Polar 3D
Polar 3D desktop 3D printer.
Education-focused 3D printing company, Polar 3D, has today announced the completion of its acquisition of STEAMtrax, a STEAM-based learning curriculum from 3D Systems.
STEAMtrax integrates engineering, CAD modelling and 3D printing technology with core academic knowledge in areas of science, math, language arts, social studies, and art. STEAMtrax curriculum is currently available for students in grades K-8 with the high school curriculum set to launch later this year in August.
"We are pleased to have found such a suitable home for STEAMtrax and will continue to support its growth," Hugh Evans, VP Corporate Development & Ventures at 3D Systems explained. "We are impressed with the design of the Polar desktop printer, the power behind the Polar Cloud, and the company's focus on education."
Operating exclusively within the education sector, Polar 3D’s mission is to inspire students to innovate and think like entrepreneurs with the help of 3D technologies.
“With 3D Systems exit from the consumer market, we saw an opportunity to partner with them and continue their great work and momentum in the education space,” Greg LaLonde, CEO of Polar 3D, added. “We welcome the tens of thousands of teachers and students on STEAMtrax and look forward to enhancing their 3D experience by improving their ability to collaborate, learn and interact socially and virtually via our Polar Cloud.”
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The move sees Dee Kerr, formerly CEO of STEAMtrax and most recently VP, Global K-12 Education at 3D Systems, joins Polar 3D as its President whilst the STEAMtrax team will transfer to Polar 3D and maintain its offices in Rochester, New York.
Dee commented: "When I first saw the Polar Cloud, I was amazed by the platform’s capabilities. The Polar Cloud allows students and educators the ability to easily manage, store, and share STL files with a click of a button. There is also a camera built into each printer so it is easy to view projects remotely as they build, or you can watch a time-lapse video to observe how the print layers from start to completion. I knew immediately that Polar 3D was the right choice for us."
