Makerbot+Proposal

Proposal to Purchase a Makerbot 3D printing machine Dr. Jesse Reich, Dr. Matt Loomis, Dr. Laura Kelleher

A [|Makerbot]is a 3D Printer. It is quite literally a plastic extruder attached to a robotic arm that uses software like Auto-CAD to turn a 3D image into a tangible piece of plastic.

Here is a youtube video of The CEO of Makerbot describing the printer and the functionality. media type="youtube" key="W0n9A_5_CG0?fs=1" height="385" width="640"

Here is a 30 second clip of the Makerbot in action creating a 1' tall Statue of Liberty. media type="youtube" key="MidPMCnJif8?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

The Makerbot costs $1,225. The pastic is $65/5lbs. The printer and the materials are fairly inexpensive, but have enormous potential. Because the printer can print as many things as we can imagine the ability of the machine to produce tools to help classes understand complicated topics are limitless. In chemistry oribitals of electrons overlap. A 3D model of this would allow students to take abstract concepts and hold tangible objects that depict them. In Mathematics students struggle with the concept of integrals. This printer is integration in action and allows students to see how integrals work line by line as plastic is extruded. The ability of this printer to allow professors to create items to help them teach their class in thier specific way is limited only by the imagination of the professor.

The Makerbot can also be used by students to create 3D works of art, functional plastic molds, artifacts of naval architecture and much mroe. Imagine a corridor in the halls of the Academy that contains a display case for some of the most intricate designs that students make. Consider a student that takes a 3D prototype of an idea they created while at the Academy to an interview. Think of touring students that see a 3D printer in action and find themselves more attracted to the integration of technology into coursework available at MMA.

This is a relatively inexpensive peice of equipment capable of a wide array of utility limited only by imagaination. It will attract new students to the Academy and provide technological design and construction skills to students at the Academy.

Please provide a budget of $2,000 to purchase the Makerbot, accessories, and tools needed to assemble it.