Year 9 were the first to use the new equipment and each produced a 3D printed handle for the trinket boxes they have made in their DT lessons. Each handle was modelled using SolidWorks, an industry standard design software, before being sent to print. 

Year 7 were also given an opportunity to use the 3D printers by creating their own bookmarks - a project which has provided them with a great introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD).

Meanwhile, Year 10 Engineering students have been developing their skills in SoldWorks ready for starting their Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) when they return in Year 11. The students have each modelled a biscuit cutter, similar examples of which were recently employed during the faculty’s end of term ‘Bake Off’ competition, while others have already been used by staff and students in Food lessons. 

Amy Norris, Head of DT, said: “The printers have already been put to excellent use in lessons and we are excited to develop some new projects incorporating 3D printing for the next academic year.”

In a related project, Year 8 DT students practised their CAD skills by using the SolidWorks programme to help design a mould for pewter casting. Each mould was designed using CAD and cut out on a laser cutter. The pewter was then heated and poured into the moulds before being cut and filed to finish. 

ABOVE: Year 9 made trinket boxes in their DT lessons this year. They used 3D technology to create handles for their boxes, as pictured above. 

ABOVE AND BELOW: Year 7 were given an introduction to CAD and 3D printing by creating their own bookmarks. 

BELOW: Year 10 Engineering students used CAD to create biscuit cutters.

BELOW: Year 8 used CAD to assist with Pewter casting.