Apr 20, 2016 | By Alec
3D printers are increasingly seen as promising educational tools that can stimulate the imagination of the children who could become the next generation of makers, engineers and scientists. But Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Uni Technology (previously known as QingDao Unique) believes that the piece of hardware itself hides numerous important educational lessons as well. That’s why they have developed the MagiTools, a safe and accessible DIY 3D printer assembly kit specifically intended for children.
Though now operating under the new name of Uni Technology, this company is actually one of the most important 3D printer manufacturers in China. As Qindao Unique, they previously released a wide range of 3D printing platforms, from industrial-grade machines that can produce biomedical tools and prosthetics to low-budget solutions for beginning hobbyists. In November 2015, they unveiled the MagiCube 3D printer: a basic educational 3D printer for use in primary and secondary education that featured a fantastic exterior design.
Building on those experiences, Uni Technology has now thus released an educational 3D printer kit. By adding that extra assembly dimension, the Chinese developers say, they can show kids how open and accessible hardware can be. “When compared with the MagiCube 3D printer, the MagiTools 3D printer focuses more on practicing a student’s handling skills and calls for active participation. Moreover, the Magitools can cultivate students’ ability to see innovation, just like the MagiCube did,” they say.
Though the very idea of assembling a piece of complex, expensive machinery by yourself can be a bit intimidating, the MagiTools 3D printer kit shows exactly how simple and educational it can be. During a 3D printing workshop held in London, a class of primary school students were more than capable of assembling MagiTools kits using little more than guidance from their teacher. Jim, who was the first student to finish the project, said that the kit was very easy to assemble and that he felt very excited to build a 3D printer all by himself.
Despite being built by hand and featuring an uncommon design, the 3D printer’s developers say the MagiTools is also strong and durable enough for reliable 3D printing. This is enabled by an aluminum alloy frame, they explain, while the delta structure of the machine further improves 3D printing speed and precision. “Moreover, the auto leveling system of the print bed further simplifies the 3D printing process,” they argue. “Keeping the print bed level ensures prints stick to the print bed, so that prints will come out looking exactly as they should.”
Of course assembling a 3D printer kit by hand should already be a very stimulating experience for students, but the developers argue that a child’s innovative ability will be further cultivated through the custom software platform that comes with the MagiTools. Called ‘Happy Uni’, it has been specifically set up for children with no making experience whatsover by simplifying every step of the modeling process. “It is much simpler to use than other CAD platforms. With ‘Happy Uni’, it is easy for kids to build 3D models,” they say.
The Chinese developers have even thought about how to make the 3D printing process as safe as possible for children. After all, parents and teachers might be hesitant to expose children to ABS filaments heated to more than 200 degrees Celsius, which can also generate toxic fumes. “Safety and health are our two main conditions for allowing students to use a 3D printer. Their wellbeing is also Uni’s concern,” its developers say. To minimize the risk of harm to young users, the MagiTools therefore comes with a custom filament made from environmentally friendly and food-grade wax. 3D printable at just 80℃, it is also completely non-toxic. While it would still hurt if you stick your hand into the 3D printer, it won’t cause horrific third-degree burns. However, older users can still rely on more commonly-used filaments as well.
It seems, in short, that Uni has thought about everything. Perhaps, in a few years from now, we will be seeing these 3D printer kits in science classes everywhere.
Specifications:
- 3D Printing Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- Dimension of 3D printer: 249x157x397mm
- 3D Printing Dimension: 100x100x100mm
- Layer Thickness: 0.1mm-0.3mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
- Accuracy: 0.2mm
- Speed of Motion Axes: 50-120mm/s
- Nozzle Temperature: 50-260℃
- Leveling System: Automatic
- Printing Head: 1 Copper Head
- Connectivity: USB,TF card (MAX 32G)
- Input File Style: STL
- Net Weight: 3KGS
Posted in 3D Printer
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