Choosing the Right MakerBot 3D Printer for Your STEM Classroom
3D printing is becoming a cornerstone of STEM education. Whether your students are just beginning to explore design or are ready for advanced engineering projects, choosing the right 3D printer makes all the difference. MakerBot’s education-ready lineup available at Tripow3D—Sketch, Sketch Sprint, Method, and Method XL—offers safe, reliable, and classroom-friendly solutions at every level.
MakerBot Sketch – The Perfect Introduction
For classrooms introducing 3D printing, the MakerBot Sketch is the simplest place to start. With its compact build size (150 × 150 × 150 mm) and fully enclosed design, students can print safely without worry. It runs on non-toxic PLA filament and is designed to be plug-and-play—just press print and go.
Best for: Upper middle school STEM classes needing models for math, science, and early design projects.
MakerBot Sketch Sprint – Speed for Busy Classrooms
The MakerBot Sketch Sprint is designed for teachers managing larger classes. With a build volume of 220 × 220 × 220 mm and up to five times the speed of typical printers, the Sprint handles multiple student projects with ease. It includes built-in classroom controls like a PIN-lockable touchscreen and an integrated HEPA filter for clean air.
Best for: Classrooms needing faster turnaround for robotics parts, physics tools, and design iterations.
MakerBot Method – Professional-Grade in the Classroom
When students are ready for real engineering, the MakerBot Method delivers industrial-quality results. Its heated chamber and dual-material extrusion make it possible to print in ABS, Nylon, carbon fiber composites, and more. It’s reliable, precise, and still easy to use with MakerBot’s cloud-based software.
Best for: High school and college-level engineering courses creating functional prototypes, robotics parts, and durable components.
MakerBot Method XL – Big Builds, Big Possibilities
The MakerBot Method XL takes everything great about the Method and scales it up. With a massive 305 × 305 × 320 mm build volume and chamber temperatures up to 100 °C, it’s designed for large, strong ABS parts. Despite its power, it’s still classroom-safe with a fully enclosed build area and both HEPA and carbon filtration.
Best for: Advanced labs and capstone projects that need large, strong, professional-grade parts in one print.
Quick Comparison
| Printer | Build Volume | Materials | Speed | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sketch | 150 mm³ | PLA | Standard | Entry-level STEM, safe and simple |
| Sketch Sprint | 220 mm³ | PLA, Tough PLA | Up to 5× faster | Larger classes, quick prototypes |
| Method | ~190 mm³ | ABS, Nylon, PC, composites | Standard | Engineering projects, functional parts |
| Method XL | 305 mm³ | ABS, ABS-CF, advanced materials | Standard | Large-scale, professional-grade projects |
Final Thoughts
Every school has different needs. For classrooms introducing students to 3D printing, the Sketch line keeps things easy and safe. For high-throughput STEM programs, the Sketch Sprint is a time-saver. For advanced engineering applications, the Method provides industrial-quality results, while the Method XL enables large-scale, professional-grade printing for ambitious projects.
No matter which printer you choose, MakerBot’s education ecosystem—including lesson plans, training resources, and cloud management—helps you integrate 3D printing seamlessly into the classroom.