There are a lot of companies out there that want to empower kids through a wide range of activities that involve learning about and experiencing 3D modelling and 3D printing. There are also a lot of companies whose revenue depends on reselling a wide variety of 3D printers. When two of these companies form a partnership, the potential for accomplishing an industry wide goal of having schools implement 3D printing programs with accompanying curriculums becomes one step closer to actualization.
Here are two companies from Australia that are forming what is sure to be a powerful partnership.
The first is Makers Empire 3D. They produce 3D design software that is fun and easy to use and learn. Integrated with a complete learning program Makers Empire has an ultimate goal to bring the rewards of easily designing & printing in 3D to prepare classrooms full of eager young minds for the future.
The second is The 3D Printer. They are a reseller of more than 20 different 3D printers. With a strong focus on education, they primarily focus on the 3D printing needs of hobbyists, schools, entrepreneurs and individuals. They are also an exclusive distributor of the BEETHEFIRST printer in Australia.
Together, these two companies have agreed to provide Australian primary schools with a “complete 3D printing solution.” The Learning Program for 3D Printing for Schools from Maker’s Empire is composed of a 3D design app, lesson plans tailor-made to comply with the Australian and UK curriculums, and a Teachers Portal complete with accessible online resources. Combining this with The 3D Printer’s large range of 3D printers will ensure that schools will get off to a creative and innovative start.
Commenting on the partnership, Makers Empire CEO Jon Soong had this to say: “From the beginning, Makers Empire was impressed with The 3D Printer’s commitment to meeting the user needs for 3D printing in Australia. It is also a sign of confidence in their dedication to customer service to be successfully granted exclusive distributor rights to an award winning 3D printer for the Australian market.”
What about typical concerns of implementation in schools, such as the learning curve for teachers and faculty who are not trained or experienced with 3D printing?
“Makers Empire’s Learning Program for 3D printing for schools does not require teachers or students to learn CAD or have technical expertise and together with The 3D Printer, students and teachers will be able to have one of the most fun and easiest 3D printing experiences ever.”
The feeling is mutual. Dion Parsons, the Director of The 3D Printer returned the compliments, stating: “We are delighted to be partnering with Makers Empire in being able to provide a packaged product that covers both the design elements and 3D printing elements, Makers Empire fills the gap with 3D printing in education by allowing students of all ages the ability to create all sorts of 3D objects, all of this on their tablet or iPad, whilst BEETHEFIRST is truly one of the easiest 3D Printers to use. It just makes sense to have an easy to use 3D printer and an easy to use 3D design app packaged together to provide a complete solution.”
In the near future I hope we will be seeing a lot more of these types of partnerships to bring 3D printing educational programs to students around the world.
