I’m helping out with 3D Printing/Makerspace at a summer STEM camp. I will have 30-60 students working in the makerspace during the week as well as 3D printing models for the other STEM camp teachers with another 90 students. Based on last year’s camp my current kit printers can’t keep up with the demand. Ideally, I would be able to print a design for each student in a 2-3 day period. I have the 2014 guide to 3D printing but there have been a lot of new printers announced/released in the meantime.
I’m curious about the new generation Makerbot’s speed claims but haven’t read any hands on reviews by owners. The Ultimaker2 looks promising but the lead time may prevent buying one in this budget cycle. Any recommendations for a shipping printer with speed and reliability that can crank out parts? $2-3K but cheaper is always better.
I’ve also got an eye on scanners. Makerbot dropped prices to $750 but I would really like full color and the ability to scan small objects. Students will be working on lego scale models so would like a way to scan minifig size models to scan and then 3D print with minimal cleanup time.
Thanks for any advice.