Welcome to Polar 3D 2.0! If you have used Polar 3D 1.0, you will find use of Polar 3D 2.0 enhanced but familar! Older documentation on Polar 3D 1.0 can be found at:
The Polar 3D environment is not just about high quality, reliable, cost effective 3D printers, but also provides a collaborative and flexible inventor space that supports management of printing from anywhere in the world. The Polar 3D environment includes many features supporting and enhancing classroom use, and Polar 3D offers the innovative, NGSS-aligned STEAMtrax curriculum, as well as integrated access to an extensive set of curriculum modules from Maker’s Empire, to aid in bringing the excitement and learning opportunities of 3D printing directly into the classroom.
Polar Cloud – The Polar Cloud is the central hub of the Polar 3D environment. It is a free, web-based platform for collaboration, design, class assignments, and lab management. Polar Cloud groups allow teachers to group students by subject, and allows members to find groups with mutual interests. Within the Polar Cloud, members collect and share objects to print using in-site CAD software to alter and adjust their .stl files. The Polar Cloud also allows for remote printing: you can control your printer from the office next door, a lab in another country, or 30,000 feet in the air.
Polar3D Printer – The Polar3D printer is unique in ways which make it very desirable, not just novel. The narrow footprint, simplicity of the hardware, quality print results, and robust, web-based printing control software are all tops on its list of positives.
The Polar Cloud supports additional types of printers, including the FlashForge Inventor II, and the many printers compatible with OctoPrint.
STEAMtrax – Curriculum is another component of maximizing the educational benefit from classroom 3D printers, or a 3D printer lab. The STEAMtrax curriculum provides modules that are easy to align to NGSS or state standards, so whether you’re a teacher new to 3D printing, or a long-time “maker”, STEAMtrax can aid you in incorporating 3D printing into your classroom for a rich and exciting learning experience for your students.
Maker’s Empire – The Polar Cloud provides integrated access to the extensive wealth of curriculum modules from Maker’s Empire.