| The MakerBot METHOD 3D printer provides students and makers with top-notch precision, accuracy, results, and CAD integration.
1. Students can download or design models and MakerBot Print translates it to a 3D design. |
These days, it can be tough to keep the hands-on element of STEAM education in all instruction. It's sometimes even more challenging to do so using 3D printing. Since returning to school buildings, STEM educators have struggled to provide students with hands-on experiences. This is because they’ve been focusing on core curriculum requirements for the most part—something that’s not always conducive to teaching 3D printing. MakerBot's solutions, however, including the incredibly powerful MakerBot METHOD 3D printer, help make it easier to return to STEM experiences with only Wi-Fi and a computer. So, here are some of the most important things teachers should know about the MakerBot METHOD, including its potential to enhance STEAM learning.
Get to know the MakerBot METHOD.
This isn't your typical MakerBot METHOD review and it's important for us to distinguish that the MakerBot METHOD is different from the MakerBot METHOD X. It's more affordable though not as capable as the METHOD X. They're also both equipped with high-temperature build chambers to provide makers with greater power. A key difference between the two printers, however, has to do with the recently released RapidRinse and ABS-R filaments. They're compatible with only the MakerBot METHOD X and not the MakerBot METHOD but, if you're considering a 3D printer upgrade, they're definitely worth exploring.
With the MakerBot RapidRinse filaments, students and makers can print incredibly precise ABS parts with the simplicity of PLA. Once they have a part produced, dropping it in some tap water dissolves the supports into nothing. This unique filament enables students to get the perfect part with unparalleled simplicity and uniqueness. Since they dissolve in tap water, this also ensures students can use these filaments in just about any environment. As for the new MakerBot ABS-R filament, this option comes with a 98 percent jam reduction guarantee and enables easy building of prototypes, tools, and other parts. It works with MakerBot RapidRinse as well and provides 3D printing experiences that are repeatable and consistent.
Like most 3D printers, the METHOD melts materials and extrudes them onto the build plate in very thin lines. It goes layer by layer to create the object. Though it is a fairly cheap 3D printer, the METHOD has a heated build chamber that allows for the printed material to cool slowly—a process known as fused deposition modeling. This process is common in 3D printing and can also help minimize both warping and curling of the printed filaments. The METHOD can also facilitate single or dual extrusion. This allows students to design prints with a build volume of 19 x 19 x 19.6 cm (L x W x H) in single extrusion and 15.2 x 19 x 19.6 (L x W x H) in dual extrusion.
As for specifications, it's 25.6 inches high, 16.3 inches wide, and 17.2 inches thick, making it fairly sizable. It's not too big for a school or library setting, however. It does weigh 65 pounds on its own and also has a shipping weight of just under 82 pounds if that’s something you need to take in to consideration when weighing (no pun intended) different potential printer purchases. On the electrical side of things, the METHOD requires 100-240 VAC of power (400 W MAX). For comparison, its counterpart, the MakerBot METHOD X, requires a bit more. Other notable exterior parts include two material drawer bays at the bottom, which are used for storing supplies, like filaments. There's also the touchscreen, which is located in the top right corner.
You might be excited to start using your MakerBot METHOD and understandably so. The MakerBot team has included specific unboxing instructions, however, to ensure the printer does not get damaged. Teachers may need help to get the printer out of the box and placed where they want it. Start by removing the foam pieces from the sides of the printer and lift the lid to make moving it easier. It may take two people to lift the printer from the box while grasping the handles on its side. The starter kit, which is in the drawer of the printer, contains the power cord. Find the power input on the back of the printer and connect the cord to the machine and power. The power button is on the front of the printer and, once it powers on, additional instructions appear on the touchscreen.
Now, for more on that starter kit. This handy kit contains a bunch of helpful tools for getting started with the MakerBot METHOD and for students and teachers to use with the printer. These include a spring steel build plate, a model performance extruder, a support performance extruder, a cleaning brush, a leveling hex key, and the power cord. We should also mention that, if following this blog, the included manual, or a guide on the MakerBot website, information may change from time to time.
The MakerBot METHOD hardware.
If you notice conflicting information between what you’re reading and what’s on the touchscreen, it’s best to follow the touchscreen since it's updated frequently. The setup process includes connecting the printer to the Internet, authorizing the printer, attaching the performance extruders, calibrating the printer, loading the print materials, and running a test print.
One of the most important components of the METHOD is its touchscreen. Using this touchscreen, students and makers can manage both the printer and the 3D printing process. It also allows them to change the printer’s settings at any time and monitor the progress of a print. This is how students can print objects from a flash drive or start new prints from the MakerBot Print software. There are six display categories on the touchscreen, which you can see below: Print, Extruders, Settings, Info, Material, and Advanced.
Running print jobs on the MakerBot METHOD.
To start a new print, select the Print option if the print is being stored on a flash drive. It will then display a list of available files and you can select the one you want. Next, you’ll need to choose a .makerbot file that has been exported from MakerBot Print and click Start Print to begin. You can then monitor the process and a notification will appear on the touchscreen when it’s complete!
One of the other important things students need to know is how to load the printing material. This can be done by selecting the Material icon on the touchscreen. Next, they'll cut the end of the material they’re inserting so that it has a clean edge. Then, using the touchscreen, they'll select whether it will be loaded into Material Bay 1 or 2. Additional instructions will then appear on the screen to help students complete this important process. Also, if you need to unload material from the printer for any reason, this involves a similar process. There is an option on the touchscreen to unload material from either bay. Once you select this option, instructions will appear on the screen and students can proceed.
We know there's a lot that goes into learning how to best use a 3D printer, especially one as powerful and intricate as the MakerBot METHOD. For more in-depth suggestions and tips, feel free to visit the MakerBot section of our store. Also, if you have any questions, including the discount options to the MakerBot METHOD price, our team can help get you answers and help you maximize your instructional 3D printing experience. To find our MakerBot METHOD offerings, click below. You can also visit the 3D Printing section of our store for accessories and more. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more STEM content as well as EdTech Tips & Tricks!
