MakerBot 3D Printers – the perfect range for education

MakerBot is setting the standard for reliable and affordable desktop 3D printing. Founded in 2009, MakerBot – now a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd – is based in New York City. Offering 3D printers and scanners, as well as the website Thingiverse.com which ‘is the world’s largest 3D printing community for discovering, making and sharing 3D printable things’, MakerBot are the market leaders in their field. They have a vast range of products, but are perhaps most well-known for their MakerBot Replicator line of printers, including the MakerBot Replicator Mini, the MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation and the MakerBot Replicator Z18.

MakerBot Replicator Mini

The MakerBot Replicator Mini is the ideal printer if you’re looking for an introduction to 3D printing in your school. But don’t be fooled by its compact size – it’s still packed full of great features!  It’s durable, reliable and easy to use. It auto calibrates, making it the perfect printer for schools that are looking to keep it stored in a cupboard in-between lessons, as there is very little set up required. And as it has a boxed in chamber, it’s ideal for Primary Schools, as younger children might be tempted to interfere during printing! The on-board camera enables staff to monitor your 3D prints during printing – even from your smart phone if you need to leave the classroom. And you can send files to the printer via USB or WIFI.

The MakerBot Replicator Mini prints using PLA filament which is completely safe for children as it’s made from natural sugars and it can print up to an impressive 200 microns. Plus, like all 3D printers in the MakerBot Replicator 5th generation range, the Replicator Mini features the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder. It’s simply held onto the printer by a magnet, so it’s incredibly easy to swap or replace. It will also detect when filament is absent, automatically pausing your print for you.

MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation

If you like the features the MakerBot Replicator Mini offers, but you’re looking for something a little bigger for your school, then the MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation could be the one for you. The Replicator 5th Generation desktop 3D printer provides unmatched speed, reliability, quality and connectivity. It features a considerably larger build volume than the Replicator Mini of 8 x 10 x 6 inches and has a higher resolution of up to 100 microns too.

Like all printers in the Replicator range, ease of use is key and so the Replicator 5th Generation is also equipped with an on-board camera, plus it has assisted build-plate levelling to ensure teachers are ready to print as quickly as possible during lessons. In addition to this, it also offers increased interface connectivity; connect to your Replicator 5th Generation via WI-FI, USB, Ethernet or USB Stick.

MakerBot Replicator Z18

Looking for something bigger still? Then the MakerBot Replicator Z18 is sure to have everything your school needs. As the largest 3D printer in the MakerBot Replicator range, the Replicator Z18 lets schools think and build bigger than ever, offering a massive build volume of 12 x 12 x 18 inches!

With its enclosed and heated build chamber, large models can be printed with minimal warping, increasing the consistency of students’ prints. It too can print up to 100 microns, enabling you to create professional-quality prototypes and complex models. Plus, like the rest of the range, the Z18 still has the added benefits of multiple connectivity options, an on-board camera and of course – the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder!

Our MakerBot 3D Printer Rental packages

At Utility Rentals, we offer the full range of MakerBot Replicator 3D printers to schools through our flexible rental packages, which allow you to choose whether you want to include just a 3D printer and our helpful teacher packs or also installation and training of the 3D printer, plus a market leading 3 year onsite warranty. And it’s probably a lot more affordable than you think! If you want to learn more about the MakerBot Replicator printers, please get in touch with us today on 01628 667373 – we look forward to speaking to you.