing. Every year the lab boasts of a huge number of research projects. Some of its current projects focus on materials, methods, and applications of 3D printing in manufacturing.
Aachen University
Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing, created on the campus of Aachen University, is another great 3D printing lab that can be found in the US. The lab takes 3,000 square meters.
The Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing provides students with access to the top additive manufacturing expertise, resources, and equipment. The lab is equipped with a huge number of 3D printers, scanners, software, and other tools. It provides opportunities for individual and joint research, and it is also recognized as one of the best US university 3D printing labs out there.
The Bottom Line
3D printing is not a completely new technology. It has been around for a while now and has already found plenty of applications in different spheres, including education.
These days, many universities across the US and the rest of the world are equipping 3D printing labs to give their students impeccable learning experiences. And now, after reading this article, you know about the top six US universities with the best labs.
About Manufactur3D Magazine: Manufactur3D is an online magazine on 3D printing. which publishes the latest 3D printing news, insights and analysis from all around the world. Visit our 3D Printing Education page to read more such informative articles. To stay up-to-date about the latest happenings in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn.
