10 Best 3D Printers for Schools

Maybe 3D printers are still a novelty in education. But the benefits it brings are much better than you can imagine. The most significant are the impacts on students’ interest in fields such as STEAM.

So, how to pick up the perfect one for teachers and classroom spaces? If you are still looking for the answer, I will show you the top ten 3D printers below.

Our Top Picks: ​

Well, it’s easy to choose a 3D printer if you have looked through the products I recommend. So, keep reading for the details right now!

1. FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite FDM: Best for Overall

Specifications

• Brand: FLASHFORGE
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Color: White, Black
• Dimensions : 5.91″D x 5.91″W x 5.91″

Product Highlights

Although it is the Lite version, FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is still one of the most worth-buying products today.

This model comes with many advantages that the full variant needs to have. In particular, I am incredibly impressed with the reasonable price and the size compatible with many different spaces.

The operation mechanism on FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is also quite simple. I tried teaching a few people who had never tried a 3D printer how to use the device, and to my surprise, they all quickly got used to it.

Additional features such as wifi connection or pre-heating also help teachers and students familiarize themselves with the device.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Stable price
• Reasonable size
• Easy to use
• Many support mechanisms

Things to Consider

• Not compatible with standard plastic cords

2. Monoprice 121711 Mini Printer V2: Best for Compact Size

Specifications

• Brand: Monoprice
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 13.27 Pounds
• Dimensions: 4.72″D x 4.72″W x 4.72″H

Product Highlights

Only some 3D printer models will take up much of your space, and the Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer V2 is a clear example. This product has dimensions of only about 4.72 “D x 4.72 “W x 4.72 “H.

Thanks to that, I quickly placed the device on limited-sized desks like classroom desks. But for this reason, its workspace could be more extensive.

Despite its heavy weight, it is easy to move around because it is not bulky. So you will have the flexibility to position the device without worrying about transportation problems.

The Monoprice Select Mini 3D is a low-cost model with a pretty good build. In addition, the finished product it produces is also of absolutely high quality.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Compact
• Good price
• Easy to arrange
• Not too bulky
• Solid construction

Things to Consider

• Small working space

3. Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer: Best for Solid Design

Specifications

• Brand: Monoprice
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Color: Gray/Black
• Dimensions: 5.91″D x 5.91″W x 5.91″H

Product Highlights

Monoprice Voxel 3D is one of the best options if you have excellent financial ability. Each product has a highly sturdy construction, a durable surface, and an impressive glass cage design.

Its print quality is undisputed. So, I found that the resulting products have a solid surface and texture. But most importantly, its operation time is speedy.

With small models, it only took me about 15 to 20 minutes per turn, which is much faster than my previous printers.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Solid design
• Safe box
• Great print quality
• Quick action time

Things to Consider

• The price is high

4. LONGER Orange 30 Printer: Best for Tight Space

Specifications

• Brand: Longer
• Material: Resin
• Color: Orange

Product Highlights

The feature that impressed me the most about the LONGER Orange 30 is the extensive surface area. As a result, we can print many models or stably process large-sized models without manipulating them too many times.

You can choose this model to replace smaller products to save costs. Controlling this powerful machine is also quite simple because the available control mechanisms are relatively easy to understand.

You don’t have to use buttons to operate the 2.8-inch LCD touchscreen. Yet, you should read the user manual carefully because the import file operation will be pretty complicated.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Wide working surface
• Touch screen control
• Simple control mechanism
• Print large models or small models

Things to Consider

• Complicated file import

5. FlashForge Adventurer 3: Best for Ease to Use

Specifications

• Brand: FLASHFORGE
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 14.96″D x 15.28″W x 15.94″H

Product Highlights

FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer is a fuller version of Adventurer 3 Lite. So, this product possesses almost all the advantages of its predecessor.

As a result, the operation process is also easier and faster. Even older teachers won’t have much trouble manipulating it. FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer costs much more than the Lite version, but you get a more spacious workspace.

The sealed design also keeps the product stable for the right time and avoids exposure to impacts from children.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Easy to use
• Huge space
• Enclosed design
• Many support mechanisms

Things to Consider

• High price

6. Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer: Best for Budget

Specifications

• Brand: Creality 3D
• Material: Acrylic
• Color: Black

Product Highlights

Official Creality Ender is one of the few cheap options worth buying today. This product has a simple rack structure that is right for the price but is quite sturdy and easy to assemble.

It took me only 30 minutes to perfect the product. Even if you want to fine-tune parts, the process is simple.

Overall, this printer is an easy-to-use product for me. Although the printing speed could be faster, thanks to the rapid heating speed, the waiting time on the device is significantly reduced.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Solid frame
• Fast heating
• Easy to use
• Easy to fine-tune

Things to Consider

• Noisy fan

7. LONGER LK4 3D Printer: Best for Versatility

Specifications

• Brand: Longer
• Material: Metal
• Dimensions : 8.66″D x 8.66″W x 9.84″
• Item Weight: 19.3 Pounds

Product Highlights

The LONGER LK4 is not only easy to use in general but also easy to assemble. According to what the manufacturer provides, the machine is 90% complete and only needs the user to pair.

Indeed, it only took a few steps to assemble the device. If placed in a school environment where only a few people know about technology, the relevance increases even more.

Its structure is quite solid, so you do not have to fear that the machine will quickly be damaged. It won’t suffer severe damage if you don’t push it too hard.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Solid design
• Suitable for many ages
• Pre-assembled up to 90%
• The rest of the steps are simple

Things to Consider

• Supporting the poor community

8. Flashforge Dreamer 3D Printer: Best for Printing Quality

Specifications

• Brand: FLASHFORGE
• Color: Multicolored
• Item Weight: 11 Kilograms
• Supported File Format: STL

Product Highlights

If you are looking for a quality 3D printer that can create highly accurate models, then Flashforge Dreamer 3d Printer will be the right choice.

There is little to say about its printing quality. High perfection and minor errors are the most evident proof of the device’s worth. With highly high-quality finished products, Flashforge Dreamer 3d requires complex adjustment stages.

The operation of the machine is much simpler than I expected. The available wifi connection also makes the drawing file extraction process faster.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Easy to use
• High print quality
• Limit errors on products
• Wifi connection available

Things to Consider

• The price is too high

9. Official Creality Ender 3: Best for Mass Printing

Specifications

• Brand: Comgrow
• Material: Aluminum
• Dimensions : 8.7″D x 8.7″W x 9.8″H
• Item Weight: 14.6 Pounds

Product Highlights

If you intend to buy a series of 3D printer models for many different classrooms, the Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer is the right choice. Not only is the price advantageous, but this device does not require too much assembly.

Even an experienced user like me is bored with manipulating so many details. So you can rest assured about the ability to use the machine quickly.

Its operation is generally quite simple. So teachers or students will quickly learn how to use it without too much trial and error.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Good price
• Suitable for bulk use
• Easy to use for students
• It does not require much assembly

Things to Consider

• Missing premium features

10. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2 in 1: Best for Convenience

Specifications

• Brand: ELEGOO
• Dimensions : 7.8″D x 7.8″W x 13.8″H
• Access Location: Top Load
• Cycle Options: Rinse

Product Highlights

As a handy product, the versatility of the ELEGOO Mercury is exceptionally high. Instead of buying two printing and washing devices, I only need a combined effect. I save money, layout space, and operation time thanks to that.

The ELEGOO Mercury does an excellent job as both products simultaneously.

So you won’t need to worry about the machine only focusing on one stage and ignoring the rest. Also, the control steps will be complicated because of the many integrations involved.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Comfortable
• Save many factors
• Well perform the roles
• Combine multiple products in one

Things to Consider

• Difficult to control

Buying Guide

We need to pay attention to details when choosing 3d printers for schools. Yet, it would help if you focused on the factors below to make the correct choices.

Materials

There are many materials with which you can build the model you want. Yet, I recommend PLA because of its stable and non-toxic nature if you’re starting out.

If you have experience using and want to increase the quality of the model, then PVA or ABS plastic will be valuable options. It would help if you based your ability to choose the appropriate material.

Price

As mentioned above, my list provides some shallow cost options but is well worth it. So you need to refer to the information I provide and compare it with your needs to get the most reasonable choice.

Emissions

One of the biggest problems with 3D printers is the heat and noise generated when these devices operate. But if in the school space, the influence of these factors will much reduce.

Upgrade Feature

Upgraded features that significantly impact performance or simplicity of operation will be factors that you need to consider.

FAQs

How can 3D printing be used in school?

With 3D printers, students can print learning materials designed specifically for their classroom or create learning tools and materials.

Is a 3D printer good for a 12-year-old?

12 years old is a safe age to learn how to manipulate and use 3D printers

What are the disadvantages of 3D printing in education?

Soft materials, high product costs, difficulty to manage, and occupying a lot of space are issues that many schools have to deal with before deciding to apply 3D printers to their learning.

What 3D software do schools use?

Unity, 3ds Max Design, Maya, or Blender are the most popular software.

Can you make a living off of 3D printing?

With the increasing demand for printing models for many purposes, such as entertainment, science, medical or film production, you can make money with a 3D printer.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is the perfect product to consider. The Monoprice Select Mini 3D is suitable for places with limited space, while the Monoprice Voxel 3D is a highly sturdy product.

Do you have the same thoughts as me? Feel free to explore and choose the product that is best for school and suits your needs.