3D printers are intended to help generate interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers for at-risk youth
MINNEAPOLIS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — January 19, 2012 — 3D printer maker Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS) announced today that the Department of Defense (DoD) STARBASE youth program has placed a $1 million order for Stratasys uPrint SE 3D printers.
This latest equipment order brings the total to more than 100 Stratasys 3D printers used as classroom technology by DoD STARBASE in its nationwide program. The 3D printers help the program raise interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers for at-risk youth. Stratasys says one-half of the 3D printers have shipped to DoD STARBASE, and it expects the remainder to ship before the end of February.
The Stratasys announcement comes less than two weeks after the Commerce Department issued a report calling for investment in STEM education. The report says investment in STEM is needed to help the U.S. regain its lead in innovation, which will help fuel economic growth.
“Increasingly, the specific skills embodied in STEM education fuel the innovative processes that are especially valuable to our economy,” the report says.
“Engineering is a vital part of our nation’s hopeful future,” says DoD STARBASE RAC and Co-Founder Barbara Koscak. “We need to instill the concept of engineering early in a child’s education.”
Through the program, students in grades four through six participate in hands-on activities that emphasize teamwork to explore various STEM-based theories. For example, using PTC Creo computer-aided design software, students design model submarine, land rover, UAV, scalextric car and rocket components and use 3D printers to produce them for functional testing.
“3D printing, also called rapid prototyping, has become a key component of many science and technology curricula across schools nationwide,” says Stratasys Education Manager Jesse Roitenberg. “Students apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to real-life models. When they can actually see, hold and touch the results of their work, it’s a very powerful lesson. Looking at the STARBASE curriculum, they’re light years ahead.”
For more information on Stratasys and 3D printers, visit www.stratasys.com.
Stratasys Inc., Minneapolis, is a maker of additive-manufacturing machines for prototyping and producing plastic parts. The company markets under the brands uPrint and Dimension 3D Printers and Fortus Production 3D Printers. The company also operates RedEye On Demand, a digital-manufacturing service for prototypes and production parts. Stratasys manufactures 3D printers for Hewlett Packard, which it sells under the brand Designjet3D. In 2011 Stratasys acquired 3D printer maker Solidscape Inc. According to Wohlers Report 2011, Stratasys had a 41-percent market share in 2010, and has been the unit market leader for the ninth consecutive year. Stratasys patented and owns the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®) process. The process creates functional prototypes and manufactured goods directly from any 3D CAD program, using high-performance industrial thermoplastics. The company holds more than 285 granted or pending additive-manufacturing patents globally. Stratasys products are used in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, business and industrial equipment, education, architecture, and consumer-product industries. Online at: www.stratasys.com
Stratasys, Dimension, and uPrint are registered trademarks of Stratasys Inc.
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