October 24, 2023

How Industrial Machines Merge Creativity with Engineering and Inspire the Next Generation of Makers - Bre Pettis, Founder & CEO of Bantam Tools

44 minutes

There is so much overlap between art and engineering...so much creativity that goes into the making of things. Bre Pettis knows this firsthand. As a puppeteer-turned teacher-turned entrepreneur, Bre founded MakerBot and helped democratize 3D printing, making it accessible for Fab Labs and MakerSpaces all over the country.

Today, Bre is at it again with Bantam Tools, a manufacturer of desktop CNC machines that are inspiring and equipping today's industrial innovators and tomorrow's inventors.

In this episode, Bre is sharing all his experiences in the world of STEAM and innovation with our audience. Learn about the origins of MakerBot and Bantam Tools. Discover why students need access to the tools that can help them bring ideas to reality. And learn why having industry-grade machines in classrooms helps bridge the gap from education to the workforce.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

Let's take huge, difficult machinery and make it accessible, friendly and affordable for students: This is how we equip students for today's high-tech workforce. Bre is on a mission to remove the barriers that keep students from being able to design and create what's in their mind. With the right tools and resources (like 3D printers, desktop CNC machines and even pen plotters!) students can get the introductory skills that translate into real careers.
There is unique value in both additive & subtractive manufacturing: Now that most students have access to 3D printing, it's time to bring subtractive manufacturing back into the classroom. Both technologies have a unique use case that students should identify and explore. Bre talks about when to use which technology, and the real benefit of letting a student experience the creative process from ideation to finished part.
Students find their "aha" moments in technical education: From Fab Labs to Makerspaces to STEAM classrooms and Tech Ed labs, students discover new aptitudes and a love for making when they're given the right set of tools and resources. Bre shares how schools can help identify the right teachers to lead these endeavors, unlocking new potential for both the students and the educators.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about Bantam Tools, visit their website: www.bantamtools.com
Interested in the NEW Bantam Tools desktop CNC milling machine powered by FANUC? Visit this page to learn more.
Learn more about what Bre is up to: https://brepettis.com/

Connect with Bantam Tools online:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

View episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/bantamtools/

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By Matt Kirchner

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