A 3D printer is a revolutionary machine that uses additive technology (stacking thin layers of plastic or polyamide) to create objects, varying from model cars to phone cases. Want to have your own physical copy of your Minecraft house? Just upload your design to Blender or another 3D printing software on your computer and connect it to your 3D printer. In an hour or less, you can have an exact copy of your digital home! This advanced machinery has been made available to everyone, and last year the PTA gave Canyon Vista the money to buy our very own 3D printer.

The 3D printing process may appear complex to some, but it is actually quite simple. With multiple computer programs to choose from, users are able to design practically anything they want, from a simple cube to a violin. Once the design has been created, the filament is heated up to 220 degrees. The now liquid plastic drips onto the bottom tray and begins taking the exact shape of the digital form. The time it takes for the plastic to set and harden varies with the design.

3D printers have begun making their ways into many other schools in Central Texas. “Some school districts are spending as little as $3,600 and as much as $40,000 a pop to bring them into the classroom.” claims Andra Lim, a journalist for the Austin-American Statesman. The reason? A standard toaster-sized printer that used to cost $20,000 a few years ago now costs less than $1000, making it more affordable to the public.

What’s next on Canyon Vista’s wish list?  According to technology teacher Mrs. Lind, “It would be great if we could also get a 3D scanner [which is] a machine that scans an object and downloads it to your computer so you can print it.”