Case Study: Ontario High School achieves real-world design-to-production learning and college/career advantages with 3D Systems' Spectrum Z510 color 3D printer

3D Printing Brings Design Full Circle for Ohio High School Students

Ontario High School, a 500-student public high school in Mansfield, Ohio, faced the challenge of giving college-bound and career-oriented students real-world design experience despite tight school budgets. Instructors wanted to recreate the full design-to-prototype workflow so students could move beyond virtual concepts and gain skills that matter to colleges and employers.

The school created a public–private partnership with local supplier Jay Plastics to fund a 3D Systems Spectrum Z510 color 3D printer, letting students design in Rhino CAD and produce full‑color prototypes in hours. The result: hands-on product‑development training across departments, rapid one‑build class production, community-ready architectural models, industry prototyping experience, and stronger college and job prospects for students.

Ontario High School

Bruce Weirich

Computer Drafting Instructor