To expand the capabilities of Twende Innovation Center's Makerspace in Tanzania, we plan to purchase a 3D printer, which will allow our program participants to more quickly and efficiently create working prototypes of their community-serving technologies.
As part of Twende Innovation Center's programs, which teach creative problem solving through technical innovation, workshop participants are encouraged to create protytpes of their innovations. This allows for testing and improving, iterating until a production-level prototype is developed. Finding the raw materials to create prototypes can be challenging, based on availability and cost.
A 3D printer allows workshop participants to efficiently and cost-effectively procure the needed parts to iterate on their prototypes.
Having a 3D printer allows more participants to create prototypes, as well as reducing the cost for materials. This will allow Twende to reallocate funds to serve more community members. In addition, a 3D printer speeds the iteration of prototype development, decreasing time between development and production.
