UltiMaker, a global leader in 3D printing technology, has unveiled the new MakerBot Sketch Sprint, a high-speed 3D printer designed specifically for educational settings. The device is set to enhance the way students and teachers engage with 3D printing in the classroom, offering increased speed, safety, and ease of use.
With print speeds up to five times faster than typical desktop 3D printers, Sketch Sprint allows educators to optimise class time, enabling more hands-on projects and quicker transitions from design to finished product. This new solution also ensures that rapid printing does not compromise the quality of output. A heated build plate, mesh levelling, and vibration compensation technology deliver precise and detailed prints, ideal for various classroom applications across different age groups and subjects.
Michiel Alting von Geusau, CEO of UltiMaker, said, “Investing in education is not just about improving the classroom experience, it’s about equipping students with essential skills for their future. The Sketch Sprint offers a safe and reliable 3D printing experience, which will help prepare students for success in an evolving job market.”
The printer is available through UltiMaker’s Digital Factory, an intuitive print management platform that allows educators to manage multiple devices, queue print jobs, and facilitate student submissions from any device. This enables streamlined workflows and better integration of 3D printing into the educational environment. The introduction of Cura Cloud, accessible through Digital Factory, also enhances the process from computer-aided design (CAD) to finished part by offering slicing capabilities from UltiMaker’s Cura desktop application in a cloud-based format. Cura Cloud optimises print settings and ensures high-quality results, while the latest version of Cura desktop offers advanced slicing functionality and is compatible with all printers in the Sketch series, including Sketch Sprint.
UltiMaker has prioritised safety in the development of Sketch Sprint. The printer has undergone rigorous safety testing and meets the standards of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ensuring it complies with UL 2904 standards for particle and chemical emissions from 3D printers. With a fully enclosed structure and integrated HEPA and carbon filtration system, the printer promotes a clean and safe learning environment. Security features, such as a digital PIN system, prevent unauthorised access to the printer, while classroom-friendly PLA and Tough PLA filaments ensure safe use in educational spaces.
As part of its commitment to supporting educators, UltiMaker offers over 600 lesson plans, project ideas, and ISTE-aligned training programmes to help integrate 3D printing into the curriculum. These resources are designed to promote creativity and critical thinking, while helping students gain confidence in applying 3D printing skills in real-world scenarios.
Andrea Zermeño, UltiMaker’s Marketing Education Manager, added, “For more than a decade, we’ve worked closely with educators to provide the tools and resources they need to successfully incorporate 3D printing into their classrooms. Our aim is to make learning exciting, fun, and accessible, while giving students the skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.”
The MakerBot Sketch Sprint 3D printer is expected to be available for shipping in November 2024, with pre-orders open now. Learn more about the new MakerBot Sketch Sprint at www.makerbot.com/sketch-sprint.
