YOUNGSTOWN, OH, USA, Sep 25, 2026 – In support of National Manufacturing Day on October 2, America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is launching a nationwide series of hands-on “3D Printing for Drones” experiences designed to introduce high school students to the exciting intersection of 3D printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing (AM), engineering, and drone technology. 

Building upon the success of a recent summer camp hosted at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and held in collaboration with Innovate Learning, America Makes is expanding the concept to engage students across the country through immersive Design + Build + Fly activities. The initiative reflects the Institute’s commitment to strengthening the future manufacturing workforce through its Education and Workforce Development (EWD) pillar. 

The half-day Manufacturing Day experiences will be held in five states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, and California. 

Through the “3D Printing for Drones” experience, students will explore the thought process of an AM engineer while tackling real-world challenges associated with drone design and deployment. From weight considerations and battery management to manufacturability and reliability, participants will gain firsthand insight into how advanced manufacturing technologies can help solve complex engineering problems. 

The experience will immerse students in several key areas, including: 

• Design Thinking: Human-centered problem framing focused on contested logistics scenarios, including last-mile delivery, field repair, and weight and cost constraints. 
• Additive Manufacturing: Exploration of AM solutions for drone technologies, including iterative prototyping and the development of functional components. 
• Drone Technology: Integration of additively manufactured parts, flight fundamentals, payload and mission planning, and reliability testing tied to a logistics challenge. 

Students will participate in hands-on build-sprint modules, mentor-led activities, safety lessons, design-thinking exercises, prototyping activities, and drone flight instruction. 

“Manufacturing Day provides an important opportunity to introduce the next generation to the technologies, skills, and career opportunities shaping the future of American manufacturing,” said Dr. Ed Herderick, EWD Director at America Makes. “This programming brings together state-of-the-art 3D printing with drone competition in an exciting, kinetic way that engages learners and will keep growing momentum in the advanced manufacturing industry” 

The initiative is expected to ignite student interest in AM and related careers while helping participants build foundational technical skills and better understand the real-world applications of advanced manufacturing technologies. 

As America Makes continues to advance the adoption and innovation of AM, developing a strong and capable future workforce remains central to its mission. Through initiatives like “3D Printing for Drones,” the Institute is helping make advanced manufacturing accessible, engaging, and relevant to the next generation of engineers, designers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals. 

Whether you’re just beginning your exploration of the additive manufacturing industry, interested in advancing your skills, or looking to make a transition into the manufacturing industry, please visit https://www.americamakes.us/amnation/tools/ to learn more. 

To run your own ‘3D Printing for Drones’ activity, available in multiple time‑length options, you can access the free curriculum by clicking HERE. Once there, select the Community Engagement Tools “Get Started” button. You will be prompted to request an access code from America Makes.

About America Makes

America Makes is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing (AM) technology and education. America Makes members from industry, academia, government, and workforce and economic development organizations work together to accelerate the adoption of AM and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness. Founded in 2012 as the Department of War’s National Manufacturing Innovation Institute for AM and the first of the Manufacturing USA network, America Makes is based in Youngstown, Ohio, and managed by the not-for-profit National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM). Learn more at americamakes.us.

About NCDMM

NCDMM delivers innovative and collaborative manufacturing solutions that enhance our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness. NCDMM has extensive knowledge and depth in commercial and defense manufacturing areas to continually innovate, improve, and advance manufacturing technologies and methodologies. Our experienced team specializes in identifying the needs, players, technologies, and processes to attain optimal solutions for our customers. We connect the dots. That’s the NCDMM methodology. With seven locations nationwide, NCDMM manages America Makes, Youngstown Innovation Hub, and El Paso Makes and is a subsidiary of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc. (MTDG). Learn more at ncdmm.org.