High-speed, high-quality 3D printing for education

With printing speeds of up to 250mm/s, the new system can print parts five times quicker than its predecessor, the MakerBot Sketch, and its design ensures a safe, reliable environment for both students and educators. 

The Sketch Sprint’s impressive print speed sets a new standard in classroom productivity, representing a staggering 500 percent increase over the industry standard of 50mm/s. 

This rapid print speed is crucial because it allows educators to streamline their projects while allowing students to see
higher-quality results from this technology faster than previously. Consequently, teachers can effectively manage multiple assignments and engage with students in practical learning experiences. 

The new system suits various educational uses, from collaborative projects and prototypes to classroom demonstrations. While 3D printing is traditionally a long process, with significant downtime between design and the final build, Sketch Sprint’s speed can help educators keep the momentum in the classroom going when working on a build, making it easier to encourage student
participation and interest.

“The Sketch Sprint is MakerBot’s fastest classroom 3D printer and can help educators achieve speed without compromising quality,” explained Richard Bolam, 3D printing Application Specialist at Tri-Tech 3D. 

“Using the system, students can tackle multiple design and print tasks during class – getting hands-on experience with innovative, additive technology.

“The system also features a fully enclosed design and safety locks,” added Bolam. 

“These ensure a safe environment for young learners and protect students from moving parts. This
is vital, it means that students can get to grips with this exciting technology while protecting themselves.”

This Sketch Sprint also safeguards against the hot build plate and the warm ambient temperature surrounding the build. Other features include live Z-adjustments, mesh levelling and integrated HEPA and carbon filters – ensuring a clean, simplified printing process. 

It supports the Stratasys PLA thermoplastic and UltiMaker Tough PLA filaments – both economical, user-friendly thermoplastics ideal for producing prototypes and early concept models
in classroom settings.

Comprehensive training resources and lesson plans are also included with the Sketch Sprint. These resources are designed to help educators and students understand best practices for safe 3D printing – meaning this technology can be deployed effectively and risk-free in the classroom.

Finally, the Sketch Sprint is compatible with the UltiMaker Digital Factory, a cloud-based integration that supports easy remote management. This makes it easy for users to print anytime, anywhere, with features like print job queuing, project assignment, and printer management accessible in just a few clicks. 

More here.