MakerBot: The 3D printing pioneer with a new focus on education and innovation 🎓🖨️💡

MakerBot is a renowned name in the world of 3D printing, known for its role in popularizing desktop manufacturing. Originally a pioneer of 3D printer kits for hobbyists, the brand has evolved over the years. Today, MakerBot is a sub-brand of UltiMaker , the company formed in 2022 from the merger of MakerBot and its European competitor, Ultimaker. Following the merger, MakerBot is now solely focused on one mission: education. 🏫

Mission and Vision 🌟

MakerBot is committed to being the leading 3D printing provider for education . Its mission is not only to bring 3D printing technology into classrooms, but also to provide teachers and students with a comprehensive ecosystem of hardware, software, curriculum, and certifications. The company aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by providing them with practical skills and a platform for creativity.

Key product lines and technologies 🛠️

MakerBot's product portfolio reflects its focus on the educational and professional sectors:

• The SKETCH series: 🎨

  • This is the heart of the educational offering. Printers like the SKETCH Sprint and the SKETCH Large are specifically designed for classroom use. They are safe, reliable, and easy to use, featuring a sealed build chamber and a particulate filter. This ensures that teachers and students can focus on learning and creativity without having to worry about technology.

• The METHOD series: 🔬

  • METHOD printers are the bridge between desktop and industrial 3D printing. They are aimed at professional users and engineers. With features such as a heated build chamber, dual extruders, and support for technical materials, these printers are designed to produce prototypes and functional parts with high precision.

The MakerBot Ecosystem for Education 📚

What makes MakerBot unique is the comprehensive solution that goes beyond hardware:

• Certification programs: There are dedicated MakerBot certification programs for students and teachers to teach basic and advanced 3D printing skills. 📜

• Curricula and resources: Over 600 free, educator-created curricula are available to seamlessly integrate 3D printing into subjects like STEM, art, and design. 💡

• Software and cloud services: The UltiMaker CloudPrint platform allows teachers to manage student print jobs and monitor printers remotely.

• Community and Support: With the largest 3D printing community for educators and dedicated support offerings like the MakerBot Grant Guide, the company helps schools fund and successfully implement 3D printing technology.

MakerBot and UltiMaker: Strong together 💪

The merger with Ultimaker created a giant in desktop 3D printing. MakerBot benefits from UltiMaker's global reach and resources, while UltiMaker benefits from MakerBot's strong brand and specialized educational ecosystem. The brands remain separate, but the collaboration allows them to address a broader range of customers—from students printing their first models to engineers producing complex prototypes.