ndary College (LSC) students, ranging from Years 9 to 11 enjoyed an inspiring session on Thursday learning how they could establish a career in 3D printing, during a visit from biomedical engineer Ellie Holmes who works for Free 3D Hands in Newhaven.
The not-for-profit business was established by former Toyota senior engineer Mat Bowtell to break down barriers for those needing assistive technology due to limb differences, providing its devices for free when they would otherwise be unaffordable for many people.
It even pays the postage, with Mat also sharing his designs under an open-source licence so others can make and repair their own devices, and to encourage further innovation.
Students passed some of the devices around, operating the kinetic hands and seeing how they function and enabling those they assist to pick up objects and perform other tasks.
The young audience learned the devices comprise a mixture of 3D printing materials, with some sections made using PLA, a bioplastic derived from corn starch, and others printed from the more flexible TPU, the latter recyclable but less eco-friendly.
Ellie spoke about some of the challenges in developing the devices and the need to take account of individual requirements, explaining there are many variations in limb differences.
As well as talking about Free 3D Hands and the technology used, Ellie outlined an array of other applications for 3D printing across various industries.
That includes modelling and prototype applications in architecture, production of art, home décor, fashion and jewellery, and medical uses.
Aviation and aerospace industries also benefit from 3D printing.
The session was part of the school’s Art and Technology Week, with product design and technology teacher Tristan Cross providing the opportunity for students to see what is possible.
The fact Ellie grew up in Korumburra and has returned to the region to pursue her career highlighted what students can achieve.
She spoke of the pathway into her current role, having volunteered with Free 3D Hands while studying at RMIT
University, then taking a graduate position she discovered wasn’t for her and returning to the Phillip Island business.
Ellie told students there are pathways into careers involving 3D printing for those pursuing an ATAR and for others choosing to undertake a Vocational Major.
Year 9 student Cooper Rose was thoroughly engaged throughout the session, having a passion for 3D printing that prompted him to make extensive modifications to a 3D printer, improving its performance.
He was fascinated to learn how big the 3D printing industry is in general.
Fellow Year 9 pupil Lilly Tivendale also found the session interesting, declaring “I want to do stuff like this,” with her love for maths sure to be advantageous if she pursues a similar career to Ellie.
As for Free 3D Hands, much of its funding comes from philanthropists, with few suitable grant opportunities available.
However, Ellie said Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale has done a tremendous job raising awareness of Free 3D hands in the Victorian Parliament.
During Art and Technology Week, LSC students learned about engineering, food technology, sculpture, music, prop design, film and television and gaming design, with a mix of facilitators visiting the school.
