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On Thursday, Notre Dame took possession of a new 3D printer, which has been installed in Katrina Palushaj’s ND Prep CAD classroom. The MakerBot Replicator 2X will be able to print many of the designs Palushaj's students are coming up with, including parts for miniature robots, wheels and machine gears.
Worldwide shipments of 3D desktop printers (those priced less than $100,000) will grow 49% in 2013 to reach a total of 56,507 units, according to a recent study by technology research and analyst firm Gartner. The printer's cost to Notre Dame came in under $3,000.
3D printing is already well established today in industries ranging from automotive manufacturing to consumer goods to the military, as well as the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Notre Dame administration officials say that it just makes sense to get students familiar with the technology, especially since many of today’s high school students eventually will be working with 3D technology during their careers.
Follow Notre Dame at @NDPMA.
About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.