MakerBot
ActiveOverview
MakerBot is a manufacturer of desktop 3D printers, originally focused on consumer and professional markets and now dedicated to education as a sub-brand of UltiMaker.14 It produces printers used in classrooms, STEM curricula, engineering, and design.24 The brand is notable for pioneering accessible desktop 3D printing based on the RepRap project and its acquisition history.1
History
MakerBot Industries was founded in January 2009 by Bre Pettis, Adam Mayer, and Zach 'Hoeken' Smith in New York City to advance the RepRap Project.1 It opened a 50,000 square foot factory in Brooklyn in 2013 to scale production.2 The company was acquired by Stratasys in June 2013.1 In 2022, MakerBot merged with Ultimaker, evolving into an education-focused sub-brand.4
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| METHOD Series | Professional-grade education 3D printers | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Sketch Series | Entry-level classroom 3D printers | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Replicator Series | Desktop 3D printers for makers | $1,800 - $4,000 |
Manufacturing
MakerBot historically manufactured in-house at a factory in Brooklyn, New York.25 Current production details post-merger with UltiMaker are not specified in available sources.
Notable Products
- MakerBot Replicator - Early desktop 3D printer model that popularized accessible 3D printing.
- MakerBot Replicator 2 - Improved version with enclosed build area and better print quality.
- METHOD X - Industrial-grade printer with heated chamber for engineering materials.
- Sketch Classroom Edition - Education-oriented printer designed for school environments.
Reputation
MakerBot is recognized by enthusiasts for making 3D printing accessible through early RepRap-derived models.1 Professionals value its education-focused printers for STEM integration post-2022 merger.4 Criticisms include quality control issues after Stratasys acquisition and a shift from open-source roots to proprietary systems.1