Applications of 3D-Printing for Improving Chemistry Education

Abstract

Wide accessibility and a broad range of applications have made 3D-printers a commonplace tool in the science community. From tier-one research institutions to community public libraries and high schools, 3D-printers are being used to enrich STEM education through a variety of learning techniques and experiences. Reports of 3D-printed models for improved visualization of chemical phenomena, as well as the educational use of 3D-printed laboratory devices, are rapidly increasing. The objective of this review is to provide a resource for educators interested in incorporating 3D-printing into their chemistry classrooms by evaluating recent peer-reviewed reports that used this technology to enhance chemistry education.

3D Printed Reactionware for Synthetic Electrochemistry with Hydrogen Fluoride Reagents

“…3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a rapidly maturing technology that has progressed from an engineering curiosity to become a viable, cost-effective manufacturing or prototyping technique with applications in several fields of research, [42][43][44][45][46][47] including chemical synthesis, [48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56] analytics, [57][58][59][60][61] and, albeit to a lesser extent, synthetic electrochemistry. [49,[62][63][64][65][66][67] As the object is built up layer by layer in a computer-controlled process, high resolution objects can be rapidly manufactured without the operator having to be familiar with the range of machining instruments and techniques normally employed.…”

Introduction

“…This technology and makerspaces in general are indeed becoming increasingly common in schools, as reflected by the 2018 NMC Horizon Report which placed widespread adoption of makerspaces within a year (Adams Becker et al 2018 ). Students can use 3D printing in many STEM activities for chemistry (Pinger et al 2019 ), engineering (Chien et al 2018 ), and biology (Gordy et al 2020 ). A recent review article (Ford and Minshall 2019 ) describes the current state of this technology in education.…”

An Overview of Additive Manufacturing of Polymers and Associated Composites

“…The importance and applications of 3D printing in human anatomy education are also vital [ 242 , 243 ]. 3D printing of molecular models can help the students visualize the structure more effectively [ 244 , 245 ].…”