We’ve written before about the 3-D metal printer at Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (bit.ly/2hETQ5C). It’s attracted the attention of manufacturing heavyweights such as Pella Corp. because it allows innovators to throw out the usual limitations of building molds. It has much more freedom. We’re guessing cheerleading isn’t the first activity that came to mind  as a possible application. But Angstrom Precision Molding in Ottumwa is using molds printed at ISU to make plastic parts that are included in a step-like device being developed by American Athletic Inc. of Jefferson. The gizmo is intended to help cheerleaders build the leg muscles they need to stand on someone’s hands, without actually being at a dangerous height while they work their legs. ISU cheerleaders tested the product.