The SKETCH Classroom Bundle is one of the most robust 3D printing offerings from MakerBot and allows students to design and create 3D objects remotely.

1. At just 17 inches tall, the MakerBot SKETCH 3D printers are easy to move and store.
2. The SKETCH Classroom system includes two printers, filaments, build plates, and more.
3. Students can create designs using many file types, including MakerBot, STL, IGES, and more.
4. The MakerBot SKETCH is compatible with Windows (7 and 10) and Mac OS X (10.12+) devices.
5. Using MakerBot Cloud, students can select their printer type and pair it with the actual machine.
6. This software enables them to design and create 3D prints from anywhere—even remotely.


The SKETCH Bundle from MakerBot is a 3D printing solution with a lot of helpful features for students and teachers. It’s compact in size, allowing for easier classroom integration and it comes with complete access to the robust MakerBot Cloud platform, MakerBot certification licenses, and hundreds of lesson plan ideas for teachers. It is the MakerBot Cloud platform, however, that helps to make this system extra valuable—in all-purpose environments, especially. Students can create designs remotely and send them to the SKETCH printer from absolutely anywhere with an Internet connection. They no longer need to be in the same room as the printer to experience impactful 3D printing lessons.



On our store (and below), you’ll find the SKETCH 3D printer in the SKETCH Large Classroom Bundle, the SKETCH Large Two-Printer Setup, the SKETCH Large Single Printer Setup, SKETCH Single Printer Setup, SKETCH 3D Classroom Bundle, and their original MakerBot SKETCH Classroom solution. This first bundle includes two MakerBot SKETCH 3D printers, six spools of PLA filaments, four build plates, two spatulas, two snips, and access to virtual resources from the MakerBot team. The other 3D printing bundles include many of the same materials and MakerCare protection with some. The SKETCH printer, specifically, uses fused deposition modeling and can create builds 5.9 inches x 5.9 inches x 5.9 inches in size. In terms of materials, it works with MakerBot’s SKETCH PLA filament as well as their SKETCH Tough Material. And, it's just 17 inches tall, 16.6 inches wide, and 14.4 inches deep, easily fitting into classroom spaces. 


When it comes to software for creating 3D designs, the MakerBot Print software is the answer. With this technology, students can build their designs using many file types, including MakerBot, STL, SolidWorks, InventorOBJ, IGES, STEP, and more. The SKETCH is also compatible with Windows 7, Windows 10, and Mac OS X (10.12+) operating systems. Some CAD plugins it supports will include SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Onshape, and Autodesk Inventor. It also requires 100-240 volts of power for operation. 


makerbot sketch 3d printers


Nevertheless, the true value of the MakerBot SKETCH is the potential for students to print from anywhere using MakerBot CloudPrint. Students can pair this software with their in-class 3D printers. This lets them design prints from home and have them print in school. This was particularly valuable for students when in a hybrid learning model, but it's still helpful with everyone back at school. Now, educators can also assign 3D printing homework after checking to ensure all students have Internet access at home. To access their remote printing dashboard, head to the MakerBot login page. There is no installation process required for starting out with MakerBot Cloud and students can also use it simultaneously.


Once there, you’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one or sign in to that account. Once signed in, you'll see a list of tabs on the left side of your screen. Clicking on the My Printers tab will display any printers that you’ve connected to. You can then click Add a Printer if you are able to pair this computer with a printer right away or click Prepare a File Online to get started with designing. This brings you into the design field and allows you to upload any .stl or .MakerBot designs to work from. You can add your models by clicking Add Models and scale and rotate the digital representation for the best view. Be sure you select SKETCH, specifically, from the dropdown list of MakerBot printers in the top right corner. 


makerbot cloud 3d printing interface for the makerbot sketch 3d printer


It might be best to show students how to access the dashboard while together for a lesson and then have them get started with designing their prints afterwards. If you can pair their computers with their 3D printer, that would also be great. It would help save class time and reduce student confusion if they’re trying to get started remotely. The MakerBot Certification courses might also be helpful for teachers who'd benefit from discovering tips about the printer and software. It involves self-paced and interactive training that includes valuable information for not only using the 3D printers, but also how to maximize them and equip students with the right skills. 


Above all, the MakerBot Cloud environment provides educators with all of the traditional MakerBot tools in an online format. This certainly helps make remote 3D printing easier without necessarily compromising the learning experiences. MakerBot CloudPrint even integrates with Google Classroom, making it possible for teachers to offer cloud-based 3D printing as a regular part of the curriculum. On top of that, students can easily transfer designs they've created with programs like TinkerCad, Fusion 360, and Onshape over to the MakerBot software for printing.


If you want to learn more about the MakerBot SKETCH, click below or check the MakerBot section on our store. If you have any specific questions, feel free to get in touch with our team! Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram as well and sign up for our newsletter for all of our latest updates.


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