We’ve evaluated an array of robotics, electronics, STEM and MakerEd technologies that we predict will become the future of teaching TechEd.

Here’s a quick summary but if you can download our full guide here.

• 3D Printers

  What is the latest 3D printing technology that gets you the most bang for your buck? There are a few options from a few different manufacturers, including Stratasys, MakerBot, Ultimaker, and FormLabs. What will work best for your program depends on the size parts and material you want to print as well as how easy you want the process to be. Overall we love the Stratasys F123 series 3D printers because you can basically do it all without dedicated expert staffing.

  Laser Systems

  A staple in TechEd classrooms for years, you need a laser system that can cut and engrave a wide variety of materials. What are your students making? Acrylic enclosures for electronics projects? Cardboard prototypes? Architecture models?

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  PLA rocket printed with Stratasys F123 Series 3D printer

Wide Format Printers

Empower students to design and produce signs, packaging, apparel and more with the right inkjet printer-cutter. Our recommended models from Roland include easy-to-use production software for an out-of-the-box solution that makes learning fun and easy for both students and educator.

CNC Plasma Cutters and Routers

What makes a CNC plasma cutter or router right for the classroom? One that is fully enclosed, cover CAD/CAM, include a generous warranty – and personalized online training. Systems like those from Forest Scientific are ideal for TechEd, drafting, woodworking and art programs.

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  Minds-i UAV Competition Kit

• Drones and Rover STEM Kits

  Students need a learning experience that goes beyond typical classroom environments. We have a few favorite kits (Arduino, rovers, UAVs, etc.) when it comes to kits that offer real-world applications using C++ programming and technologically advanced open source robots.

  Robot Arms

  Currently trending in K-12 TechEd classrooms are desktop robotic arms that cover an array of functions from 3D printing to laser engraving to writing and drawing. Added bonus? Make it lightweight and cover more 20 programming languages.

Robotics and Electronics Kits

Simplify the process of learning and teaching electricity and electronics with kits like robot arm production cells, programmable electrical and electronics kits, and more. What makes a good kit? Easy to teach components, robust curriculum, and an array of optional add-on’s.

Want to know which products we recommend specifically? Download our full guide here.

This is a classic example of purchasing the wrong piece of equipment for teaching purposes. Training machinists is one thing (and I’ll get to that in Part 2 of this blog series) – but I’m referring to programs that are essentially teaching students to make widgets and parts.

Programs like engineering, bio medicine, graphic design, industrial design, architecture, and K-12 TechEd or wood shop classes all need to teach students how to operate CNC equipment. However, large, industrial machines are intimidating, unsafe, and difficult to use. Hence they go unused.

Instead, educators should consider an industrial quality educational CNC machine for education. There are a few things to consider as you look at different systems.

• Routers vs. mills – which is best for you?
  A big misconception is that all educators need a mill for their shop floors. Oftentimes a router will suit all your teaching needs.

  Routers are typically less expensive than mills. They are used to cut parts out of plastics or wood – and some routers are even equipped with the proper spindles to cut light metals, such as brass, copper, and aluminum. (For hard metals, like iron or steel, you will still need a mill.)

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A big benefit to routers is that they operate at faster speeds than mills. For high school educators looking to have 20-30 students each make a part, think of the additional students you can get on the equipment in just a few class periods as opposed to a full semester’s worth of classes. The high spindle speeds used on lighter materials can reduce time spent on the machines significantly, accommodating more students per class.

What table size do you really need?
For routers and mills you want to be careful to select a table size that is appropriate for the size parts you plan to make.

If the biggest part you plan to make is six inches, then you don’t need to purchase a 50” table. Even if you have budget for a 50” table, it would make more sense to purchase two 12” or 16” tables to maximize the number of students learning on the equipment at any given time.

Ensure your machines are actually usable for students.
Industry standard CAM software can often be frustrating for students to learn – not to mention time intensive to teach. That’s why educational CNC machines come equipped with easy-to-use, Wizard-based software that prompts learners through each step of the process to set up and cut a part.

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  Denford 2600 Pro CNC training at Virginia Beach City Schools

• Students don’t have the time required to learn exactly how to calculate the feed rate and spindle speed required for each different type of material they plan to cut. If they were to calculate these figures inaccurately when using a large industrial machine, they could accidentally break the tooling or even cut through the material and damage the machine – and the repairs could be costly.

  A CNC machine for education, like those form Denford, comes equipped with a materials library in which the software calculates these rates for you, taking the guesswork away from students. This allows students to focus on what they really need to learn: how to CNC a part.

Ensure the safety of your students.
Think about your equipment users – your students. These are inexperienced machinists who likely won’t have time in a class period or two to completely understand the safety precautions required for industrial equipment.

Most educational machine tools are designed with students in mind. For example, if a student cuts too quickly through material, the machine is circuit protected and will automatically turn off. An industrial machine won’t. If a student cuts too deeply or quickly into a material, he/she could potentially break the machine, requiring an expensive repair.

At the middle school and high school level, fully enclosed machines are a great solution because these will protect students if they make a mistake that sends sharp materials airborne.

Ultimately, if you are teaching students to make a widget or a part you don’t need a huge industrial machine. Think about what happens when you teach someone to drive.  A Ferrari is a fine car but you should probably start with that Honda Accord first.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in this blog series where I talk about CNC machine options on the flip side – industrial machines for teaching machinists.