• Welding Certification Rate Improvement

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.

  • Ultimaker materials for 3D printing in STEM and CTE programs

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 compatible materials including PLA, PETG, and composites

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.

  • MakerBot Method Series materials for accurate and reliable 3D printing

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.

Durable Engineering Polymers for Method Series Printers

Method Series Polymers

Print functional prototypes and mechanical assemblies with Method Series polymer materials engineered for industrial performance and dimensional accuracy.

High-Performance Composite Material for Stronger Prints

Method Series Composites

Boost strength and durability with Method Series composite materials, designed for high-performance tools, fixtures, and end-use parts.

Method Support Materials for Clean, Accurate Prints

Method Series Support Materials

Experience effortless post-processing with Method Series support materials, designed for precision removal and flawless print quality.

  • Sketch Series PLA and Tough PLA for Classroom 3D Printing

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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  • Amatrol HVAC/R Learning Systems
    Item Number:
    T7130
    With Amatrol’s Residential Mini-Split Heat Pump Learning System (T7130) you can teach the critical hands-on technical skills HVAC/R technicians need when working with residential ductless (“mini-split”) HVAC systems. Students will work with real equipment, including a heat pump condenser, evaporator unit, thermostat, panel-mounted gauges, and condensate pump.
  • Real Equipment for HVAC Training
    Item Number:
    950-SH1
    Amatrol’s Steam System Training System (950-SH1) introduces learners to the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of steam systems and their application in paper mills, commercial and residential settings, power companies, and even nuclear submarines.
  • Stratasys F370 and F170 FDM 3D Printers
    Item Number:
    F170 / F370
    The Stratasys F Series is the ultimate, all-in-one rapid prototyping system for your entire team. It combines the power of FDM with the ease of GrabCAD Print for the most versatile and intelligent solution available.
  • Stratasys PolyJet 3D Printer Family
    Item Number:
    J55
    The Stratasys J55 Prime 3D printer introduces full color, high fidelity with tactile, functional, and sensory capabilities - making the efficiency and quality of PolyJet Technology more affordable and office-friendly than ever.
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    Item Number:
    J850 DAP
    The Stratasys J850™ Digital Anatomy™ 3D Printer combines materials and software to create 3D medical models of human anatomy that mimic bone and tissue with realism you can see and feel.
  • HVAC/R Training Equipment
    Item Number:
    T7081
    Understanding HVAC/R, geothermal, refrigeration, and steam systems requires a good hold on the basics. With Amatrol's T7081 Applied Thermal Science Trainer, you can provide the hands-on training your students or employees need.
  • Robotic Welding Education
    Item Number:
    APTARC50
    Welding programs that want to teach the latest technologies will add robotic welding to their program offering. This easy-to-program collaborative robot...
  • BOFA Americas Fume Extraction

    BOFA’s Advantage 350 fume extraction and filtration system effectively removes potentially harmful fumes and particulates created during the laser marking process. By maintaining a dust-free operating area, the system helps to protect valuable equipment, maintain a higher quality mark, and reduce the number of rejects and contaminants.

    The quiet and compact Advantage 350 is ideal for use in light-duty laser marking applications, including schools, sign making workshops and small-scale industrial environments.

  • High-volume laser extraction system

    Our largest high-volume fume extractor with unique Gullwing filter access design making filter exchange quick, safe and easy.

    BOFA’s AD 4000 laser fume extraction unit combines large filter capacity with high airflows. This combination makes the AD 4000 ideal for large laser engravers, laser cutters as well as multiple laser coding installations.

    Easily accessible filters are accommodated by the uniquely styled gas spring assisted ‘Gull Winged’ doors, which allow for maximum space and ease when changing filters.

  • High-end laser extraction system

    BOFA’s AD 1000 iQ high end laser extraction system combines extremely large filter capacity with high airflow and pressure rates, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty applications that generate large amounts of particulate and gaseous organic compounds.

    Performance has now been further enhanced with the inclusion of several new features including BOFA’s new iQ Operating System, making the new AD 1000 iQ one of the most advanced system available.

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