Hi all, I recently got an H2D 40W combo, and I’ve found that it covers all my needs for a 3D printer, so I’ve decided to donate my A1 to a high school that doesn’t have a printer. I currently plan on donating the following:
A1 (~700 print hours, well maintained)
AMS Lite
4KG black Elegoo rapid PLA+ filament
Sunlu S1 plus filament dryer
0.2, 0.4, 0.4H, 0.6H nozzles and a few used silicone socks
A brass brush for easily cleaning the nozzle
Some desiccant in case they want to make desiccant packs or something (happen to have an extra bag laying around)
Some of my time if they would be interested in a demo/explanation/etc
Are there any other things that may go well with this? Also does anyone have experience donating to schools in the US? I’m not sure what sort of timeline to give them for replies or if I may have to deal with polices and stuff, this is my first large donation of this kind and I’d appreciate any advice
Don’t be surprised if your “large” donation is refused due to the inability to both utilize and protect it properly. If however the school accepts as part of what must be a 3-d printing lab due to the extended printing times that remind me of the all-night printing jobs for a mere set of 3,000 mailing labels in strict ZIP-code order selected from a full set of 10,000 or so highly compact database records. c. 1982 IBM Displaywriter
If accepted, I suggest basic tools, mechanical consumables and nozzle options:
A “keyring” set of high-quality metric Allen wrenches that goes down to 1mm!
A replacement “hot end” and a high-strength 0.4 mm nozzle with replacement stronger extrusion gear and additional nozzles in other sizes.
Lubrication oil, a pack of replacement cutter blades, a few “wipe pads” (the only consumable replacement you receive), a pack of print head jacket.
I have described it a few times before, this is one of those times.
I usually donate new printers, although I have donated used ones.
I would not recommend asking multiple schools simultaneously; you may feel guilty if several agree, and only help can be provided.
I focused on those with likely limited budgets who might gain the most from it. I usually aim for schools with children aged 5-11, as these are the least likely to have the opportunity in their own budget.
I do stipulate the donation was for the school and not for the contact at the school. You can never be too careful, as your gift is for the benefit of kids and not opportunistic people.
The schools are usually very grateful, as are the kids. I am in the U.K., maybe that is the difference.
Outside of the first sentence, I have no idea what you’re talking about. There will be no 3D printing lab, I said this is targeting schools without a printer. I also mentioned nozzles, did you even read my post before replying? I will be giving them the toolkit that comes with the printer, why would I give them a keyring of wrenches when they only need 2 sizes?
That’s why I’m currently targeting public schools in my county, with all the recent politics affecting the US department of education and grants, I want to place this where I feel it may help the most. I do think I want to do high school though, as you could actually have students making their own projects and all for clubs, whereas 5-11 would need a lot more supervision. I thought about the “plant a seed” aspect of younger kids but decided on going for a potentially more “here and now” impact with the upcoming school year.
Good thought, I’ll make sure to mention that when I know who’s going to get it, thanks!
The two Allen wrenches that come with the printer are garbage. The 1mm in particular will not last beyond assembly of the unit.
Hard to find a handy set of tiny Allen wrenches other than those on a “keyring.” That’ why I suggested and they are not expensive.
The other pieces I mentioned are all consumables.
In my personal opinion I find a 3d printer of specious usefulness to a high school class because they are so, so, so slow and there are so, so, so many opportunities for failure when you are learning to use the equipment. The teacher could wind up tending the printer instead of attending to the students.
This is why I am comfortable donating an A1. It isn’t going to produce a ton of issues and outside of regular maintenance (which it prompts you to do on the screen with QR codes to guides on how to do it) it should last a hell of a long time. I have an old Anycubic Vyper and I honestly debate donating that to anyone because it was such a time sink for me and I wouldn’t want to put that on an already overworked educator. Bambu makes things so easy I’m comfortable that someone with a basic crash course could handle things. It’s not loud either, could easily toss it in the admin room in a library
What I did when I donated to a school (not a 3d printer), was to contact the teacher and see if they would even be interested. From my mom’s estate I donated several pounds of glass beads to the JR High art teacher, she was going to have the kids use them in mosaics, and a mat cutter to the high school art teacher. They were both thrilled to get them.
I thought about this, but when I called the one I’m currently targeting I was told to email the Principal a week ago. Haven’t received a reply after following up today, so I think I’ll call them tomorrow afternoon if I don’t hear anything and just kinda be blunt about “If you don’t feel you could use it please let me know so I can move on to other schools”
Honestly, it does not sound like they are interested. I would just move on to the next school on the list, or even a public library. My library has 3d printers that you can have files printed from, I am not sure how you go about getting a print from them as I have my own and have not looked into it, but they may be interested as well.
I decided to call as a “one last chance” sorta thing, eventually got to the Principal’s secretary. Principal has been busy with interviews but also was like “OK but what’s the catch?” I explained my reasonings and they were happy to take it and my volunteer hours as well. Turns out they have a drone class as well and the teacher there has a 3D printer at home so he’s familiar with how to use them. @MalcTheOracle Thanks again as I was very clear that the only “catch” was that it was for the students, not for the staff to think “Oh I have a 3D printer now!” and she understood my caution
I teach special needs children in an urban city in California and would love to add a 3d printer to my classroom. I am currently alowing my students access to my A1 at home but this is not realistic in long term. I have been slowly fundraising with the hope of purchasing an A1 for my students. If anyone is looking to donate please reach out.