3D printers are fantastic tools for education, offering valuable learning opportunities for students at every level, from elementary school to college. With this technology in the classroom, students can bring their ideas to life. They can learn design skills, foster innovation and use their imagination. Older students can take it a step further by getting hands-on experience with the machines, operating them and exploring how they work. With 3D printing becoming increasingly integrated into industries like engineering, entertainment and healthcare, exposing students to the technology would be highly beneficial.
Many 3D printer manufacturers, including several listed below, provide lesson plans and educational resources for teachers. While 3D printers are often used in science, math, and technology lessons, their applications don’t have to stop there. Teachers can also use the printers to create custom teaching aids on demand, adding another layer of engagement to their lessons.
To help you choose the best 3D printer for your learning environment, we’ve compiled a list of top options, arranged alphabetically. We prioritized affordability, safety for classroom use, and ease of use, while still offering a diverse selection to meet various educational needs.
The A1 Mini, from Bambu Lab
Bambu Lab, the “go-to choice for a beginner” according to their tagline, offers several accessible 3D printers suitable for a classroom setting. Here, we recommend the A1 mini, which is a great choice for beginners because it comes pre-assembled, pre-squared, and has full auto-calibration, taking only about twenty minutes to set up. For easy project monitoring, you can remote control the printer with the Bambu Studio online or the Bambu Handy mobile app, and a built-in camera also allows you to record time-lapse videos of your prints. The machine also features active motor noise canceling so it’s not too loud. At the same time, the A1 mini delivers on quality, with high-speed precision and active flow rate compensation. The printer isn’t enclosed, so it can print most materials on the market that don’t require an enclosure, such as PLA, PETG, TPU, and their support filament. With a maximum print size of 180 x 180 x 180 mm and multi-color print capabilities, the A1 mini can deliver small but mighty designs, a fantastic addition to any classroom, from elementary to high school.
The Adventurer 5M Pro, from Flashforge
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro 3D printer is designed with safety and ease of use in mind, essential features for educational environments and for children to use safely. Its completely enclosed structure prevents access to moving and hot parts during printing, reducing the risk of accidents. In addition, its internal filtration system with HEPA and carbon filters blocks 99% of particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring a clean classroom environment. It also incorporates an air circulation system that maintains a suitable temperature, which can be suitable for different types of filaments. Its printing plate is flexible, a positive aspect for removing printed objects once they cool down. The printer comes 95% pre-assembled, so teachers or students can start using it quickly.
The CoLiDo 3.0 WiFi 3D Printer
The CoLiDo 3.0 WiFi, developed by the company with the same name (and currently owned by IT3D), is a desktop 3D printer ideal for educational environments. It stands out for its patented glass platform, which allows the printed parts to be removed easily, simply by hand, once they have cooled. With a build volume of 225 x 145 x 140 mm and a resolution of up to 0.1 mm, it provides high-quality 3D models. It is also lightweight and odorless, making it suitable for any training environment. Its one-button control panel makes operation easy, and it can be connected via USB or SD card. The modern design of its transparent housing makes it possible to observe the printing process, while its low noise level (45dB) makes it ideal for quiet environments.
The Anycubic Kobra Pro 2
The Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro 3D printer is an option for educational purposes due to its ease of operation and features that guarantee an efficient experience. Its automatic leveling system (LeviQ 2.0) facilitates the preparation process, without needing complicated adjustments. In addition, its maximum print speed of 500 mm/s allows projects to be completed in a short time, which is ideal in educational environments where speed is valued. The 250 x 220 x 220 mm print volume is suitable for a wide variety of school projects, while its dual-gear direct extruder is compatible with various filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU). The printer features a flexible, magnetic platen that makes it easy to remove printed objects without breaking them.
The LulzBot Mini 3 Desktop Solution
The LulzBot Mini 3 is a 3D printer ideal for prototyping, educational models and creative projects. Developed by the company LulzBot, this solution combines performance and ease of use. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows print jobs to be sent from anywhere on the network, facilitating project management. With a robust and compact space-saving design, it offers a print volume of 180 x 180 x 180 mm. It is an ideal choice for offices, classrooms and homes, and its enhanced interface includes a touch panel that simplifies navigation and enables real-time adjustments. In addition, it features advanced calibration technology and enhanced hardware, ensuring accurate, high-quality prints. The LulzBot Mini 3 is ready to use right out of the box, with automatic tray leveling and nozzle cleaning functions that optimize the manufacturing experience for even the most novice users.
The Zortrax M200 Plus 3D printer
The M200 Plus 3D printer has been designed to guarantee consistent, reliable performance, even over long periods of use. Ready to use as soon as it’s installed, this plug-and-play printer from Zortrax stands out for its ease of use, with an intuitive touch screen for direct control, as well as remote management via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Its features make it an ideal solution for education, covering all levels from primary to high school. It is equipped with advanced features such as end-of-material detection, a high-performance cooling system, an integrated camera for remote monitoring of prints, and supports a wide range of 3D printer filament. With a print volume of 200 x 200 x 180 mm and integrated safety features, this printer is perfectly suited to the requirements of educational establishments.
The MakerBot Sketch Sprint 3D Printer from UltiMaker
Comments
0 comment