UltiMaker relaunches MakerBot as education-dedicated 3D printing brand

UltiMaker Has announced the relaunched of the new MakerBotAccording to the company, 3D Printing for Education is the only 3D print brand in the world. In order to fulfill its commitment, MakerBot Certification and its 3D Printing Training and Curriculum Development Programs are now available in French, Spanish German and British English.

Ultimaker merged with MakerBot in 2022 and created the new UltiMaker. UltiMaker states that the new entity combines the strengths and legacies both companies. The focus will be on manufacturing and product development under the UltiMaker name, while the MakerBot subbrand and MakerBot Sketch 3D Printing ecosystem will focus on education for kindergarten through secondary schools.

MakerBot Systems are in over 10,000 libraries and schools in North America. The company is expanding its footprint into other regions. UltiMaker said that the expansion represents a significant milestone, as MakerBot Education expands its resources and expertise around the globe.

“Addressing the needs of educators has been our guiding light. We understand that educators need a reliable ecosystem of hardware, software, resources, and support to ensure success,” said Michiel Alting von Geusau, CEO of UltiMaker. “That’s why we continue to invest in building a robust platform that enables educators to unlock the full potential of learning. MakerBot is the only brand fully dedicated to education, and we offer an unparalleled solution through the Sketch platform.”

UltiMaker says that MakerBot Certification offers a comprehensive approach to 3D printing education, ‘breaking down technology barriers’ to provide students and educators with training to explore 3D printing and design thinking. The company reports that nearly 2,000 teachers and more than 10,000 students have taken part in MakerBot Certification.

“We learned quite a bit through MakerBot Certification,” said Rahul Chopra, Technological Instructor, Macdonald Collegiate Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. “The MakerBot Certification would be helpful for any teacher getting into 3D printing and any teacher who had past experiences with 3D printing. It allows for a step by step understanding of 3D printing and design thinking, as well as going through the process to create a finished product. It was instrumental in scaffolding the learning so that it didn’t seem insurmountable.”

The Sketch ecosystem includes MakerBot Sketch 3D Printers, MakerBot Certificate Programs for Teachers and Students, Curriculum Planning Guides, and MakerBot CloudPrint.

MakerBot Certification, according to the company, is one of the few 3D printing certification programs that are certified by ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), a non-profit organization dedicated to speeding up education with technology.

MakerBot Education provides lesson plans, projects ideas, and inspiration for 3D printers, all driven by the educational community. MakerBot Education ensures that all content is approved and reviewed to ensure it’s classroom-ready. UltiMaker reports that teachers can find 3D designs and ideas for each grade level and topic on Thingiverse.

Also included is the MakerBot Educators Guidebook, which UltiMaker says is the ‘definitive’ how-to on 3D printing in the classroom, which features chapters on 3D printing, 3D design, classroom integration, and classroom-ready 3D printing projects.

UltiMaker claims that MakerBot CloudPrint streamlines a 3D printer workflow. It allows educators to monitor student projects, manage them, and then 3D print them. The software offers features such as remote monitoring and multiple printer management. It also allows for customisable settings. Teachers can use Google Classroom to connect with the software, which is completely cloud-based.

“We are excited to bring MakerBot Certification through Sketch worldwide and empower educators across the world with comprehensive training and support,” said Andrea Zermeno, Marketing Manager – Education, UltiMaker. “Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation, and we are dedicated to equipping them with the tools and resources they need to excel in the classroom.”

TCT spoke in September 2023 with the new UltiMaker chief executive officer, nearly a year after the two companies had merged.

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