3D Printing for STEM Education
Bring abstract concepts to life with 3D printing. Forgely Roy supports schools, libraries, and STEM programs across Weber and Davis Counties with education discounts, spool donations, field trips, and hands-on guidance for bringing 3D printing into the classroom.
Why Schools Are Adding 3D Printers
Tangible Learning
Students retain more when they can hold a concept in their hands. A 3D printed DNA helix or geometric solid turns an abstract lesson into a physical experience that sticks.
Design Thinking Skills
3D printing teaches the full design cycle — identify a problem, sketch a solution, model it in CAD, print it, test it, and iterate. These skills transfer directly to engineering and product design careers.
Cross-Curricular Applications
3D printing is not just for shop class. Math, science, art, history, and engineering teachers all find ways to integrate printed models into their lessons — one printer serves the whole school.
Student Engagement
A 3D printer in the classroom is a magnet for curiosity. Students who disengage during lectures come alive when they see their own designs materialize layer by layer.
Curriculum Ideas by Subject
Math & Geometry
- ✓Print polyhedra to study faces, edges, and vertices
- ✓Visualize cross-sections of 3D shapes
- ✓Create fractals and tessellation tiles
- ✓Build scale models for ratio and proportion lessons
- ✓Print graphing surfaces for pre-calculus
Science & Biology
- ✓Molecular models — DNA, proteins, crystal structures
- ✓Anatomical organ models for biology class
- ✓Topographic terrain maps for earth science
- ✓Planetary models at relative scale
- ✓Cell structure cross-sections
Engineering & Robotics
- ✓Prototype brackets, mounts, and enclosures
- ✓Print gears, pulleys, and simple machines
- ✓Build robot chassis and sensor housings
- ✓Design and test bridge structures
- ✓Create jigs and fixtures for shop class
Art & Design
- ✓Sculptural forms and abstract art
- ✓Jewelry and wearable accessories
- ✓Architectural models and miniatures
- ✓Custom stamps and printing blocks
- ✓Lithophane photo prints
Education Services
Education Discount Program
K-12 schools, libraries, and after-school STEM programs qualify for discounted pricing on filament, accessories, and custom print orders. Contact us with your school name to enroll.
Spool Donation Program
We collect and redistribute usable filament to local schools. Participating schools receive donated spools throughout the school year at no cost.
Field Trips & Store Tours
Bring your class to see 3D printing in action. Students watch printers run, handle different materials, and learn how digital designs become physical objects. Groups of 15 or fewer recommended.
Printer Setup & Support
Bought a printer for your classroom? We help with initial setup, leveling, first-print calibration, and ongoing troubleshooting so teachers can focus on teaching, not tech support.
Recommended Starter Printers for Classrooms
Choosing the right printer for a school setting means balancing reliability, safety, ease of use, and budget. Here are our top picks for educators.
- ✓Bambu Lab A1 Mini — compact, fast, auto-leveling, excellent for small classrooms with limited space
- ✓Creality Ender-3 V3 — affordable workhorse with a large community and abundant free lesson plans online
- ✓Prusa MK4S — reliable, open-source, with outstanding documentation and school-friendly safety features
- ✓Bambu Lab P1S — enclosed design keeps curious fingers safe and reduces noise during class
- ✓Any enclosed PLA-capable printer — PLA is non-toxic and odor-free, making it ideal for classroom use
Education 3D Printing FAQ
Do you offer education discounts on 3D printing filament?
Yes. We offer a standing education discount for K-12 schools, libraries, and after-school STEM programs in the Weber and Davis County area. Contact us with your school or organization name to get set up — the discount applies to filament, accessories, and custom print orders.
Can our class take a field trip to Forgely Roy?
Absolutely. We host field trips for classes and STEM clubs at our Roy store. Students see FDM printers in action, learn about materials, and get hands-on experience with 3D printed parts. We recommend groups of 15 or fewer for the best experience. Contact us to schedule a date and time.
What 3D printer do you recommend for a classroom?
For most classrooms, we recommend an enclosed FDM printer that runs on PLA — it is safe, odor-free, and easy to maintain. The Bambu Lab A1 Mini or Creality Ender-3 V3 are excellent starting points. Come into the store and we will walk you through the options and help you pick the right printer for your budget and class size.
Do you donate filament to schools?
We run a spool donation program for local schools and libraries. When customers return empty spools, we refill or replace them and donate usable filament to participating schools. If your school is interested, reach out and we will add you to the program.
How can 3D printing be used in a STEM curriculum?
Math classes use 3D printing to visualize geometry — print polyhedra, cross-sections, and fractals students can hold. Science classes print molecular models, anatomical organs, and topographic maps. Engineering and robotics programs prototype brackets, gears, and enclosures. Art classes create sculptures and jewelry. The applications span every subject area.
Bring 3D Printing to Your Classroom
Whether you need discounted filament, a field trip for your students, or help choosing your first classroom printer — Forgely Roy is here to support STEM education in Weber County.