3D printing from metals enters the curriculum: a unique field of study is being created at secondary school

The Higher Vocational School of Packaging Technology and the Secondary School in Štětí in North Bohemia is creating a unique course focused on 3D printing from metals, which will be the first in the Czech Republic to incorporate modern additive manufacturing technologies into teaching. The newly installed industrial 3D printer from Xact Metal will enable students to learn 3D printing from metals - a skill that is increasingly in demand in today's manufacturing practice.

The move marks an important milestone in linking technical education with industrial practice. It will give students real-world experience of a technology that is key to modern manufacturing, not just in the automotive, aerospace, engineering or defence industries.

Bringing modern technology directly into the classroom

The installed Xact Metal XM200G dual-laser 3D printer is one of the latest generation of metal additive manufacturing systems. The technology uses Powder Bed Fusion (PBF ) or Selective Laser Melting (SLM), which enables 3D printing of precise and functional metal components in materials such as stainless steel, aluminium and tool steel. The maximum build volume of the printer is 150 × 150 × 150 mm, with a layer height of typically 30-50 µm, ensuring high surface quality, part accuracy and high productivity.

"The installation of a metal 3D printer at our school marks a major shift in vocational education. Our students will have the opportunity to work with a technology that is strategic in manufacturing today. It's not just about theory, but practical experience that opens the door to a promising career."

PhDr. Jiří Konvalinka, school director

Connection with practice

In order to ensure that the teaching meets the needs of real industry, the school cooperates with experts from practice.

"The study of 3D printing in metals will enable students to understand the principles of additive manufacturing, working with numerical simulations and optimizing the design of parts. These are skills that are increasingly important in industry today - from rapid prototyping to mass production of functional components."

Matyáš Chaloupka, Application Engineer

The emergence of this field reflects the current trends in the digitalisation of production and modern engineering. Experts point out that the ability to work with technologies such as 3D printing from metals, simulations and CAD/CAM solutions is increasingly required even by high school graduates.

The future of technical education

The new field not only brings modern teaching technology, but also the opportunity for students to have direct input into industrial projects.

"Our students will have practical experience during their studies, which is a competitive advantage when entering the job market,"

PhDr. Jiří Konvalinka, school principal

The installation of the Xact Metal 3D printer thus represents an important step towards the digitalisation of technical education. The school is becoming one of the very few institutions in the Czech Republic that offers training in industrial 3D printing from metals in the form of real practice, opening up new professional perspectives for students in 21st century manufacturing technologies.