YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – America Makes is launching a nationwide initiative that will give high school students hands-on experience with 3D printing, engineering and drone technology as part of National Manufacturing Day on Friday.

The 3D Printing for Drones initiative will be offered in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama and California. The half-day sessions will use Design + Build + Fly activities to introduce students to additive manufacturing and its applications in drone technology.

The initiative builds on a summer camp hosted by Missouri University of Science and Technology in collaboration with Innovate Learning.

Students will work through challenges involved in designing and deploying drones, including weight, battery management, manufacturability and reliability. They also will learn about the engineering process behind additive manufacturing.

The sessions will include:

  • Design thinking: Students will work through scenarios involving last-mile delivery, field repair and weight and cost constraints.
  • Additive manufacturing: Students will explore 3D-printing applications for drones through prototyping and development of functional components.
  • Drone technology: Students will integrate 3D-printed parts and learn about flight fundamentals, payload and mission planning and reliability testing.

Students also will participate in build activities, mentor-led sessions, safety lessons, design exercises, prototyping and drone flight instruction.

“Manufacturing Day provides an important opportunity to introduce the next generation to the technologies, skills and career opportunities shaping the future of American manufacturing,” said Ed Herderick, education and workforce development director at America Makes. “This programming brings together state-of-the-art 3D printing with drone competition in an exciting, kinetic way that engages learners and will keep growing momentum in the advanced manufacturing industry.”

America Makes said the initiative is intended to expose students to additive manufacturing careers and help them develop technical skills through hands-on projects.

The initiative is part of America Makes’ Education and Workforce Development efforts, which focus on developing the manufacturing workforce.

Those interested in conducting their own 3D Printing for Drones activity can access the free curriculum online. Click the Get Started button in the Community Engagement Tools section. Participants will be prompted to request an access code from America Makes.