For most people, seeing 3D printing with clay for the first time is quite an extraordinary experience.

But in many ways the production of a clay item is just phase one.  For after that the students are able to carve, add surface decorations, handles, and, of course, glazes …  all actions that 3D printing with plastic does not offer.

Indeed in terms of the printing itself we should not just think of traditional clay objects, because a 3D clay printer can work to produce many things, from fossils to artefacts.  As such the 3D clay printer is the perfect mechanism for cross curricular activities bringing in both science and art as well as design and technology across the whole process.

Additionally, because 3D clay printers are light and portable, they can be moved within the school into other departments.  In fact many schools are sharing their 3D clay printer with other schools in their area with each school having the printer for (for example) half a term.

Setting up the 3D clay printer is simplicity itself, and once set up one has a printer that produces its items within the time constraints of a standard lesson – and without any of the environmental impact that 3D printing in plastic can bring.

And just in case that were not enough, a clay printer produces products that parents will be pleased to have in the house – and indeed pleased to pay for, if sold at the school fete, etc.

A six week free trial

Naturally before you commit yourself you’ll want to see that the 3D clay printer really can do all that we say.  Which is why we are currently offering it to schools in your area for free, without obligation, for six weeks.

The 3D clay printer is delivered free of charge, provided with full training to the relevant member of staff, and removed at the end.  Example 3D computer-models are provided to begin with, and our Vase Creator offers a simple and fast introduction to model design for those with fewer computer skills.

In terms of technical details, the 3D clay printer has a footprint of 550 x 350mm and a total height with the cartridge loaded of 1235mm.  As for installation, there are no special requirements – just two plug sockets.  And we deliver by hand at a time convenient to you.

If you would like to see what the machine can do, there is a series of videos of the machine in operation on our website.  You can also find technical details, etc, at www.claybot.co.uk

If you are interested in taking a 3D clay printer for six weeks for free in your school in either the late spring or summer terms (places for the year are diappearing fast!), please do call us on 01926 865109 or email mike@claybot.co.uk

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mike Ellis