Need help deciding which 3D printer is right for your students? In this guide to the best 3D printer for schools, we highlight eight different 3D printers for you to browse through. 3D printers offer schools and universities many ways to introduce students to experiences that are transferrable to the workplace and help educational institutions stand out. For example:
- 3D printers foster teamwork, collaboration, and excitement through hands-on project-based learning opportunities
- 3D printers are common in many industries, from consumer products to automotive to aerospace, so they give students opportunities to get industry-relevant experience, especially when they are using the same 3D printers used by companies
- Cutting-edge 3D printer technology can attract the best students and staff to your school or university
- 3D printers are an exceptional tool for researchers to illustrate and model findings in vivid detail
Here is a quick glance at the best 3D printers for schools.
Read on for a more detailed review of each.
Best 3D Printers for Education
| Printer | Main Benefit | Experience Level | Price Range |
| MakerBot Sketch | Reliable | Beginner | Starting at $1,299 |
| MakerBot Replicator+ | Durable materials | Beginner | Starting at $2,100 |
| MakerBot Method X | Introduction to industrial 3D printing | Intermediate | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| Stratasys F123 | Introduction to industrial thermoplastics | Intermediate | Starting around $20,000 |
| Stratasys Objet 30 Desktop | High-resolution printing, consistent and professional results | Intermediate | Under $25,000 |
| Stratasys Fortus | Provides an advanced manufacturing experience | Advanced | Starting at $180,000 |
| Stratasys J55 | Multi-color, texture, and high-resolution for ultra-realistic applications | Advanced | Starting around $85,000 |
| Stratasys J8 | Full-color printing with voxel-level capabilities | Advanced | Starting around $150,000 |
MakerBot Sketch
The MakerBot Sketch comes with two 3D printers to maximize student engagement. It's known for its reliability as one of the best 3D printers for the classroom, based on years of development and research by the manufacturer.
Benefits
- Dual printers to boost student exposure and growth
- Reliable classroom 3D printer
- Manage student projects with a cloud-based print queue
- Print directly from TinkerCAD
Size
17in x 16.6in x 14.4in
Weight
26 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Works with most CAD software, including SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (6 hours)
- ISTE-certified 3D printer training for both teachers and students
Curriculum Resources
- Access 600+ lesson plans across various grade levels & subjects with the MAKERBOT Educators Guidebook for 3D Printing
- Join the largest 3D printing community of educators
Price Range
Starting at $1,299
MakerBot Replicator+
MakerBot’s award-winning desktop 3D printer is engineered for fast and reliable 3D printing. The MakerBot Replicator+ streamlines the workflow for 3D printing, making it accessible for students at all levels.
Benefits
- Engineering and extensively tested to print fast, easy, and reliably
- Designed with stiff materials and a sturdy construction for reliability and precision
- Print durable, high-impact strength prototypes and fixtures
- Quiet printing
Size
20.8in X 17.4in X 16.2in
Weight
40.4 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Works with most CAD software, including SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (6 hours)
Curriculum Resources
- Access 600+ lesson plans across various grade levels & subjects with the MAKERBOT Educators Guidebook for 3D Printing
Price Range
Starting at $2,100
MakerBot MethodX
Highly functional desktop 3D printing that gives students experience with industrial 3D printing capabilities. The MakerBot Method X delivers manufacturing-grade parts with advanced engineering materials.
Benefits
- Print real production grade ABS
- Superior Z-layer bonding without warping or curling
- Print complex assemblies with exact tolerances
- Faster printing than other desktop 3D printers
Size
17.2in x 16.3in x 25.6in
Weight
65 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Seamless CAD integration with AutoDesk Fusion 360, AutoDesk Inventor, and Solidworks software
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (6 hours)
Curriculum Resources
- Access 600+ lesson plans across various grade levels & subjects with the MAKERBOT Educators Guidebook for 3D Printing
Price Range
$4,000 to $6,000
Stratasys F123
Produce highly accurate, reliable prototypes, student projects, production parts, and more with the Stratasys F123. Explore a world of industrial thermoplastics and printing capabilities from the leader in 3D printing.
Benefits
- Select from a range of strength and layer resolution options to suit almost any learning application
- Minimal setup, auto-calibration, and fast and easy material swaps
- Enlist the fast-draft mode to produce design concepts quickly and economically
- Monitor your prints remotely with the built-in camera feature
Size
F120: 35in x 35in x 29in
F170, F270, F370: 64in x 34in x 28in
Weight
F120: 275 lbs.
F170, F270, F370: 500 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Works with most CAD software, including SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (6 hours)
Curriculum Resources
Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program
- Instructor Certification
- Student Certification
Price Range
Starting around $20,000
Stratasys Objet 30 Desktop
The Stratasys Objet 30 Desktop is an introduction to high-resolution Polyjet 3D printing. Students can explore high-end rapid prototyping and simulate plastics that closely resemble end products with dimensional stability and high-detail visualization.
Benefits
- Print with clear, white, black, blue, or gray materials
- High-temperature material capabilities for advanced functional testing, hot air and water flow, and static applications
- Durable printing material offers durability for smooth prototypes with living hinges, flexible closures and snap-fit parts
Size
32.5in x 23.6in x 24.4in
Weight
234 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Works with most CAD software, including SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (6 hours)
Curriculum Resources
Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program
- Instructor Certification
- Student Certification
Price Range
Under $25,000
Stratasys Fortus
The Stratasys Fortus gives students access to 3D printing in an advanced manufacturing environment. Produce complex parts efficiently and effectively with easy-to-use interfaces and software controls.
Benefits
- Use ten different printing materials for versatility
- Industrial-grade reliability for low maintenance
- Print two to three times faster than other printers for up to 250 hours, uninterrupted
Size
35in x 35in x 29in
Weight
275 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Works with most CAD software, including SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (6 hours)
Curriculum Resources
Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program
- Instructor Certification
- Student Certification
Price Range
Starting at $180,000
Stratasys J55
Students showcase their creativity with the Stratasys J55, which offers multi-color and texture capabilities. The Stratasys J55 uses high-resolution Polyjet technology and is quiet and odor free.
Benefits
- Print in over 478,000 colors that are Pantone Validated
- Surface texture options can simulate materials like fabric, wood, leather, and much more
- Designed for consistent, stable performance, with zero mechanical calibrations and features a “ready-to-print” mode
Size
25.63in x 26.02in x 59.49in
Weight
503 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Comes with KeyShot, a real-time, rendering and animation design tool that allows you to quickly visualize your CAD model in multiple iterations with amazing detail
- Works with most CAD software, including SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (6 hours)
Curriculum Resources
Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program
- Instructor Certification
- Student Certification
Price Range
Starting around $85,000
Stratasys J8
Provide students endless opportunities to bring their designs to life with the Stratasys J8, which offers full-color 3D printing with voxel-level capabilities. The J8 Series can produce more than 500,000 distinguishable color combinations, print seven resins simultaneously, and provide multi-material capabilities.
Benefits
- Color match to Pantone colors with in a single click from the Stratasys GrabCAD Print software
- Use VeroUltraClear™ to 3D print translucent parts or combine with colors to create stunning transparent shades
- Use the Agilus30™ material family to create flexible parts and prototypes that can flex, bend, and elongate
Size
J826 Prime System: 32.28in x 51.57in x 26.18in
J826 Prime Material Cabinet: 44in x 25.8in x 25.1in
J850: 55.1in x 49.6in x 43.4 in
J850 Prime System: 55.1in x 49.6in x 43.4in
J850 Prime Material Cabinet: 44in x 25.8in x 25.1 in
Weight
J826 Prime System: 516 lbs.
J826 Prime Material Cabinet: 337 lbs.
J850: 948 lbs.
J850 Prime System: 948 lbs.
J850 Prime Material Cabinet: 337 lbs.
Software
- Comes with GrabCAD Print, which simplifies the entire 3D printing process with an intuitive CAD-like application easy for students to use
- Works with most CAD software, including SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor
Instructor Training
Basic Training
- GrabCAD Print (2-4 hours)
- Printer Set-Up and Operations (1 hour)
Advanced Training
- Stratasys Academy (4 hours)
- Advanced Color and Texture (6 hours)
Curriculum Resources
Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program
- Instructor Certification
- Student Certification
Price Range
Starting around $150,000
Whether you are exploring buying the first 3D printer for your school, upgrading your existing 3D printer, or looking to advance your program with high-performance 3D printers, AET Labs is here to help! We partner with schools and universities in New England to bring the best 3D printers to schools that achieve curriculum goals and meet the experience level of students and instructors. Contact us to get help with your 3D printer selection. We also provide instructor training and local service for 3D printers.
