Who Is 3D Molecular Designs?
3D Molecular Designs is a Milwaukee-based company that produces hands-on molecular and protein modeling kits and educational resources, aiming to make abstract molecular science tangible for students and teachers. They also run outreach and professional development programs (e.g. Science Olympiad modeling events, teacher training, grant support) and are developing augmented-reality/digital feedback tools to enhance their physical models.
Why Did We Visit?
Of course, the reason is related to magnets. It turns out that strong neodymium magnets are used in some of their educational kits to connect molecular joints, allowing students to easily assemble, disassemble, and rotate molecular systems.
During the visit, Mrs. Heather Ryan introduced us to their work and showcased the different kits they develop using 3D printing and injection molding. In return, we presented our company and shared key knowledge about neodymium magnets—covering coating, magnetization, industry landscape, and price factors. Through this exchange, we gained a clearer understanding of how our magnets are integrated into 3D Molecular Designs’ kits.
Our interactive kits and models give words meaning by focusing on core ideas and intersecting concepts in biology, chemistry, physical and life sciences.
I also met the manufacturing manager, who was embedding our neodymium magnets into the injection mold and performing the overmolding process. We discussed potential ways to increase magnetic strength while making the kits more cost-effective, and I mentioned how meaningful it is that their products are designed and made in the USA—a point to be truly proud of.
Before we left, we took a group photo with me holding Dynamic DNA Kit© and her holding Water Kit©. I told Mrs. Heather Ryan that I would like to write a blog about this experience.
Making Antibody–Virus Interaction Easy to Understand
Mrs. Heather Ryan gave us two “virus” models that can be scanned with a camera in AR to demonstrate how antibodies recognize specific antigens on the virus surface. It was a vivid and intuitive way to understand the interaction between viruses and antibodies—quite interesting (and a little funny) that we received “viruses” as a gift!
At Tengye, we collaborate with engineers from the earliest stages of product development to co-develop and manufacture high-quality magnets and advanced, complex magnetic assemblies. Experiences like our visit to 3D Molecular Designs remind us how meaningful it is to see magnets applied in innovative ways that bring science to life. If you have magnet needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’d be glad to support your next project.
