(HARLINGEN, Texas) – To prepare students for their careers, the Drafting and Design program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus added a Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer for student use.
The equipment was introduced during the 2025 fall semester, giving students the opportunity to turn digital designs into physical models.
“We have seen an increase in industry partners using technologies such as 3D printing and virtual reality,” said Samuel Pizano, a program instructor. “The 3D printer allows students to experiment with their designs and verify tolerances and specifications before producing parts in materials such as metal or wood, which are more costly than plastic.”
The new technology has enhanced how design concepts are taught in the program. Instructors can print objects as students practice their drafting skills, allowing students to see their designs take shape, and better understand how completed projects translate from digital drawings into physical objects.
Jordannah Brown, of Harlingen, who is working towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, said using the 3D printer allowed her to see her idea develop into an object.
“I had to take an isometric view, which is a three-dimensional representation and convert it into a two-dimensional drawing by creating the front, top and side views,” she said.
Alejandra Sanchez, who is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Engineering Graphics and Design Technology, said the technology has helped her add more detail to her projects.
“Before, I would complete a project without including certain details,” said the Santa Rosa resident. “Now I realize how much detail is required. I’m ready to make my designs stand out.”
According to onetonline.org, architectural and civil drafters earn an average salary of $61,530 in Texas, where the number of jobs was projected to increase 13% between 2022 and 2032.
In Drafting and Design, TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, and Engineering Graphics and Design Technology, as well as several certificates of completion.
For more information, go to tstc.edu.