News Releases

MCHENRY, IL – Follett today announced it has become a premier distributor for Dremel 3-D printers for the K-12 school market. The Dremel 3-D Idea Builder, which made its debut in the education market in 2016, is made specifically for education with easy-to-use software, and:

• comes with 10 curriculum-based lesson plans;
• features 3D model kits designed specifically for exploring STEM education; and
• includes complete access to a Professional Development Learning Network (PDLN) badge certification training course.

Follett recently responded to the growing trend of librarians and schools embracing Makerspaces by offering age-level specific Makerspace Bundles, which encourage students’ inquiry and exploration through hands-on production. The bundles, designed to save time and take the guesswork out of starting a Makerspace, allow librarians to get started in the Makerspace concept without doing all of the curation work themselves. Follett School Solutions’ President Nader Qaimari believes partnering with Dremel to offer its printers to K-12 school districts will further support librarians – who were instrumental in pioneering the 3D printer movement for education – plus promote technology integration in the classroom.

“From the outset, we had plans to add more products to support the maker movement that would encourage creativity and the Dremel 3D Idea Builder printers are a perfect fit,” Qaimari said. “They not only allow teachers to simply integrate 3D printing into the classroom but provide students with a perfect tool to ignite their imagination by being part of the actual design and creation of their STEM projects.”

Easy to set up and safe to use, the Idea Builder enables students to interact with their 3D models in the physical space – ultimately enhancing retention of abstract concepts. For educators, the printer’s comprehensive teaching and learning kits easily integrate with existing STEM curriculum and includes access to Dremel’s extensive 1:1 customer support and training.

“Introducing the Dremel Idea Builder in my elementary school math and engineering classes has offered a new way for creating solutions to real-world problems,” said Ken Hawthorn, mathematics and mechatronics teacher, St. Raymond Elementary School in Menlo Park, Calif. “When adopting the Idea Builder, teachers benefit from the unmatched support and resources necessary for incorporating STEM instruction in the classroom.”

The Dremel Idea Builder 3D40 printer also features WiFi connectivity, active filament monitoring, a clog-resistant extruder, and assisted leveling.

“By teaming up with Follett, we’re able to simplify the process of adopting complete 3D printing resources for districts across the country,” said Rafael Franca, manager, Dremel 3D Education. “We’re looking forward to expanding access to 3D printing for teachers and students, a tool instrumental to empowering our future leaders of innovation.”

For more about the Dremel 3D Idea Builder and its capabilities, visit www.follettlearning.com/3D.