In Michigan’s northernmost school district, you’ll find plenty of snow and plenty of innovation. 

Mark Bonenfant, an industrial trades instructor at Calumet High School, is increasing the opportunities for innovation. Bonenfant has been a leader in the revolutionary field of 3D printing for high school education. He was invited to participate in a volunteer program to place 3D printing technology in classrooms two years go, which sparked the beginning of this type of learning at Calumet High School.

At Calumet High, students are working with plastic extrusion 3D printers, thanks to a partnership developed between Bonenfant and Michigan Technological University. Over the past two years, this collaborative effort has provided students with the opportunity to conceive, design and produce 3D objects.

Students in Bonenfant’s drafting and design classes learn to use the software necessary to produce a 3D model digitally and then transfer that model to the 3D printer where a plastic object is produced. 

The term “3D printing” refers to an additive process of creating an object by laying down successive layers of a material using a computer controlled device. Originally, most 3D printing was accomplished by depositing powder onto a bed with a printer head. The industry has expanded to multiple materials including bioprinting and food products. Recent innovative designers have developed inexpensive applications for extruding plastics and are in the process of developing affordable, metal-based printers.

Students at Calumet are even building 3D printers. Components are made by students utilizing existing printers, a laser engraver and a CNC router. The student-manufactured parts are then assembled, along with a few purchased electronic components, to create a new 3D printer.  

Taking a product from conception to production is a powerful application of the skills needed in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Students combine problem solving with mathematical formulas and scientific processes to utilize the cutting edge technology found at Calumet. 

“In the classroom, students use engineering fundamentals to solve problems by creating digital solid models. We then take these files and create physical parts with the 3D printer to see if these solutions work,” said Bonenfant.

Tyler Loukus, a student involved in utilizing 3D printing, is pleased with this type of innovative learning and hands-on engineering experience.

"The nice thing about 3D printing is that you can take a digital file and make it into a 3D part. This helps students get the idea of engineering, and it helps them in understanding that you have to design a part before you can build it,” said Loukus. “I have done a lot of things with the 3D printer. I made an air engine, a case for my phone and a chess set. You have very few limitations on what you can build."

Mr. Bonenfant has provided students an avenue to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The introduction to 3D printer technology will hopefully spur the next great innovation by one of the students found in the halls Calumet High School today.

“Printing and learning about the 3D printer was one of the coolest things I ever did in school. I like how it’s so simple and easy, and everybody can learn about it,” said Loukus.