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TriMech.com | 888.874.6324 Guide: TriMech’s Entry-Level 3D Printer Buyer’s Guide for Education

GUIDE TRIMECH’S ENTRY-LEVEL 3D PRINTER BUYER’S GUIDEFOR EDUCATION

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Redefining Core Skills for Tomorrow’s TechnologyTechnology is moving at a rapid pace and many industries are moving into the additive manufacturing realm for manufacturing and product development. This use of 3D printing changes the game for every single industry because you can now go from concept to prototype faster than ever before. Preparing students for this change is necessary to ensure they are equipped to excel in tomorrow’s workforce. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best 3D printing technologies for your classroom or course. Whether you are looking for a basic starter 3D printer or are interested in an entry-level production grade machine, there are options for any curriculum.



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BENEFITS OF OWNING A 3D PRINTER

ENHANCED CURRICULUMIncorporating 3D printing into your curriculum engages students in a whole new way that encourages them to take ownership of their designs.

PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE FUTUREStudents need to know how to use 3D printers to be knowledgeable in the workforce.

BUDGET FRIENDLY PROTOTYPES & PARTSPersonal 3D printers allow for lofty savings, eliminating timely and expensive outsourcing of designs to third parties.

IMPROVED MODEL ACCURACYWorking with complex geometry, 3D printers build high-quality precise models for fit, form and function testing.

3D Printing Information Key

TECH SUPPORT

Includes Technical Support Options

COLOR

Number of Material Colors Available

PolyJet

POLYJET

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling

SUPPORT MATERIAL

Includes Support Material Capabilities

MINIMUM LAYER THICKNESSThis is the minimum layer thickness or slice height the machine can print. The smaller the layer thickness, the more finely detailed the print. The thicker the layer resolution, the stronger the print. Note: This is different for each material.

BUILD SIZEThis is the maximum size the machine can print. For large parts, you can section designs and print in pieces depending on the application.

MACHINE FOOTPRINTThis is the overall area the machine will take up. Use this measurement to help plan for the ideal location of your 3D printer.

BUDGET PART USE PART SIZEDESIGN

COMPLEXITY

SPEEDTECHNICAL SUPPORTACCURACY

KNOWING YOUR NEEDS



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TECHNOLOGIESLearn About the World’s Most Advanced 3D Printing Technologies

3D printers that run on FDM Technology build parts layer by layer from the bottom up by heating and extruding thermoplastic filament.

The Fused Deposition Modeling Process is Simple:1. Pre-Processing: Build-preparation software slices and positions a 3D CAD file and calculates

a path to extrude thermoplastic and any necessary support material.

2. Production: The 3D printer heats the thermoplastic to a semi-liquid state and deposits it in ultra-fine beads along the extrusion path. Where support or buffering is needed, the 3D printer deposits a removable material that acts as scaffolding.

3. Post-Processing: The user breaks away support material or dissolves it in detergent and water, and the part is ready to use.

3D printers that run on PolyJet technology jet layers of curable liquid photopolymer onto a build tray creating exceptional detail, surface smoothness and precision.

The PolyJet Process is Simple:1. Pre-Processing: Build-preparation software automatically calculates the placement of

photopolymers and support material from a 3D CAD file.

2. Production: The 3D printer jets and instantly UV-cures tiny droplets of liquid photopolymer. Fine layers accumulate on the build tray to create a precise 3D model or part. Where overhangs or complex shapes require support, the 3D printer jets a removable gel-like support material.

3. Support Removal: The user easily removes the support materials by hand, with water jetting or automated dissolving for printers with soluble support. Models and parts are ready to handle and use right out of the 3D printer with no post-curing needed.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)Real Thermoplastics for Functional Testing

PolyJet TechnologyFine Features and Realistic Textures



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MakerBot SKETCHThe MakerBot SKETCH Package is the complete toolkit to get started with 3D printing in the classroom. The system includes over 600 lesson plans and multiple interactive certification courses for both teachers and students to get the MakerBot Certification™. It is connected to the MakerBot CloudPrint™ which allows student/teacher collaboration through remote access to the printers. The MakerBot SKETCH includes a heated build plate for secure, successful printing and a flexible surface for removing parts easily. It also comes with particulate filters installed in each printer, so teachers don’t have to worry about curious hands.

Best K-12 Classroom Package

BUILD SIZE

150 x 150 x 150 mmMINIMUM LAYER THICKNESS

.0039 inMACHINE FOOTPRINT

5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 in

BUDGET

$MATERIAL OPTIONS

MakerBot Sketch PLA MaterialMakerBot Sketch Tough Material

FDM COLOR

Remote Learning Setup

• One MakerBot SKETCH™ 3D Printer

• MakerBot CloudPrint™

• Three MakerBot PLA Spools

• Two Build Plates

• One Spatula

• One Snip

• One Seat in MakerBot Certification™ for Educators

• Five Seats in MakerBot Certification™ for Students

In-Person Classroom Setup

• Two MakerBot SKETCH™ 3D Printers

• MakerBot CloudPrint™

• Six MakerBot PLA Spools

• Four Build Plates

• Two Spatulas

• Two Snips

• Two Seats in MakerBot Certification™ for Educators

• Ten Seats in MakerBot Certification™ for Students



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MakerBot Method /MakerBot Method XThe MakerBot Method and MakerBot Method X are built with improved Stratasys patented technologies and MakerBot’s industry-leading accessibility and smart workflow features, designed for professionals who need immediate access to a 3D printer to speed up their design cycles. Both the MakerBot Method and MakerBot Method X include circulated heated chambers that control the cooling of the heated materials to produce higher quality parts and ensure their strength.

The MakerBot Method includes materials such as MakerBot TOUGH, MakerBot PLA and MakerBot PVA. Specialty materials are for users looking for materials with advanced properties to push the limits of what’s possible. The heated chamber can go up to 60°C.

The MakerBot Method X expands the material options available giving the Method X the capability to create manufacturing tools and end-use production parts. The Method X heated chamber can go up to 100°C so it can print ABS plastics in addition to all other Method materials (including PLA and PETG).

Best Entry-Level Performance 3D Printer

BUILD SIZE

7.5 x 7.5 x 7.75 inMINIMUM LAYER THICKNESS


17.2 x 16.3 x 25.6 in

BUDGET

$/$$MATERIAL OPTIONS

Method: PLA, PETG, TOUGH, Nylon Method X: PLA, PETG, TOUGH, Nylon, ABS, ASA, PC-ABS, PC-ABS FR

COLOR SUPPORT MATERIAL

FDM

MakerBot LABS Experimental Extruder:

As part of MakerBot’s Partner Materials Development Program, the LABS Experimental Extruder lets you print with third-party materials on the METHOD platform. The LABS Experimental Extruder easily swaps into the model material slot of METHOD and METHOD X for unlimited material testing options and optimization.

MakerBot Carbon Fiber Extruder:

The carbon fiber extruder for the MakerBot METHOD and METHOD X comes with robust metal drive gears, a metal filament detection switch and swappable nozzle assembly which can print composite carbon fiber and other MakerBot METHOD official materials. Exclusive to this MakerBot extruder is carbon fiber nylon material which is optimized for high strength, stiffness and heat resistance making it ideal for structural applications and metal replacements.



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F120This FDM printer is part of the popular and reliable F123 series which is ideal for the entire office with fast, effective and versatile prototyping solutions. The F120 uses larger material spools for running more print jobs without needing to reload and delivers reliable, accurate, complex and functional parts - up to 3X faster than competitive solutions.

Best Entry-Level Workhorse 3D Printer

F370The Stratasys F123 Series consists of several FDM 3D printers, which are perfect for any shared-office yet powerful enough to compete in the most competitive business environments. The F370 printer offers the biggest build size in the series and offers the most specialty material options to take your prototypes to the next level.

Best Entry-Level Professional Grade 3D Printer

BUILD SIZE

14 x 10 x 14 inMINIMUM LAYER THICKNESS


64 x 34 x 28 in

BUDGET

$$$MATERIAL OPTIONS

PLA, ABS-ESD7™, ABS-M30™, ASA, Diran™ 410MF07, FDM TPU 92A and PC-ABS

BUILD SIZE

10 x 10 x 10 inMINIMUM LAYER THICKNESS


35 x 34 x 28 in

BUDGET

$$MATERIAL OPTIONS

ABS-M30™ and ASA

TECH SUPPORT


FDM


FDM TECH SUPPORT



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TriMech4461 Cox Road, Suite 200Glen Allen, VA 23060888.874.6324

Guide: TriMech’s Entry-Level 3D Printer Buyer’s Guide for Education7

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J835Ideal for applications in the design, medical and educational disciplines, the PANTONE-Validated™ J835 provides the unmatched capability to achieve maximum realism with full-color capabilities, texture mapping and color gradients. The J835 can print jobs combining up to seven materials at a time with more material bays and more efficient material cartridges. Achieve exquisite accuracy in models and the capability of matching skin tones to perfection. Bring this powerful machine to the classroom for realistic prototypes that will leave students guessing if it was 3D printed or the final product.

Best Versatility in a Printer

BUILD SIZE

13.8 x 13.8 x 7.9 inMINIMUM LAYER THICKNESS


55.1 x 49.6 x 43.4 in

BUDGET

$$$$MATERIAL OPTIONSVibrant VeroVivid™, Transparent VeroClear™ and VeroUltraClear™, DraftGrey™, Agilus 30, Digital ABS Plus and ABS2 Plus

TECH SUPPORT

COLORPOLYJET SUPPORT MATERIAL

J55This PANTONE-validated 3D printer is the perfect companion for the classroom. With its high-quality prints, compact size and quiet design, it is no wonder this powerful machine is an educator’s secret weapon for an enhanced curriculum. With a new rotating print platform, the J55 can produce parts with an outstanding surface finish and quality in a wide variety of materials and up to 1,900 printable PANTONE colors. The J55’s novel print method allows the machine to produce high-accuracy parts and uses a UV LED illumination technology to achieve high reliability and low maintainability.

Best Fine Detail Printer

TECH SUPPORT


POLYJET

BUILD SIZE

Up to 1,174 cm2

MINIMUM LAYER THICKNESS


25.63 x 26.02 x 61.06 in

BUDGET

$$$MATERIAL OPTIONS

Vibrant VeroVivid™, Transparent VeroClear™ and DraftGrey™

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