19.07.16
A recently launched 3D printing ecosystem is taking the Makerversity DIY lessons to schools across the globe, fostering a spirit of collaboration and inspiring many more young people to become future makers. PrintLab, is built around a unique online platform, they make great collaborations with product partners and resellers to create the best end-to-end 3D printing solutions. As a company, the PrintLab founders have been working in the 3D printing industry for several years, distributing over 3000 desktop 3D printers to markets all around the world. Using this experience they are now focused on giving customers access to the whole ecosystem through a new venture, PrintLab.
Their first mission is PrintLab Education, which is supporting schools and universities to develop their own 3D Printing Labs around the world. By collaborating with education focused brands and retailers across 6 continents, their online platform allows users to build their own 3D printing lab.
PrintLab Education covers everything required to ensure your 3D printing voyage is a successful one; from 3D printers to software, curriculum and materials, their aim is to offer bespoke solutions all from one platform. With initial collaborations including: Innofil3D, 3DPrinterOS, Makerversity DIY and Kidesign (another great Makerversity member!) whose products are then integrated with 3D printers and other solutions from PrintLab resellers worldwide schools do not have to look elsewhere.
By working with local sales partners, Printlab have created a tailored 3D printing system for each of their active countries, determined by the local demand and requirements. By combining the products of their collaboration partners with those offered by PrintLab’s local resellers on one easy-to-use platform, they can efficiently give schools & universities all the necessary tools to improve the way students engage with core subjects.
“We are really excited about the PrintLab education platform. The combination of equipment, software, materials and resources means that schools and other educators can get all that they need in one place. We are looking forwarding to seeing our Makerversity DIY lessons being used by schools across the globe!” Makerversity
PrintLab also aim to foster an ethos of collaboration. The 3D printing retailers they work with are one community who support each other every day using an online forum. They have created a central platform so that together they can share their experiences and knowledge with everyone, in a collaborative effort. 3D printing is not rocket science, however it can be disorienting to begin with. So they aim to offer users a simple informative experience, which means they can confidently build and customise their own PrintLab using an effortless online interface.
PrintLab also hope to inspire their community by offering free downloadable resources they have created such as how-to guides and free lessons. In addition, users will have tons of stories, articles and case studies to browse. If you are ready to start your own 3D printing expedition, simply Build your Lab and the local PrintLab reseller will be in touch to assist you through take off!
Words – Sarah Mcloughlin, Makerversity Learning Development & Strategy Manager
3d Printing at Makerversity