In support of National Manufacturing Day on October 2, America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is launching a nationwide series of hands-on “3D Printing for Drones” experiences designed to introduce high school students to the exciting intersection of 3D printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing (AM), engineering, and drone technology.
Building upon the success of a recent summer camp hosted at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and held in collaboration with Innovate Learning, America Makes is expanding the concept to engage students across the country through immersive Design + Build + Fly activities. The initiative reflects the Institute’s commitment to strengthening the future manufacturing workforce through its Education and Workforce Development (EWD) pillar.
The half-day Manufacturing Day experiences will be held in five states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, and California.
Through the “3D Printing for Drones” experience, students will explore the thought process of an AM engineer while tackling real-world challenges associated with drone design and deployment. From weight considerations and battery management to manufacturability and reliability, participants will gain firsthand insight into how advanced manufacturing technologies can help solve complex engineering problems.
The experience will immerse students in several key areas, including:
- Design Thinking: Human-centered problem framing focused on contested logistics scenarios, including last-mile delivery, field repair, and weight and cost constraints.
- Additive Manufacturing: Exploration of AM solutions for drone technologies, including iterative prototyping and the development of functional components.
- Drone Technology: Integration of additively manufactured parts, flight fundamentals, payload and mission planning, and reliability testing tied to a logistics challenge.
Students will participate in hands-on build-sprint modules, mentor-led activities, safety lessons, design-thinking exercises, prototyping activities, and drone flight instruction.