Real Data. Real Results. Real Welders.
A groundbreaking study by Iowa State University compared traditional welding training with a 50/50 blended model that integrated virtual reality using Lincoln Electric’s VRTEX® system. The results speak for themselves:
- 42% increase in overall certification rates
- 23% decrease in training time
- Significant reduction in material costs—over $2,600 in total savings
- Higher student engagement and collaborative learning
- More welds completed in less time without waste
Students using virtual welding could start over instantly, practice more frequently, and refine their skills without using metal, gas, or electricity—while still achieving better results.
Want to visualize the difference? Download the infographic poster for an at-a-glance summary of this influential study.
Empowering Education Through 3D Printing
UltiMaker is a global leader in professional desktop 3D printing, renowned for delivering accessible, reliable, and high-performance additive manufacturing solutions. In the world of education and technical training, UltiMaker's printers are empowering instructors and students alike by turning ideas into tangible models—bridging the gap between theory and practice. From middle school makerspaces to advanced engineering labs, UltiMaker’s user-friendly ecosystem provides educators with the tools they need to build 21st-century skills through hands-on, project-based learning.
Built for the classroom, UltiMaker’s printers—such as the S3 and S5—offer seamless workflows, intuitive software integration, and a broad material compatibility, making them ideal for cross-curricular applications in STEM, CTE, and design programs. Educators can unlock student creativity while teaching real-world problem-solving, prototyping, and design thinking—critical skills that prepare learners for success in today’s rapidly evolving industries.
With an extensive library of lesson plans, curriculum support, and a global community of educators, UltiMaker is more than a technology provider—it's a partner in shaping the future of education. Whether you’re launching a makerspace, enhancing a Fab Lab, or incorporating additive manufacturing into your existing curriculum, UltiMaker provides scalable solutions to fit your goals.
Explore the Right Material for Every Application
From classroom creativity to industrial production, UltiMaker offers a wide range of 3D printing materials tailored to your workflow. Whether you're teaching students with the Sketch Series, prototyping with the Method Series, or engineering with precision on the S Series, each platform features a curated lineup of filaments designed for reliability, performance, and ease of use. Find the perfect material for your project—whether it’s PLA for hands-on learning or carbon fiber composites for functional parts.
S Series Materials
The UltiMaker S Series is built for advanced prototyping and professional-grade results. Its open-material platform supports everything from easy-to-use PLA to engineering composites like Nylon and carbon fiber. Whether you're teaching future engineers or developing functional prototypes, the S Series materials deliver strength, accuracy, and flexibility across a wide range of classroom and industrial applications.
Method Series Materials
Designed for dimensionally accurate, production-quality prints, Method Series materials include high-performance polymers, composites, and dissolvable supports. Extensively tested for reliability, these filaments meet the demands of engineering classrooms and manufacturing workflows where precision and strength are critical.
Sketch Series Materials
Sketch Series materials are classroom-ready and student-safe, offering PLA and Tough PLA designed for seamless use with the MakerBot Sketch Sprint. Lightweight, easy to load, and low-maintenance, these filaments make it simple for educators to bring creative, hands-on learning to STEM and design programs.
Ultimaker S Series Materials for Classroom Innovation
The Ultimaker S Series—featuring the S3, S5, S7 and S8—is built to handle an expansive range of materials that support both foundational learning and advanced engineering projects. These printers are compatible with Ultimaker's curated material lineup, including PLA, PETG, Tough PLA, ABS, CPE, Nylon, and third-party composites like carbon fiber-infused filaments. This flexibility makes the S Series ideal for schools, colleges, and workforce training centers focused on delivering real-world, project-based learning experiences.
With open-material access, NFC-enabled spools, and pre-configured print profiles in Ultimaker Cura, instructors can confidently integrate the right material for every lesson or prototype. Whether teaching design principles or preparing students for careers in product development, manufacturing, or engineering, the S Series materials offer consistent quality, strong layer adhesion, and dependable results across a wide range of applications.
Explore compatible support materials: View Ultimaker S Series Support Materials
The UltiMaker S8 redefines what’s possible in desktop 3D printing for education and professional prototyping. With up to four times the productivity of its predecessor, the S8 combines blazing-fast performance with remarkable print accuracy—±0.15 mm at a 0.15 mm layer height. This leap in capability is driven by the innovative UltiMaker Cheetah motion planner, which ensures smooth, high-speed operation without sacrificing part quality.
Enhanced by new high-flow print cores and an upgraded dual-gear feeder system, the S8 is built to meet the demands of engineering classrooms, labs, and advanced manufacturing programs. Whether you're scaling classroom projects or iterating industrial-grade designs, the S8 delivers the throughput and precision needed to keep up with your curriculum or production goals.
Precision You Can Print
Built for accuracy, reliability, and real-world performance, Method Series materials are manufactured to strict quality and diameter standards. These manufacturing-grade and high-performance filaments are engineered to deliver repeatable results across complex geometries, functional assemblies, and production-ready parts.
With a diverse lineup—including durable polymers, composite materials, and precision dissolvable supports—the Method Series empowers users to print complex mechanical components, strong end-use tools, and fine-detail prototypes with minimal post-processing. Whether you're working in design, engineering, or advanced manufacturing education, Method Series materials provide the consistency and strength required for high-stakes applications.
Method Series Polymers
Print functional prototypes and mechanical assemblies with Method Series polymer materials engineered for industrial performance and dimensional accuracy.
Method Series Composites
Boost strength and durability with Method Series composite materials, designed for high-performance tools, fixtures, and end-use parts.
Method Series Support Materials
Experience effortless post-processing with Method Series support materials, designed for precision removal and flawless print quality.
3D Printing Materials Made for the Classroom
MakerBot Sketch Series materials are specifically designed to support safe, consistent, and hands-on 3D printing in educational environments. Featuring reliable PLA and Tough PLA options, these filaments empower students and teachers to bring ideas to life—whether creating classroom models, prototypes, or design projects.
With a 1.75 mm diameter and 500g spool size, Sketch Series materials are optimized for fast-loading, low-maintenance printing. Non-toxic and classroom-safe, these essentials give educators confidence while encouraging students to explore STEM learning through real-world applications and creativity.
UltiMaker S Series Support Materials have been specifically formulated and rigorously tested to work with a broad range of build materials. This ensures dependable dual-extrusion performance, excellent layer adhesion, and clean separation—whether printing intricate overhangs, internal channels, or multi-part assemblies. By maintaining dimensional accuracy and surface quality, these support materials help educators and engineers create complex geometries without compromising print reliability or wasting time on post-processing. When used with UltiMaker Cura’s pre-configured profiles, they provide a seamless, plug-and-play experience that maximizes print success across classroom and industrial applications.
High-Performance Polymers for Functional Prototypes
Method Series Polymers offer unmatched print reliability and mechanical performance for prototyping and production. These real-world, engineering-grade thermoplastics—such as ABS, ASA, PETG, and PC-ABS—allow users to create highly detailed mechanical assemblies, brackets, and enclosures with professional precision.
Built for demanding environments, these materials are formulated to deliver superior impact resistance, thermal stability, and dimensional accuracy. When paired with Method’s controlled heated chamber and dual extrusion system, even complex parts can be printed with minimal warping or distortion.
- Designed for structural applications and functional prototypes
- Industrial-grade polymers with production-level performance
- Validated print profiles for predictable, repeatable results
- Ideal for automotive, aerospace, tooling, and product design
Support Materials for Complex, High-Quality Prints
Method Series Support materials are engineered for clean, efficient removal—whether using dissolvable supports for internal cavities or breakaway supports for faster workflows. These materials are precisely tuned to work with Method’s dual extrusion system, ensuring perfect adhesion during printing and clean separation during post-processing.
Whether printing intricate assemblies, overhangs, or internal structures, Method support materials give users the freedom to design without limitation—no scraping or sanding required.
- Dissolvable or breakaway options for versatile applications
- Easy removal with no surface damage
- Perfect for printing internal channels and complex overhangs
- Streamlines workflow and reduces post-processing time
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Item Number:PTT-ARD2-001Introduce students to programming and robotics with the MINDS-i 2-in-1 Arduino Robot Kit. Build and program Hexabot and Line Follower robots using real sensors, servos, and Arduino technology.
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Let your students build employable skills by working on state-of-the-art real-world systems that teach the procedures required to work safely on today’s vehicles.
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Item Number:MCK-AFTR-BLU/RED/ORN/GRNExplore the MINDS-i Autonomous Self-Driving Farming Lab with Sprayer Trailer and RTK Base Station. Give students hands-on experience with autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, GPS navigation, and applied STEM learning.
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Item Number:MCK-MRLB-001Explore new frontiers in STEM education with the MINDS-i STEM Integrated Robotics: an Autonomous Self-Driving Mars Rover. This rover, equipped with cutting-edge GPS and IMU technology, elevates STEM learning by immersing students in programming, electromechanical systems, and autonomous navigation.
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To engage and reach learners with a variety of learning styles, Amatrol’s Aviation Maintenance Training program features a robust combination of learning methods to provide an outstanding learning experience that includes both comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills valuable throughout industry.
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Item Number:211ADAC’s Axial Compressor Model (211A) depicts a highly detailed scale model depicting features of industrial axial air compressors commonly used in oil and gas production.
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Release B1, protection grade IP68, focus on industrial landing, industrial super-large payload, dust-proof and waterproof.
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Item Number:BHLSimlog’s Backhoe Loader Personal Simulator puts trainees at the controls of a backhoe loader (BHL) at work in a typical construction site. Special configuration parameters enable instructors to modify the 3D modeling, allowing them to select one of five possible color combinations and set the number of lift arm cylinders to either one or two.
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Item Number:253DAC Worldwide’s Ball Valve Cutaway (253) takes classroom training in the operation, construction, and maintenance of an industrial ball valve and enhances it by providing a visual, hands-on learning aid. The fully-detailed examples of industrial downsized valves give learners a first-hand view inside a component that is found in various maintenance applications worldwide.
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Item Number:295-711DAC Worldwide’s Barrel Choke Valve Cutaway (295-711) is an industrial valve sample for training in the operation, construction, and maintenance of a fixed (bean-type) choke valve.


















