It is never too early to start making, as one 12-year-old tinkerer has proved this week by releasing details of a 3D printer they have created using a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit and a low-cost 3D printing pen. This young innovator has demonstrated that age is no barrier to creativity and technical skill, showcasing an impressive blend of ingenuity and resourcefulness.
The 12-year-old is not even old enough to sign up for an Instructables account and required the help of their mum to be able to upload details of the construction for others to see. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of parental support in nurturing young talent and encouraging exploration in STEM fields.
Building the 3D Printer
The core of this homemade 3D printer is a 3D pen that dispenses melted plastic. The pen is ingeniously integrated into a structure built from LEGO Mindstorms EV3 components. The movement of the pen in three different axes is provisioned by Mindstorms motors, which are controlled by a program uploaded into the Mindstorms brick. This setup allows for precise control over the pen’s movements, enabling the creation of various patterns and shapes.
The young creator has written different programs to produce different patterns, demonstrating a solid understanding of both programming and mechanical design. This project is not only a testament to their technical skills but also to their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Check out the video below to learn more.
This is a 3D printer made using Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit. The core of it is the 3D pen that dispenses melted plastic. Movement of the pen in 3 different axes is provisioned by mindstorms motors and they are controlled by lego mindstorms program uploaded into mindstorm brick. Different patterns can be made by writing different programs. I would like to enter the contest in minor category. Also, this is my first instructables submission. Thanks.
The Impact of Early STEM Education
This project underscores the significant impact that early exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education can have on young minds. By engaging with complex concepts and hands-on projects at a young age, children can develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a passion for innovation.
LEGO Mindstorms kits are particularly effective educational tools because they combine the fun of building with the challenge of programming. They provide a platform for young learners to experiment, fail, and succeed in a supportive environment. This 12-year-old’s project is a perfect example of how such tools can inspire and empower the next generation of engineers and inventors.
Moreover, the use of a 3D printing pen in this project introduces the young creator to the world of additive manufacturing, a technology that is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to aerospace. Understanding the basics of 3D printing at such an early age could pave the way for future innovations and career opportunities in this rapidly growing field.
Source: 3Ders
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