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Schools with 3d printers


8 3D Printers For Schools That Will Surely Blow Your Mind

Have you ever wondered why a 3D printer might be good for a school? Do you think schools that teach STEM can use a 3D printer? If you thought no, then think again!

We are going to tell and after we tell you you'll learn about which 3D printers are best for stem schools. Around the world, more schools are looking for ways to get creative with teaching. Students become bored if teachers don't spice up their teaching style.

With technology and access to it on the rise, students become bored much more easily than before. We understand this, so if you're an educator check out our list of best printers for schools that teach STEM. The options on our list are great for keeping students engaged. They also allow educators to work their magic.

Why are 3D printers good for schools?

You can add multiple dimensions of learning with the new technology which has far-reaching benefits. When you add up the positives of a 3D printer it is easy to see why many talented educators, like yourself, are starting to adopt this new technology. 

Still, knowing which printer is best to help your students reach their learning outcomes is challenging. Some manufacturers make lesson planning simple by giving you materials to use with their printers. Others have online platforms that inspire you to use the printer in ways you might not have thought about.

Then, there are the differences in the printers themselves. What will work best for elementary or high school students? Do the printers offer safe functions for young learners? Perhaps for high school, you can forgo the durable options and choose a printer that offers features instead. Taking this into account, we're here to tell you which printers are a go, and which are a no. 

We thought about the costs of setting up a 21st-century classroom because buying many printers at once can cost a lot. We want this to be your definitive guide to preparing your students for their best future. So, we'll also show you how to use your printers to get the most bang for your buck. 

What 3D printers do schools use?

Each school is going to be different because they have unique students. However, it' easy to see that all schools will choose a printer that has obvious features like:

  • Educational tools
  • Heated platforms
  • Print area
  • 3D printing technology

But, which printer is best for you? Let's get into our list so you can see why you need a 3D printer for teaching STEM.

What are the best 3D printers for schools?

Our list is meant to take the hard work out of choosing a printer that will undoubtedly raise student engagement. So, without wasting any more time, here they are.

1. Dremel - 3D40-FLX-01

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We all know that tangible objects keep students engaged and wanting to work. It doesn't matter if you're teaching college students or youngsters, hands-on activities keep students focused. This 3D printer is a budget-friendly option that won't use up all of your cash. If your school curriculum has a STEM or STEAM component this printer can help you meet learning goals.

The key features of the printer are:
  • Customer technical knowledge support
  • Hot extruder up to 230 degrees
  • 3.5-inch touch screen
  • Excellent print quality

The build volume of this printer is 10 x 6.0 x 6.7 inches and, yes! You can print hollow objects. You can now take any animated object and turn it into a real-life object. Your students will love printing 3D objects, and as a teacher, you will glow when you see how much they're learning. If you're teaching older students then making anatomic models is a breeze, too!

The only downside to this printer is that it is made for people who are just beginning to use the technology. if you're an experienced use - stay tuned. We've got something for you on our list.

2. R QIDI Industrial Printer

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If you're struggling to teach engineering concepts and find your students are lost in a daze, this printer can solve that for you. Layer by layer, your students will fixate on the powerful tools that 3D technology gives you. The picture shows that printing internal organs is simple - so it will make lessons plans go more smoothly.

The printer for schools is one of the more expensive machines on our list, but for great reasons.

Why is it great?
  • Prints with all types of filament (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU)
  • Dual extruders
  • User-friendly 3D printer
  • Heated print bed (250-300 celsius)

Printing high-quality objects have never been easier, and for teachers, time is too valuable. The price range is a bit high, but the company also gives you 1KG of red filament free when you buy this. Lesson plans become faster and you become more efficient when you use this printer. The negative side of this printer is the initial cost.

However, if you can afford it - it's an excellent option for you and your students.

3. Flashforge Adventurer 3C

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If you need to learn the fundamentals of 3D printing, this might be the printer for you. You can use a variety of filament types and the slide-in build plate makes it very sturdy. This is an excellent choice for teachers who want a simple 3D printing process. It's a printer for beginners, but it will get the job done if you're an experienced user.

What is this printer good for?
  • Physical graphic design
  • Third-party filaments
  • Flexible plate and PEI included
  • Detailed review information on amazon

3D printing in schools has benefits and this printer allows you to unleash your potential. Since this is a beginner model, you can find a faster print speed on other models. So, if you're looking for an ultra-fast model this might not be for you. Still, the flexible build plate makes it a perfect option for any teacher who wants to print physical objects to engage students.

Advanced students will love the flexibility of this printer and it makes using the printer focusing for them. Don't wait and grab yours now before they are all gone.

4. QIDI X-one2 Single Extruder 3D Printer

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This printer is adorable and it is perfect for an elementary STEM classroom. The printer would also be ideal for curriculum creating training for a stem setting because you can print dinosaurs! Technology and engineering teachers, you won't want to miss out on this printer. The setup process is simple and makes an excellent setup experience.

The SD card included comes with powerful software, but not just any software. The company gives you 3D modeling software so you can see what you will print before you waste your filament. Watch your students' 3D designs come to life as they build 3D models of buildings, cars, and toys for STEM projects. There's a wide range of possibilities with this printer.

Why should you buy it?
  • Heated build plate
  • Manual print bed leveling
  • 1/2 inch print layer height

The only drawback that might make this printer a no-go is the lack of an LCD screen. However, since it is a budget-friendly 3d printer it's a great choice for schools. Don't worry about expensive printers for the classroom, this one gives you all the bang you need for being a cheap printer.

5. Dremel Digilab 3D20

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If you want to be the cool teacher but you're worried about 3D printing technology - Dremel has a solution. They offer an online community of tech support leaders to help you understand this machine. The cloud-based slicing software offered by Dremmel is top-notch, so what you're getting is going to be good. This printer, unlike others on our list, is great for an advanced user.

The software and tech support mean this is the easiest-to-use 3D printer package for teachers who need some help.

What makes it worth the money?
  • LCD Display
  • Customer Support included
  • Printing material is non-toxic, recyclable, and plant-based PLA filament
  • Fast speed for high print volume

The ease of setup and use make this an excellent option for teachers who need support. However, one downfall is that the printer does not have automatic bed leveling. You need to manually level the bed using the software provided to you.

6. Official Creality Ender Printer

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Do you work in an area prone to power outages? This printer has a lapse function that can pause your print job and resume it when you get power back. It would be a great option for people who need a printer that can heat up quickly. The kit comes semi-assembled, so it is perfect for teachers who need more time.

Why should you buy this?
  • Great for kids
  • High precision printing
  • Ideal for STEM projects

The printer is quick and has a large bed so you can create most sized projects easily. Current printers have a range of heating up speeds and ease of use technology, but this one wins and makes it a perfect choice for any educator.

The downfall to this printer is that it is not enclosed, but kids would love to see this printer in action. So, is it really a negative aspect? If you want your students engaged, grab one of these because they are selling fast!

7. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X

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Hey STEM teachers, you can't get better than this printer! It is the perfect classroom 3D printer. The cover keeps small fingers far from danger, and it is easy to set up and use. If you buy this printer your students will love to watch it print the different layers as you make whatever you need.

What is great about this printer?
  • High speed
  • Resin Printer
  • ANYCUBIC Photon workshop software included
  • Aluminum platform

This printer is a bit bigger than others on our list, so if you have a small classroom this might not be the ideal printer for you. If you have the space, it's an easy choice because this one is packed with functionality.

8. Artillery Sidewinder

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Hey STEM teachers, you can't get better than this printer! It is the perfect classroom 3D printer. The cover keeps small fingers far from danger, and it is easy to set up and use. If you buy this printer your students will love to watch it print the different layers as you make whatever you need.

What is great about this printer?
  • High speed
  • Resin Printer
  • ANYCUBIC Photon workshop software included
  • Aluminum platform

This printer is a bit bigger than others on our list, so if you have a small classroom this might not be the ideal printer for you. If you have the space, it's an easy choice because this one is packed with functionality.

STEM Lessons for your printer

Now that we have seen the best printers for an educational setting, you might be wondering how you can use them. The possibilities are endless with a 3d printer and we are going to show you how to increase engagement with some lesson plans.

Make a simple machine

The first lesson plan is essential for the current pandemic. You can also teach your students the mechanics of simple machines. For this lesson, you will make a hands-free sanitizer dispenser. A 3D model will help your students to plan and better understand the engineering design process. Here you can see that a 3D printer is a powerful learning tool.

Build a quadcopter and learn about physics

Every school year we struggle to find ways to engage our students. This project has a range of applications for the STEM classroom and to help you create 21st-century learners. You will guide your students to build a quadcopter that they can fly. You can help them understand the engineering design process.

Once you complete the model you can see how far up it can fly. If the first try is not successful use the opportunity to teach your students the importance of never giving up.

Teach students how to make a water diverter

This is a great project for those classrooms that have thirsty students and a sink. Using the printer you will design a water diverter. When you block off the flow of water you can create an easy way to get a drink. Teach your students about water flow and how water moves. If their diverter doesn't work well the first time create a shorter diverter.

If the diverter still doesn't work you can talk about low water pressure and see if your students can modify the diverter to make enough pressure to get a drink. The possibilities are endless for this project.

Make a measurement frame

Are you a teacher who dreads math? You won't dread it when you have a 3D printer. You can easily show students how to make a modular frame and teach them many aspects of math. Using a printed modular frame you can teach your students:

  • Measurements
  • Area
  • Surface Area
  • Perimeter

Or, you can also teach them how to make a modular city and throw in some social studies learning. We recommend having your students make a board game they can play. That is a sure way to keep them learning while having fun!

Build a computer

Your kids are going to love this project. You need to buy a raspberry pi to make it fully functional, but it will allow you to add an element of computer engineering for a wider range of applications. You will use the printer to make a personal computer. 

Mobile devices consume our life daily. So, this is the perfect project for keeping your students engaged and giving them real-world application.

Should you get a 3D printer?

Of course! If you are still doubting whether or not to get a 3D printer, look back at all the amazing things you can do with one. In case you've forgotten here are the best things you can do with this new technology:

  • Raise student engagement
  • Increase student productivity
  • Become the star teacher
  • Teach students valuable life skills

As educators, our main goal is always to keep students engaged and wanting to learn. With 3D printing technology, we don't have to try to keep our students learning. We know that when students have fun, they learn more. When students learn more, they feel successful. Success as a teacher makes us happy.

Having seen everything that a printer can do for STEM education, you should be convinced to buy one. We recommend any printer on this list because we know they work. Teachers have tried them and loved them, and told us their experiences. So, start your school year off by prepping your students to be creative and productive learners.

Buy a 3D printer and unleash all the potential that your students have. You will boost their creativity, teach them about collaboration (a crucial skill), and because of collaborating they will learn how to communicate clearly and effectively.

What are you waiting for? Grab one of these printers before they are all gone. Many of them have excellent deals at the moment, so the moment is right for buying. We hope you enjoyed our list of printers. We know you can see the value in these products as the smart teacher you are. Have a great start to the school year and keep the momentum until June!

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