I currently am using my own 3D printer in my middle school and it is a Lulzbot Mini.  It was about 1250.00 and filament is around 42.00 a roll.  Depending on how much you print, you won't need to replace the filament too often.  I recommend getting as many colors as possible when you have the funds so when there is less or no funding you will be set:)

Shannon McNceice has been using a Makerbot and likes it---maybe she can weigh in with more details:)

One thing to consider as you plan on going forward is how will you teach teachers and students to use it?  I am currently work on this and one thing I am planning to do is to offer an Intro to 3D printing class for students who have 1. joined my Makerspace Google Classroom and 2. completed a google form that indicates they are interested.  It will sort of be like earning a badge...although I am not sure what it will allow them to do.  I want students to not just print things 'for fun' or the heck of it because ultimately it can be a waste of materials and add to the landfills.  Shannon came up with a cool application that we have students complete to request a print that she could maybe share:)

Keep us posted about how things work out!!!  There are so many amazing things that can be done with a 3D printer so I am excited you have the opportunity to get one.

Melissa

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On Thu, Apr 5, 2018 at 4:28 PM, Audra Good <audra@optonline.net> wrote:
I’d like to get a 3D printer in our elementary school makerspace- suggestions on the best make and model for an elementary school for basic 3D printing? It will be housed in the library but I want to get a cart so teachers can borrow it. Also some come with curriculum, what are your experiences with that? We have funding to purchase but I’m not sure what future funding will look like.

Audra Good

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