MakerBot Sketch Large: More Build Volume for the Classroom
Last Updated: April 26, 2026
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When a class of 30 students sends designs to a standard desktop printer, the queue can run into the next lesson. The MakerBot Sketch Large is built to fix that. It fits up to 10 student projects on one build plate at once, meaning fewer print cycles and more students seeing their work finished within the same period.
MakerBot has added the Sketch Large to the Sketch platform as the large-format option for schools. It brings the same enclosed design and cloud-based management as the rest of the range, with a bigger build volume for classes that need to scale output.
The Sketch Large holds up to 10 student projects on one build plate simultaneously. For a teacher managing a STEM unit, that means running one print cycle instead of three or four. Less time waiting means more time for students to iterate on their designs.
The printer has a fully enclosed chamber with a built-in particulate filter to contain emissions. A heated, flexible build plate helps prints adhere on the first layer and releases finished prints cleanly. Touchscreen controls, an onboard camera, material sensors, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity are all built in.
The Sketch Large is available as a single unit or a two-unit classroom package for larger cohorts.
Each unit ships with everything needed to start printing from day one.
Hardware: One Sketch Large 3D printer with enclosed chamber, particulate filter, heated build plate, touchscreen, and onboard camera.
Materials: Three spools of MakerBot PLA. The printer also supports MakerBot Tough PLA for more demanding student projects.
Accessories: One extra build plate, spatula, snips, and replacement nozzles for ongoing classroom use.
Training licences: One teacher licence and 15 student licences for MakerBot Certification programmes.
Software: MakerBot CloudPrint with Google Classroom integration and print queuing. Teachers manage student submissions from a single dashboard. Students do not need to be at the printer to submit their work.
Resources: Over 600 lesson plans and projects across all year levels through MakerBot Education on Thingiverse.
As a 3D printer for schools, the Sketch Large is one of the more complete out-of-the-box packages in the MakerBot Sketch range. Schools do not need to source training, materials, or software separately.
The Sketch Large includes ISTE-certified online training with 15 hours of curriculum for teachers and students. The programme covers basic printer operation through to design thinking for students. Teachers also have access to a curriculum creation pathway to embed 3D printing more deeply into their subjects.
Training is self-paced and runs through the cloud platform. Teachers and students work through it on their own schedule, without needing to book external professional development.
Nadav Goshen, CEO at UltiMaker, described the thinking behind the Sketch platform:
"Supporting 3D printing and STEAM education continues to be one of our core tenets. We believe that making 3D printing more accessible will empower students to take their creativity to the next level. With the new SKETCH Large, educators and students can amplify their ideas and designs, unfettered by the limitations of a printer. But 3D printing is more than just the printer, which is why we are continuously improving our education ecosystem — one of the most comprehensive and established 3D printing solutions on the market for educators. We aim to give educators and students the tools and resources they need to unleash their creativity and unlock the possibilities in learning."
Schools looking for classroom examples can read our educator spotlight on the MakerBot Sketch Classroom to see how teachers are integrating the Sketch platform in practice. For schools focused on print speed within a single class period, the MakerBot Sketch Sprint delivers print speeds up to five times higher than standard desktop printers.
The MakerBot Sketch Large is available now through Australian 3D Printers. Contact us to request a quote or view the full MakerBot Sketch range to find the right fit for your school's 3D printing for education programme.
How many student projects fit on the MakerBot Sketch Large build plate?
The MakerBot Sketch Large fits up to 10 student projects on one build plate at the same time. This cuts the number of print cycles needed during a lesson. More students see their designs completed without waiting through multiple runs.
What software does the Sketch Large use?
The Sketch Large uses MakerBot CloudPrint. It integrates with Google Classroom and includes print queuing so student submissions are managed from a single dashboard. Teachers prepare, manage, and monitor jobs from any device.
Is the Sketch Large safe for classroom use?
Yes. The printer has a fully enclosed chamber with a built-in particulate filter to contain emissions during printing. Compatible materials are MakerBot PLA and Tough PLA, both designed for classroom environments.
How does the Sketch Large differ from the Sketch Standard?
The key difference is build volume. The Sketch Large fits up to 10 student projects on one build plate at once. Both printers share the same enclosed, classroom-safe design, cloud software, and training resources.
Want to view our range of MakerBot 3D printers? Click here.
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