AP Lazer Engages More Students Than 3D Printers For STEAM
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At the recent Future of Educational Technology Conference (FETC) held at the Orlando Orange County Convention Center in January 2017, educators immediately recognized that AP Lazer has the high potential to strengthen students' education in the areas of science, technology, art and math (STEAM), as well as assist schools with cost savings and revenue generation.
"The AP Lazer has the same basic science and engineering principals as a 3D printer. It features computer controlled 3-axis motion, just like a 3D printer," David Strickler, the president of AP Lazer, explained. "But it boasts more benefits that educators will find to be an advantage."
"The cutting and engraving speed of the laser is much faster than that of a 3D printer, up to 500x," Strickler explains. Cutting a simple 3D letter with the AP Lazer takes seconds, a 3D printer takes hours to produce the same object. "This feature makes it possible for an entire class to complete their own small projects within one class period. This just cannot be done with one 3D printer."
Educators were also excited by the endless applications. AP Lazer provides students the unique ability to learn STEAM through their own interests. Theater students can use the laser to create sets, props, and costumes; athletes can engrave things like baseball bats, gloves, shoes and sports balls; artistic students can work on their design skills while producing art with the laser; the musically inclined can engrave inspirational quotes onto music instruments. The wide range of applications will attract students to learn the physics of CO2 lasers, 3 axis motion and improve their ability to use computer software. The best part? "It's easy enough for a 10-year-old to learn and use," Strickler added.
AP lazer can save schools money and generate revenue. The filament for 3D printers can be expensive. In comparison, AP Lazer's laser tube lasts ten thousand hours. Schools can produce their own trophies, signage, wall of fame displays and more – a huge cost saving. Revenue can be generated by charging fees for students to engrave their own iPads, smartphones, or personalized gifts.
Fundraising is fun with AP Lazer. "My daughter raised $250 for Christmas gifts for homeless kids by selling 125 laser cut bracelets. It only took me five minutes to design and AP Lazer did the rest in 10 minutes," Tong Li, the inventor of the AP Lazer, said. A school could raise enough money for a playground by engraving donation clay bricks.
"Yes, the possibilities are endless," one FETC attendee commented.
For more information, please visit www.aplazer.com.
SOURCE AP Lazer
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