I-Form Hosts Sustainability-Focused 3D Printing Event for Primary Schools

 

On 10th December, I-Form, the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, hosted a highly engaging and innovative event across two venues in Mullingar: the Mullingar Park Hotel and the Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) facility. The event brought together 160 primary school students from four schools, who showcased their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a sustainability-themed 3D printing challenge.

The participating schools included:

  • St. Colmcille’s National School, Gainstown, Co. Westmeath
  • Gortskehy National School, Hollymount, Co. Mayo
  • St. Colman's National School, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
  • Murhur National School, Moyvane, Co. Kerry

Activities and Highlights

Students had been working for months on designing 3D-printed solutions to sustainability challenges, and the event gave them a platform to present their projects to a panel of expert judges. Many of the projects focused on repairing old items or creating second uses for objects that might otherwise have been discarded, demonstrating the students’ commitment to sustainability.

The day was packed with activities, including:

  • Project Presentations: Students showcased their 3D printing projects to judges, explaining the inspiration, design process, and impact of their work.
  • IMR Facility Tour: Attendees explored cutting-edge technology such as robotics, virtual reality, and other advanced manufacturing tools at the IMR facility.

An awards ceremony rounded off the day, celebrating the students’ exceptional achievements. The awards presented were: Innovation Award, Community Impact Award, Best Presentation Award, Teamwork Trophy. The judges were deeply impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to their 3D printing projects.

Community Engagement

The event was held to celebrate the success of the Taiscéalaí - 3D Printing and Sustainability for Primary Schools Programme, funded under the Research Ireland Discover Programme. This programme is organised and delivered through a partnership between I-Form (the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing), Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), Creative Spark and Inspire3D. It is designed to inspire young minds and introduce them to STEM, specifically advanced manufacturing technologies through hands-on activities and real-world challenges.

Commenting on the day, Michael Golden, EPE Manager from I-Form said:
"This event highlights the incredible talent and creativity of students. Their innovative solutions to sustainability challenges demonstrate the potential of advanced manufacturing technologies to shape a more sustainable future."