Dept. of Defense STARBASE Program Purchases $1 million in 3D Printers

By DE Editors

3D printer maker Stratasys announced today that the Department of Defense (DoD) STARBASE youth program has placed a $1 million order for Stratasys uPrint SE 3D printers.

This latest equipment order brings the total to more than 100 Stratasys 3D printers used as classroom technology by DoD STARBASE in its nationwide program. The 3D printers help the program raise interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers for at-risk youth. Stratasys says one-half of the 3D printers have shipped to DoD STARBASE, and it expects the remainder to ship before the end of February.

 Engineering is a vital part of our nations hopeful future,says DoD STARBASE RAC and co-founder Barbara Koscak. We need to instill the concept of engineering early in a childs education.

Through the program, students in grades four through six participate in hands-on activities that emphasize teamwork to explore various STEM-based theories. For example, using PTC Creo computer-aided design software, students design model submarine, land rover, UAV, scalextric car and rocket components and use 3D printers to produce them for functional testing.

For more information, visit Stratasys.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.