93 Per Cent Of Adults Demand 3D Printing In Schools

The research, which looked at the value of 3D printing, questioned more than 600 UK adults, who resoundingly supported the Governemnt’s drive on STEM sector skills shortages, and desire to reduce this for the next generation.

Neil Burns, director at CAM, explained: “Current estimates suggest that 87,000 new engineers a year are required to replace those retiring, however it is vital that they are being trained to use the technology of the future as well as more traditional techniques.

The survey also found that more than two thirds (68 per cent) of respondents believe the manufacturing and medical sectors are most likely to benefit from 3D printing advances in the future, although 63 per cent believe the technology is currently being used more for fun than science.

Neil continued: “It’s not surprising that 3D printing is currently seen as a bit of a novelty, but it speaks volumes that every two out of three respondents think its true potential lies within STEM sectors. Over the next few years we can expect to see more people viewing 3D printing as a scientific manufacturing method and exploring how the technology can be used to its full potential.”