3D learning for every classroom

PrintAcademy 3D

PrintAcademy 3D helps schools bring 3D printing into everyday learning with practical courses, lab kits and support that suits real classroom conditions. From Stellenbosch to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Gqeberha, we work with educators who need clear guidance, safe setup and equipment that is ready for school use.

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3D printing support for schools, teachers and makers

We supply 3D-printing courses and classroom lab kits for schools that want to introduce design, printing and hands-on making in a structured way. Our work is practical from the start. Teachers learn how to plan lessons, manage a printer in a busy room, and guide learners through simple design tasks before moving into more advanced projects.

The school lab kits are put together for education settings, not hobby corners. That means the right mix of printer support, basic tools, filament, setup guidance and safety notes for daily use. Schools in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape often need a setup that is easy to manage during load shedding, heat, dust or coastal humidity, so we keep the advice grounded in what actually happens in a South African classroom.

Courses built for teachers, learners and after-school programmes

Our training covers different levels, so schools can start where they are and build from there. Some teams want a simple introduction for teachers. Others need a stronger technical base for a lab, maker space or holiday programme. We also support learner-facing sessions where the focus is on creativity, problem solving and safe use of the equipment.

Teacher Introduction and Teacher Intermediate sessions
Learner Foundations and CAD Basics
Printer Operations and Maintenance Basics
Project Planning for classwork and club projects
Maker Club Training and Holiday Programme support
Management Briefing and Custom Group Workshop options

We keep the sessions practical, with room for questions and plenty of time on the actual workflow. Teachers often come back for follow-up training once they have tried a few lessons and want help with new tasks or classroom routines.

Lab kits and setup advice that fit the school environment

Our school lab kits are designed to help institutions set up a 3D-printing environment without having to piece together everything themselves. We guide schools on what to place where, how to manage consumables, and how to keep the room organised so learners can work safely. A good setup makes a big difference when classes are moving fast and there are many hands around the equipment.

For schools, the value is in having a clear system that can be maintained by staff, not just a once-off installation. We help with lab planning, classroom workflow, basic upkeep and practical habits that reduce downtime. That matters in towns and cities where power interruptions, shared labs and limited prep time can make things difficult if the process is not simple.

Room layout and practical equipment placement
Consumable planning and storage guidance
Printer care and basic maintenance routines
Classroom safety reminders for learners and staff

Classroom 3D Printing Uses

Technology Lessons

Use 3D printing to explore designing, testing and refining practical objects in technology classes.

Science Models

Printed models can help make structures, shapes and scientific ideas easier to visualise in class.

Maths Shapes

3D printed solids and manipulatives can support shape, measurement and spatial reasoning activities.

Art Projects

Learners can combine digital design with creative making for pattern, sculpture and object-based art tasks.

Design Thinking

3D printing supports iterative project work where learners identify problems and prototype solutions.

Robotics Clubs

Clubs can print simple frames, mounts and test parts as part of hands-on robotics activities.

School 3D Lab Kits

Starter Lab Kit

A compact starter package for schools beginning with basic 3D printing activities and supervised learner projects.

Intermediate Lab Kit

A broader setup suited to schools that want more capacity for regular class groups and project rotation.

Advanced Lab Kit

An expanded lab option for schools planning frequent printing, design activities and multiple learner workstations.

Single Printer Kit

A simple entry package built around one printer for demonstrations, clubs or introductory training sessions.

Multi Printer Kit

A multi-printer package designed to improve turnaround time during busy class schedules and project periods.

Teacher Starter Pack

A teacher-focused pack with the essentials needed to begin lesson preparation and supervised print demonstrations.

Learner Design Pack

A support pack with practical accessories for introducing learners to design workflows and printed model review.

Practical Training

Courses focus on real use of 3D design and printing tools so learners and educators build confidence through guided practice.

Classroom Lab Kits

School lab kits bundle the core equipment and setup essentials needed to start a safe, workable 3D printing environment.

Teacher Enablement

Support materials and guidance help teachers integrate 3D printing into everyday classroom activities and project work.

South African Reach

Based in Stellenbosch, PrintAcademy 3D serves schools and training needs across Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Gqeberha.

Serving schools across South Africa from Stellenbosch

We are based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape and work with schools across South Africa. Whether a school wants a single workshop or support for a full lab rollout, we plan around the practical needs of the site and the team involved.

Our regional training work includes Stellenbosch Training, Cape Town Training, Johannesburg Training, Pretoria Training, Durban Training, Gqeberha Training, Paarl Training and Somerset West Training. That local reach helps schools arrange training and support in a way that suits their term dates, transport and timetable. We know schools often have tight schedules, so we keep communication clear and the next steps simple.

School 3D printing training and support

PrintAcademy 3D helps schools use 3D printing in education through training, setup guidance and practical classroom support. Under the direction of Ettienne Truter, the team has grown into a group that combines training, technical support, course content and operations. That mix helps us stay practical when a school needs both teaching and setup guidance.

Our team includes Lwazi Molapo, who coordinates training, Lizanne Rossouw, who assists with school lab planning, Lwandle Msiza, who leads technical support, Hlengiwe Mabunda, who writes curriculum content, Rivaaz Nair, who facilitates workshops, and Amahle Mkhwanazi, who manages operations. Clients often work with more than one person from the team depending on the project, so the handover from enquiry to training is straightforward.

3D printing for schools and educators

Our support is clear, our training is usable, and our setup advice is grounded in daily school life. We do not treat a classroom like a showroom. We look at how many learners will use the space, who will run the sessions, and what sort of maintenance is realistic for the staff on site.

A school may begin with a basic introduction, then later ask for CAD training, printer operations support, or a custom workshop for a holiday programme. That steady approach helps schools build confidence over time and keeps the lab useful for more than one term.

Clear training for staff at different skill levels
Practical lab kits and planning for school use
Support for first-time setups and ongoing learning
Useful guidance for classrooms, clubs and holiday programmes

Stories

Stellenbosch Secondary Lab

A secondary school lab setup focused on practical technology projects and teacher-led demonstrations.

Read the project

From the journal

Starting A School Lab

Key points to consider when introducing a first 3D printing area at school.

First Print Checklist

A simple checklist to help teachers prepare for a first supervised classroom print.

Teacher Role In Lab

How educators can guide activities, supervision and routines in a school print space.

Learner Safety Reminders

General reminders for supervised use, tidy work areas and careful handling around printers.

Questions we get asked

Do you offer training for teachers who are new to 3D printing?

Yes. We offer Teacher Introduction sessions for schools that want a simple, practical start, as well as more advanced support for staff who are ready to go further.

Can you help a school set up a complete 3D-printing lab?

Yes. We supply school lab kits and give setup guidance so the room, equipment and daily workflow are ready for classroom use.

Which regions do you serve?

We are based in Stellenbosch and work with schools in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha, Paarl and Somerset West, as well as other areas across South Africa.

Discuss a school 3D printing project.

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