The 3D Printing class at North Central Missouri College (NCMC) recently completed a hands-on community service project that combined technical skill development with meaningful outreach. Students in the course designed and 3D printed a variety of fidget tools intended to help alleviate stress and anxiety through calming tactile stimulation.
Throughout the project, students gained practical experience in key areas of printing, including dimension tolerances, filament material selection, and managing material shrinkage during the printing process. These real-world considerations provided valuable insight into the complexities of designing functional and reliable 3D-printed products.
“The community service project provided the students with hands-on experience in printing items that will directly benefit others,” said Cory Cooksey, Computer Science and Information Systems Instructor at North Central Missouri College. “The students also enjoyed testing each and every fidget to ensure they work properly.”
Once completed and tested, the fidgets were donated to the Centerstone Trenton facility, where they will be used as therapeutic tools for individuals managing stress and anxiety. The initiative reflects NCMC’s commitment to combining education with service to positively impact the local community.
Due to the success of this effort, there are plans to potentially expand the project to additional facilities in the future, further extending its reach and impact.
For more information about computer science and technology programs visit North Central Missouri College.
Photo: NCMC 3D printing class students