We are getting closer to the final stage of this competition, which has already become a tradition at MSP. As you know, we have supported online sessions with each team individually on the Discord platform, and now we are moving toward the stage where students will work physically on their projects at our headquarters.
Why does MSP support students in exploring technology?
3D design and printing are modern technologies, but at the same time, they are essential tools for the future of education and professions. Engaging students in these fields provides major benefits, such as:
- Developing creativity and problem-solving skills;
- Connecting theory more easily with real-world applications;
- Preparing students for the jobs of the future;
- Encouraging STEM-oriented thinking (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics);
- Fostering students’ entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
In conclusion, 3D modeling and printing transform students from passive consumers of technology into active creators, preparing them for a future where innovation will be the main language.
The History of 3D Modeling
3D modeling, along with 3D printing, are two processes that go hand in hand.
Since the 1960s–1970s, 3D modeling has been a topic of discussion, and the first object considered 3D was created in 1972 when Edwin Catmull (co-founder of Pixar) designed the first digital 3D model of a human hand. His experiment paved the way for animation, film, engineering, architecture, and later 3D printing.
The Beginnings of 3D Printing
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the technology by which a physical object is created layer by layer based on a digital 3D model.
In the 1980s, layered fabrication with photopolymers and stereolithography emerged, marking the first official 3D printing technology. The first commercial 3D printer, the SLA-1, was launched by the company 3D Systems, founded by Chuck Hull.
Industrial development of 3D printing took place in the 1990s, when it began to be used for rapid prototyping, aerospace, and medical applications, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. After 2005, the technology began to democratize, and after 2010, 3D printing became accessible in schools and universities, as well as in medicine, art, architecture, hobbies, and STEM education.
Today, it is possible to print houses, bionic prosthetics, parts for rockets, and components for the aerospace industry.
Online Sessions with the Participants of the 2025 3D Modeling and Printing Contest
The week of October 20–24, 2025, was dedicated to training sessions on Tinkercad, using the Discord platform.
The participating schools this year are:
- Bucharest: ARC School, School no. 124, Nicolae Labiș School, Pia Brătianu School, Costin C. Kirițescu College, Politehnica School, School no. 311, Federico Garcia Lorca School
- Ilfov: School no. 1, Dărăști School, Ioan Bădescu School
Students received training in 3D modeling, learned about the objects and elements provided by Tinkercad, and how to use them to create their final project.
What Did the Participants Discover?
➤ What a workspace in Tinkercad is, how to use it, and how to work in teams;
➤ What tools like alignment, grouping/combining, cutting, and ungrouping are for;
➤ How to use tools to modify the parameters of an object.
After exploring these program functionalities, students are expected next week at the MSP headquarters, where they will prototype certain components of their project.
Why Is It Important to Support Students in Exploring and Using Technology?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, technology—especially 3D technology—has evolved significantly in a relatively short time. This evolution has generated new solutions to existing problems, as well as new professions about which students should be informed if they wish to pursue a career in technology.
It is also important to note that, according to Order no. 42/8/2023, which updates the COR (Romanian Classification of Occupations) with new professions (published in the Official Monitor), the occupation 3D Printing Technician exists in Romania, thanks to the initiative of the Romanian Business people Association and with support from ECDL Romania (source: edupedu.ro).
This represents extra motivation for school students passionate about exploring technological advances, especially if they wish to pursue a profession of this type in the future.
