XYZPrinting Debuts 3D Printer for Education

XYZPrinting, a manufacturer of 3D printers, has unveiled its first education-focused 3D printer, the da Vinci miniMaker.

The da Vinci miniMaker is the first printer in the company's da Vinci 3D printer product line that is designed to be simple to operate for use in science, technology, engineering, art and math classrooms. With its rounded corners and primary colors, the printer looks like a toy but offers beginner-friendly 3D printing capabilities, according to information from the company.

Key features of the da Vinci miniMaker include:

  • An auto-calibration system that is designed to simplify the process of creating high-quality prints;
  • A small, lightweight design that measures 5.9-inches in all three dimensions; and
  • Support for XYZprinting's biodegradable, non-toxic PLA filament only.

The da Vinci miniMaker also comes with access to XYZprinting's Educational Ecosystem, which includes 3D printing-based curricula and corresponding projects.

Components of the XYZprinting Educational Ecosystem include:

  • XYZmaker 3D modeling software, providing beginners with a model library and tools to generate shapes and objects;
  • XYZprinting STEAM online curriculum exchange program for educators; and
  • XYZ 3D Gallery, which offers more than 4,500 free 3D printable models such as educational items, art designs, toys and games.

The da Vinci miniMaker 3D printer is now available for pre-order in the United States on Amazon.com for a retail price of $229. The printers are expected to begin shipping in fall 2016.

Further information about the da Vinci miniMaker can be found on XYZPrinting's site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • classroom scene with students gathered around a laptop showing a virtual tour interface

    Discovery Education Announces Spring Lineup of Free Virtual Field Trips

    This Spring, Discovery Education is collaborating with partners such as Warner Bros., DC Comics, National Science Foundation, NBA, and more to present a series of free virtual field trips for K-12 students.

  • glowing padlock shape integrated into a network of interconnected neon-blue lines and digital nodes, set against a soft, blurred geometric background

    3 in 4 Administrators Expect a Security Incident to Impact Their School This Year

    In an annual survey from education identity platform Clever, 74% of administrators admitted that they believe a security incident is likely to impact their school system in the coming year. That's up from 71% who said the same last year.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.