Anybody hear of this - 3D printers for every FIRST team

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by MrRiedemanJACC

Thanks for the link to the Makerbot Academy!!!! I just applied, says 5 days for the application to get reviewed. I'm crossing my fingers because if I read it right, you only need approximately $100 for a Replicator 2, that isn't going to be a problem at all to find from local business.

It looks like right now only schools in Brooklyn, NY qualify for the "almost home" funding. Are you reading something I'm missing?

[pfreivald]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

It looks like right now only schools in Brooklyn, NY qualify for the "almost home" funding. Are you reading something I'm missing?

Right, it looks like anybody can apply for the project, but only the Brooklyn schools qualify for the extra moolah.

[techhelpbb]

A few issues I should bring up:

MakerBot recommends the Replicator 2 for PLA and the Replicator 2X for ABS.

MakerBot takes their MakerCare requirements quite seriously. If you manage to acquire a MakerBot printer make sure to follow all their directions for any issue precisely. Do not get clever and use the printer outside of the recommendations or you may find yourself unsupported under MakerCare. A Replicator 2X printer dual extruder head assembly (steppers, fans, ceramics, hot end) costs $500 and the MakerCare costs $500. The hot end assembly alone is $250. Always consider the long term costs of anything that you have to think carefully before you buy and make sure you can afford to keep it working.

Also they offer classes for the Replicator 2 not the 2X. So I can go about 10 minutes away in Manhattan, NYC and take a class for $35 but not for the 2X and they really won't cover the 2X during that class. I can also not buy printer parts in the Manhattan store though I can buy printers and materials (if only everything was always on schedule and I would never need to acquire anything on short notice )

I just bring this up because not all 3D printers are equal. There are very real differences between the products, the capabilities, the software, the wearability of the prints and your experience with the company(s) providing the printer or the parts. I strongly recommend doing sufficient research before you build or buy. One size does not fit all.

[pfreivald]

We are NOT a Brooklyn team (by about 300 miles), and MakerBot just covered all but $100, and our DonorsChoose.org project was fully funded in about 20 minutes....we're getting a MakerBot 2 for Christmas!

So, were I you, I'd get on this right away!

[safiq10]

We're also getting a 3d printer for christmas!!!! Everyone should apply

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by pfreivald

We are NOT a Brooklyn team (by about 300 miles), and MakerBot just covered all but $100, and our DonorsChoose.org project was fully funded in about 20 minutes....we're getting a MakerBot 2 for Christmas!

So, were I you, I'd get on this right away!

Incredible opportunity. Thank you so much for sharing!

[Jimmy Nichols]

Very interested to see how this will work for teams not working in their schools.