3D Printing at Hans Christensen Middle School Is Already Making A Difference

A parent donation allowed the Advanced Technology classes at Hans Christensen Middle School, to acquire a 3D printer sooner than they had planned. All technology students have been learning how to create 3D designs on the computer. 

A real-life need at HCMS prompted an experiment. The computer room chairs are the same as the teacher chairs. This particular model work station chair lists for $248 each. Over the past 7 years, at least a dozen of the chairs have lost a critical part that holds the back secure, and allows them to be adjusted for support and comfort. Advanced Technology teacher, Mr. Gammill challenged the students to replicate the design of the missing part. Within half an hour, a team of two students had precisely measured the part and produced a design. Amazingly, their first print of the part fit precisely, and the class has now printed a dozen of them. This has allowed HCMS to put over $2000 dollars worth of chairs back in operation. 

Design team Landon Lomenick - 8th grade, and Connor Emery - 7th Grade.

The original part, in black is on the left and the replacement is on the right, printed in red PLA plastic. 

The replacement part shown installed on the left.