School has started, and classroom visits have resumed, where MSP helps students discover 3D technology.
So, the bell rang, students sat down at their desks, and MSP began the magic of the 3D demonstration.
Two middle school classes at InaSchool – Primary and Middle School – enjoyed a short journey into the fascinating world of 3D technology, a field that promises to become increasingly complex and innovative in the near future.
A History of 3D Technology
The roots of this technology go back to the 19th century when Sir Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope. At the same time, stereoscopic photography appeared, and in the 1920s–1930s, the first 3D movies were created (using two cameras and special glasses with colored filters).
After 1980, companies such as Pixar and Silicon Graphics developed software and hardware that could create 3D computer graphics. After the 1990s, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and 3D modeling became widely used in engineering and architecture.
From 2000 to the present, a turning point in promoting 3D design was the release of Avatar by James Cameron, along with the introduction of virtual and augmented reality in games, education, and industry, as well as 3D printing and scanning.
Today, this field demonstrates that the technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Industrial 3D printing involves a variety of materials, including polymeric (thermoplastic), composite (reinforced filaments), flexible (elastic), metallic, ceramic, and specialized composite materials.
Important contributions of 3D modeling and printing are found in medicine (printing prostheses and cartilage for patients with certain conditions) and in engineering and construction, through architectural design, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and, regarding 3D printing, the creation of sustainable materials using recycled materials, composites, or local mixtures (fiber-reinforced concrete, polymer-based recycled mixtures).
3D technology does not only mean lower production costs for prototypes (not for mass production); it also provides faster execution compared to traditional molds, superior design freedom, helps reduce waste, and facilitates easy modifications.
Since many industries (aerospace, medical, energy, etc.) have adopted 3D technology, it is important to familiarize students with it from an early age.
From 3D Design to a Real Object
During today’s demonstration, we presented programs where students can create 3D designs, especially Tinkercad (a free online platform for students), as well as the process of creating a small object – from the initial idea and measurements to transforming it into a 3D printed object.
Students learned that basic shapes in Tinkercad can bring new objects to life with a little imagination and creativity, and the final printed object remained as a totem for their classroom.
In addition to this activity, coordinated by our colleague Laurențiu, we explained to students why it is important to follow their passions and that, in the field of 3D technology, there is already a recognized profession in Romania’s Occupation Code: 3D Printing Technician.
They also learned that they can participate in our annual 3D modeling and printing contest and benefit from free courses, both online and in person at our headquarters.
The Future Sounds 3D
We expect the future to impact professions that will evolve and bring significant improvements to interactive holograms, the combination of virtual and augmented reality, and bio-printing (printing tissues needed for various medical procedures).
We hope it was an enjoyable experience for the students and that we will meet them again in other educational initiatives organized by MSP.
