STUDIO_DE_BRINK
Ultimaker 3
Ultimaker partners with the GE Additive Education Program
Ultimaker, a leading desktop 3D printing manufacturer, has become a sponsor and supplier to the GE Additive Education Program (AEP).
GE Additive last week encouraged applicants to the 2018 cycle of the program, which was launched last year after the company pledged $10m towards the scheme in 2016. From this year, the participating schools, colleges and universities will be able to utilise Ultimaker’s FDM 3D printing offering.
As a result of Ultimaker’s partnership, GE will invest $2m over two years to subsidise desktop polymer printers for use on the Polar Cloud, an online 3D printing community, by primary and secondary schools, districts and systems around the world. Priority will be given to educational institutions teaching children aged 8-18 with a strong commitment to STEM. Packages include Polar Cloud-enabled polymer printers, professional training, educational modules, and specific activities for primary and secondary schools.
Ultimaker has itself made commitments to educate the younger generations, setting yp the Pioneer Program in 2016. This program encourages educators to share content, curricula, lesson plans, projects, and best practices, and boasts more than 100 global members. The company is also a founding sponsor of Construct3D, an education conference specifically tailored to desktop 3D printing. This latest alliance reinforces its commitment, and makes its 3D printing technology accessible to an even wider audience. In order to partner with the AEP, Ultimaker has Polar Cloud-enabled its machines to support the growth of the project and better enable the development young children studying STEM.
“We are thrilled to have been asked and are excited to participate in helping GE provide schools around the world with access to 3D printers,” commented John Kawola, President, Ultimaker North America.
“As we enter year two of the AEP, we have seen the benefits of enabling schools with additive technologies,” added Greg LaLonde, President, Polar 3D. “Students are learning at a young age to use digital tools to help boost creativity and productivity, and to prepare themselves for the quickly-changing workplace. Ultimaker has a proven track record of making 3D printing affordable and accessible across broad bands of education and professional settings, and we’re proud to have them join the effort.”
