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Should I Get a Laser Cutter or a 3D Printer?

Many maker spaces and classrooms are equipped with both 3D printers and laser cutters, and creative people may have one or both devices in their homes and workshops. Together, these two tools can be used to teach new skills and inspire creativity. Projects created with either a 3D printer or a laser cutter may be artistic, functional, or both.

These machines are cutting-edge technology that can inspire us to think outside the box. They can be used together, but you might wonder whether you should get a laser cutter or a 3D printer, instead. To answer that, you need to understand how each device works.

Filament Spotlight: Everything You Need to Know About Nylon

Of the many 3D printer filament types available on the market today, few are as versatile and durable as nylon filament. When paired with a high-quality 3D printer, this flexible material can be used to create amazing prints that stand the test of time. Here's what you need to know about nylon's properties and the many applications to which it can be put in 3D printing.

Laser Focus: Take Your Crafting Business to New Levels with a Laser Cutter

Whether you are just starting a crafting business or you have been successfully selling your creations for a while now, as a small business owner, you understand the importance of investing in equipment that will have a positive impact on your bottom-line. Laser cutters are growing popularity among crafty people due to their ease of use, unlimited potential for unique designs, and significantly high returns on investment. The ability to create custom engraving, paper crafts, jewelry, and a lot more in a variety of materials is bringing home laser cutter technology to the mainstream in ways that were once unfathomable. If you're new to the idea of using a laser cutting machine, you're definitely not alone. Once reserved only for large manufacturing operations, laser cutter desktop versions are becoming more affordable and available for everyone.

5W, 40W, or 90W: How To Choose The Right Laser Cutter Strength for Your Needs

Laser cutters come in a variety of different strengths. Many are focused on industrial use, such as those used for cutting diamonds, and too strong for home use. There are three strengths that are ideal for small businesses or hobbyists: 5W, 40W, and 90W. It may be difficult, at first, to figure out which is right for you and your unique projects. Overall, finding the best laser cutter for your needs is going to require some deep consideration on what you will be using it for, the materials you plan to use, ease of use you require, and your price range.

Makerspace 101: The Ultimate Guide to Makerspaces - Part 2

We get a ton of questions every day from people asking about makerspaces, so we put together this guide for those of you who are curious to learn more. The second part of this guide shows how to start setting up your own makerspace, learn how to operate and manager your space, and the types of ideal projects that are

Makerspace 101: The Ultimate Guide to Makerspaces - Part 1

We get a ton of questions every day from people asking about makerspaces, so we put together this guide for those of you who are curious to learn more. The first part of this guide explains what they are and why they are important.

The Benefits of STEM Education in Early-Grade Classrooms

Megan Rogers writes for InsideHigherEd that simply being expose to math and science has a greater chance of leading a student to major in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related field than having high achievement in mathematics. Simply put, this means that wetting the appetites of what is possible in these fields can spark creativity in young people that they may not get through traditional learning. In today's classrooms, additional resources and materials can assist teachers in making these STEM experiences come to life.

Shaping the Future: How Does 3D Printing Shape a Student's Education?

The 21st-century is proving to be a pivotal point in human history as technology permeates every facet of our lives. In order to prepare students for life and work in the age of technology, educators are looking to 3D printing to help expand their curricula for a more hands-on approach. A 2017 survey among educators using 3D printing in their classrooms highlights a few of the life skills that 3D printing is teaching children, including creativity, exploration, technological literacy, problem-solving, learning by trial-and-error, self-directed learning, critical thinking, and perseverance.

children with 3D printer projects in school

3D Printing is Part of the STEM Learning Process

STEM programs stress Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These are the many fields that lead to a successful future for employment. Jobs related to STEM degrees are in demand and they will continue to grow within the next decade along with new technological development. Students who begin STEM learning at the primary school level are the scientists and innovators of the future.

What 3D Printer Filament is Right for Me?

One of the most exciting aspects of modern 3D printing is the fact that a single FDM printer can be used to create parts from a very large selection of materials. Whether a part needs to be rigid and tolerant of high temperatures or flexible and resistant to impact stress, there's a filament material available that will give the part the exact physical properties it needs. If you want to become truly proficient with 3D printing technology, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the major 3D printer filament types that are available on the market today. Here's what you should know about some of the most commonly used filaments and their properties.

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