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Staff report
In support of National Manufacturing Day on Friday, America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is launching a nationwide series of hands-on "3D Printing for Drones" experiences.
The program is designed to introduce high school students to the intersection of 3D printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing (AM), engineering and drone technology.
Building upon the success of a recent summer camp hosted at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and held in collaboration with Innovate Learning, America Makes is expanding the concept to engage students across the country through immersive Design + Build + Fly activities. The initiative reflects the institute's commitment to strengthening the future manufacturing workforce through its Education and Workforce Development pillar.
The half-day Manufacturing Day experiences will be held in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama and California.
Through the "3D Printing for Drones" experience, students will explore the thought process of an AM engineer while tackling real-world challenges associated with drone design and deployment. From weight considerations and battery management to manufacturability and reliability, participants will gain firsthand insight into how advanced manufacturing technologies can help solve complex engineering problems.
The experience will immerse students in several key areas, including:
• Design thinking: Human-centered problem framing focused on contested logistics scenarios, including last-mile delivery, field repair, and weight and cost constraints.
• Additive manufacturing: Exploration of AM solutions for drone technologies, including iterative prototyping and the development of functional components.
• Drone technology: Integration of additively manufactured parts, flight fundamentals, payload and mission planning, and reliability testing tied to a logistics challenge.
Students will participate in hands-on build-sprint modules, mentor-led activities, safety lessons, design-thinking exercises, prototyping activities and drone flight instruction.
"Manufacturing Day provides an important opportunity to introduce the next generation to the technologies, skills, and career opportunities shaping the future of American manufacturing," said Dr. Ed Herderick, Education and Workforce Development director at America Makes. "This programming brings together state-of-the-art 3D printing with drone competition in an exciting, kinetic way that engages learners and will keep growing momentum in the advanced manufacturing industry"
The initiative is expected to ignite student interest in AM and related careers while helping participants build foundational technical skills and better understand the real-world applications of advanced manufacturing technologies.
As America Makes continues to advance the adoption and innovation of AM, developing a strong and capable future workforce remains central to its mission. Through initiatives like "3D Printing for Drones," the Institute is helping make advanced manufacturing accessible, engaging, and relevant to the next generation of engineers, designers, technicians and manufacturing professionals.
Whether you're just beginning your exploration of the additive manufacturing industry, interested in advancing your skills, or looking to make a transition into the manufacturing industry, visit https://www.americamakes.us/amnation/tools/ to learn more.