3D Printer for Education

Discussion
1

Hi all,

I’m looking at getting a 3D printer(s) for school. A small print bed is fine. Cheaper would be better as a few could be purchased (I’m thinking about a class of 25 all wanting to print their work). As school budgets are being cut I do not have much to spend, and I want to use my budget wisely.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

2

I thought someone with more knowledge than me would step up…

The Prusa MK2 is meant to be very good. I think a couple of members have them - @frasco and @lewisss?

I’m impressed with the Ultimaker - it just works out of the box.

I have a £250 Geeetech kit that I bought off eBay and I rather like that too - but it took a number of hours to build, and really needs cooling fans adding, and self-leveling sensor…

3

Thanks Rich,

I’ve been looking at Kits, and I’ve decided I want a built printer. I remember building my delta 3 years ago… took me hours, great fun, but not again.

I think the Ultimaker is just a bit out of my budget.

I’m still keeping my eye out

4

Da vinci’s are probably the cheapest, workable, ready made printers available and have enclosed print spaces if you are looking at it from a health and safety perspective.

It does however use a proprietary system so it makes its money on filaments etc.

If money wasn’t an issue then i would definitely say get a Ultimaker 2+, best FDM on the market in my opinion.

5

I’ve looked at the Da Vincis, however I don’t want to buy any printer that forces me to buy their filaments.

I’m leaning towards Up Mini 2 by TierTime. It’s enclosed and reasonably priced.

6

The dremel ones are used a lot.

7

Both @frasco and @CriticalTolerance have built one of these.
Maybe worth getting some feedback from them,

8

I can vouch for the Prusa - works remarkably well on set up. I went for the kit, but they come assembled too with a small price increase. Not had too much chance to play with it properly, and I’m building an enclosure for it, but otherwise great fun.

9

The Prusa i3 MK2 is now obsolete.

It has been replaced by the Mk2S

Main difference is that the fairly naff cable ties holding the plattern to the Y axis has been replaced by stainless steel U bolts. There is also some changes to the extruder head with reguard to setting the self levelling sensor.