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Students Express Art Through New 3D Printer, by Mollie Tobin ’16

The Ranney Visual Arts Department is excited to be using its new 3D printer as a tool for the modeling and prototyping of designs. Located in the Visual Arts Building, the Cube Pro Duo is capable of printing items in connection with sculpture, architecture, anatomy, robotics, mathematical geometric forms and more.
The Ranney Visual Arts Department is excited to be using its new 3D printer as a tool for the modeling and prototyping of designs. Located in the Visual Arts Building, the Cube Pro Duo is capable of printing items in connection with sculpture, architecture, anatomy, robotics, mathematical geometric forms and much more.

Formerly known as additive or AM machines, 3D printers, which essentially melt layers of plastic on top of one another, have been used in industry since the 1980s, explains Department Chair Kate Greenberg. “The revolution in 3D printing is similar to the revolution in personal computers; the machine has been scaled down and is now useful in both homes and schools for prototyping ideas,” she says “More schools are acquiring these printers as a tool for designing three-dimensional objects.”

Thanks to a special donation to the Annual Fund, Ranney School was able to accelerate the acquisition of this technology, which adds a unique component to our curriculum. Students now have the opportunity to learn to design using 3D software and to think more in-depth about how things are constructed in space. The printer allows people to try ideas and see if they work, such as forming a cup in the shape of a letter or designing a bone. If the idea doesn't work exactly, it can be changed and printed again. This is a wonderful tool in the design process, says Ms. Greenberg.

“We expect many other department and divisions to make use of the technology,” she adds. The Visual Arts Department will be providing professional development workshops for departments and teachers throughout the year.

Ms. Marnie Jones’ Upper School Marine Science students are planning to use the technology to design a marine animal. And several students, including seniors Caitlin Mullally (Red Bank) and Nikki Short (Colts Neck), have utilized the printer to add sculptures to their art portfolios.

View a time-lapsed video taken by Visual Arts Department Chair Kate Greenberg of Ranney School’s 3D Printer at work at right.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.