Over the past year I have had the opportunity to review both of Dremel’s 3D printer offerings for K-12 classrooms. I was able to to test out both the 3D20 and 3D40 Idea Builder printers with my preservice teachers and I was consistently impressed with the quality and ease of use from both of these printers. If you’re in the market for a 3D printer for any K-12 environment, I absolutely recommend considering the 3D20 or the 3D40.
You can find more details and our complete reviews of both printers below.
You can find more details and our complete reviews of both printers below.
Dremel’s 3D20 Idea Builder
The 3D20 Idea Builder is Dremel’s smaller model that usually runs at $999 per printer. If you’re not concerned with being able to print larger objects (anything bigger than 9” x 5.9” x 5.5” would have to be done on the 3D40), then this model would likely be a good fit.
The cooling fan is a little louder than the 3D40, so you’ll definitely notice it running, but after weeks of being put through its paces by hundreds of preservice teachers, this printer proved to be an absolute workhorse.
You can read the complete review here.
The cooling fan is a little louder than the 3D40, so you’ll definitely notice it running, but after weeks of being put through its paces by hundreds of preservice teachers, this printer proved to be an absolute workhorse.
You can read the complete review here.
Dremel’s 3D40 Idea Builder
The 3D40 Idea builder is larger, quieter, and can connect to your school or classroom network via wi-fi and ethernet as well. This model usually runs for $1,599 for the edu version and offers a larger buildspace, in case you and your students want to create anything up to 10” x 6” x 6.7” in size.
I preferred the design of this model as well, particularly since the top was see-through which made for a more enjoyable building experience where students could watch the process from all angles.
You can read the complete review here.
I preferred the design of this model as well, particularly since the top was see-through which made for a more enjoyable building experience where students could watch the process from all angles.
You can read the complete review here.
Regardless of the model, both the 3D20 and 3D40 printers proved to be excellent pieces of machinery. But beyond that, what really impressed me and the preservice teachers I work with, was the collection of lesson plans and curricular resources that Dremel has designed to support the use of their printers in K-12 classrooms. The fact that these resources are all included free of charge with your printer is something that I have yet to see from other manufacturers, at least not at the level and amount that Dremel is offering.
Overall, the 3D20 and 3D40 Idea Builders are incredibly easy to use, regardless of your technical knowledge, and they are a great fit for the K-12 classroom.
Overall, the 3D20 and 3D40 Idea Builders are incredibly easy to use, regardless of your technical knowledge, and they are a great fit for the K-12 classroom.
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