3D Printing for Schools in Utah — Programs, Grants & Getting Started

3D printing is transforming STEM education in Utah — from elementary maker labs to high school engineering programs and college research. If you're a teacher, administrator, or school board member looking to bring 3D printing into your school, this guide covers everything you need to get started.

Why 3D Printing Belongs in Utah Classrooms

3D printing teaches skills that matter beyond the print bed:

• Design thinking — students learn to go from idea → CAD model → physical object
• Problem solving — failed prints teach debugging and iteration (real engineering skills)
• Cross-curricular — biology (anatomy models), history (artifact replicas), math (geometric solids), art (sculpture)
• Career readiness — additive manufacturing is a $30B+ industry, and Utah has a growing advanced manufacturing sector

How Utah Schools Are Already Using 3D Printing

K–8: Maker Labs & Tinkercad

Elementary and middle schools typically start with Tinkercad (free, browser-based CAD) and one or two classroom printers. Students design simple objects — keychains, phone stands, name tags — and learn the full design-to-print workflow.

Schools in Weber and Davis County have built maker spaces with 2–4 printers, shared across grade levels. One printer can serve a class of 25 students by running prints overnight and during non-class hours.

High School: Engineering, CTE & Competitions

Utah high schools use 3D printers in:

• CTE (Career & Technical Education) — engineering, manufacturing, and drafting courses
• FIRST Robotics — custom brackets, mounts, gears, and sensor housings for competition robots
• FFA — agricultural tech projects, custom tooling, irrigation system components
• Science fairs — prototyping experiment apparatus and display models
• AP Physics / Engineering — testing structural designs, bridge models, wind tunnel components

Higher Ed: WSU, DATC & Utah Tech Programs

Weber State University (WSU) and Davis Technical College (DATC) both have additive manufacturing programs. Forgely Roy works with local college students on filament supply and printer support.

Best 3D Printers for Schools

Based on what we've seen work in local classrooms:

Budget Pick: Bambu Lab A1 Mini (~$200)

• Auto bed leveling, fast print speed, minimal maintenance
• Perfect for elementary and middle school — near zero setup
• Small footprint fits on a standard desk

Workhorse: Bambu Lab P1S (~$600)

• Enclosed for ABS/PETG, fast (500mm/s), reliable
• High school and CTE programs that need volume and material variety
• AMS (multi-color) adds engagement for younger students

Multi-Material: Bambu Lab X1C (~$1,100)

• 16-color AMS, Lidar first-layer inspection, chamber temp control
• Best for advanced programs, engineering classes, and competition teams

We sell all of these at Forgely Roy and can help you choose the right setup for your school's needs and budget.

Funding & Grants for School 3D Printers

Here's how Utah schools are funding 3D printing programs:

• Utah STEM Action Center grants — annual competitive grants for STEM equipment (K–12)
• CTE equipment funding — Utah State Board of Education allocates CTE funds that cover manufacturing equipment
• Title IV-A (ESSA) — federal funds for well-rounded education, including STEM technology
• DonorsChoose — teachers can crowdfund specific printer purchases ($200–$1,200 range)
• Local PTA/PTO fundraising — many maker spaces are funded by parent organizations
• Corporate partnerships — Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) STEM outreach, local tech companies

Forgely Roy's Education Program

We support Utah schools with:

• Education discount on printers and filament — contact us for school pricing
• Spool donation program — we donate partial spools and overstock filament to local classrooms
• Field trips — bring your class to see real filament manufacturing and a working print farm
• Teacher training — we can run a 2-hour intro session for your staff on printer setup, Tinkercad basics, and troubleshooting
• Repair support — school printers break. We fix them fast at $45/hour so your program doesn't stall

Getting Started: A Simple Roadmap

1. Start with 1–2 printers — don't over-buy. One reliable printer can serve a full classroom.
2. Use free software — Tinkercad (K–8), Fusion 360 Education (high school), PrusaSlicer or Bambu Studio (all free)
3. Buy PLA filament — it's safe, low-odor, and easy to print. No ventilation needed for PLA.
4. Train one teacher — designate a "printer champion" who learns the basics and trains others
5. Visit Forgely Roy — walk in, see our printers running, ask questions. We'll help you build a plan that fits your budget.

Curriculum Ideas by Subject

• Math: Print geometric solids, fractals, Möbius strips, scale models
• Science: Anatomy models (heart, cell), molecule structures, lab equipment holders
• History: Artifact replicas, topographic maps, architectural models
• Art: Sculpture, jewelry, lithophanes (photo-to-3D prints)
• Engineering: Bridge stress testing, gear trains, robotic components
• Agriculture (FFA): Custom irrigation fittings, seed spacers, tool organizers

Contact Us for School Pricing

Whether you're starting from scratch or expanding an existing program, Forgely Roy is your local partner for 3D printing in education.

📍 Forgely Roy — 5519 S 1900 W, Roy, UT 84067
📞 385-449-2694
⏰ Mon–Fri 11–6 • Sat 11–3
🎓 Education program details • Request school pricing