menu

The Best 3D Printers for Schools

Published on October 24, 2024 by Julia S.
Top 3D Printers for Schools

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.

Photo credits: Bambu Lab

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.

Photo credits: Flashforge

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 CoLiDo 3.0 WiFi 3D printer is on the left, and the CoLiDo 3.0 WiFi-compatible extruder is on the right (Photo credits: CoLiDo)

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.

Photo credits: Anycubic

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.

Photo credits: Lulzbot

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 filaments. 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.

Photo credits: Zortrax

The MK3+ 3D Printer, Made in France

French manufacturer Volumic 3D has accustomed us to fast, scalable FFF machines, often adapted for professional use. However, its MK3+ 3D printer proves to be an accessible and easy-to-use solution for younger users, particularly in secondary schools. It offers a print volume of 300 x 200 x 310 mm, and incorporates a platen that can rise to 100°C and a nozzle that can reach 300°C. Its 5” touchscreen makes it easy to operate and monitor print jobs. It is compatible with over 60 materials, enabling students to test different materials and see for themselves the properties that can be obtained. The MK3 will fit perfectly into a school environment, offering a first experience of additive manufacturing, all made in France!

Photo credits: Volumic

Original Prusa MINI+

One of the printers that can be used in education that is easy and affordable is the Prusa MINI+, offered in kit or semi-assembled versions. Prusa also offers the option of buying the print chamber separately, resulting in an enclosed and more secure printer. The FDM 3D printer is easy to use and assemble, compact and has a good print speed. It has a print volume of 18cm cubed, automatic printbed calibration, replaceable nozzles, Ethernet or wi-fi connection, USB printing capability and a color LCD screen. According to Prusa, the MINI+ is a small printer, but one that is no match for larger ones!

Photo credits: Prusa

Robo E3 from Robo 3D

Robo 3D specializes in the production of 3D printers for educational purposes. The Robo E3 is therefore perfect for use in schools and institutions, but also for motivated makers and students. It is safe, smart and simple, so even children and beginners can take their first steps in 3D printing. The printer weighs 9 kg and measures 388 x 340 x 405 mm. These dimensions allow it to be installed in a classroom or similar environment. The Robo E3 has a print bed of 150 x 150 x 150 mm. The auto-calibration function automatically adjusts the print bed, which is also heated. The desktop printer processes around 30 different filaments at a printing speed of 100 mm/sec. It is plug-and-play, making the installation and printing process very user-friendly.

Photo credits: Robo 3D

The MakerBot Sketch Sprint 3D Printer from UltiMaker

UltiMaker released the MakerBot Sketch Sprint very recently. It’s an FDM solution designed specifically for the education and training sector and for use in the classroom. According to the manufacturer, the MakerBot Sketch Sprint is a fast and easy-to-use 3D printer that reaches speeds of 300 mm/s without sacrificing quality. It features a fully enclosed printing chamber to ensure maximum safety for students. MakerBot Sketch Sprint weighs 22.26 kg, has a print volume of 220mm x 220mm x 220mm, and a 0.4 mm nozzle with a 200 micron resolution. The maximum temperature is 280° C, and the heated top can go up to 110° C. Additionally, there’s a color touchscreen. Students can use UltiMaker Cura and manage projects in the cloud with the Digital Factory function.

Photo credits: UltiMaker

Which 3D printer would you want for your learning environment, and how would you use it to inspire learners?  Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

Share Your Thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

de_DEen_USes_ESfr_FRit_IT
Stay Updated
Every wednesday, receive a recap of the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox.