MakerBot Industries
An American desktop 3D-printing pioneer whose product business now operates within UltiMaker.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
MakerBot Industries was an American desktop additive-manufacturing company established in New York in January 2009 by Bre Pettis, Adam Mayer, and Zachary “Hoeken” Smith. The founders built on the RepRap movement, which promoted low-cost, self-replicating and open-source 3D printers. MakerBot initially sold kits that customers assembled themselves, helping make fused-deposition 3D printing accessible to hobbyists, designers, engineers, artists, educators, and early maker communities. The company’s first major products, including the Cupcake CNC and Thing-O-Matic, were closely connected to the open-source hardware culture. Construction files, modifications, and user-developed improvements circulated through Thingiverse, the online repository and community that MakerBot founded and operated. This relationship between hardware and community gave MakerBot unusual visibility for a young manufacturing company and helped establish the brand as one of the best-known names in consumer 3D printing. It also created expectations that the company would preserve open development practices as it grew. MakerBot transitioned from kits to pre-assembled desktop machines with the Replicator, Replicator 2, and later generations of Replicator printers. The product range expanded from experimental hobbyist machines into products aimed at schools, universities, professional design teams, and small businesses. The company also introduced the Digitizer 3D scanner, software and mobile connectivity, education programs, and MakerBot Innovation Centers that combined printer fleets, workflow software, training, and support. Stratasys acquired MakerBot in June 2013 in a stock transaction valued at approximately $604 million at announcement. MakerBot continued as a distinct brand and subsidiary, while its strategy increasingly emphasized proprietary hardware, managed workflows, professional users, and education. This shift generated criticism among some early supporters, particularly after the company moved away from open-source hardware and experienced reliability problems with the Smart Extruder used in fifth-generation machines. Restructuring, store closures, manufacturing changes, and workforce reductions followed as the desktop 3D-printing market became more competitive. MakerBot’s later portfolio included the Replicator+, the large-format Replicator Z18, and the METHOD platform. Introduced in 2018, METHOD was positioned between conventional desktop printers and industrial systems, incorporating technologies and intellectual property associated with Stratasys. METHOD X followed in 2019 with a heated chamber and support for industrial-style ABS printing. These products represented MakerBot’s attempt to move beyond entry-level consumer printing toward professional prototyping and technical education. In August 2022, MakerBot merged with long-time competitor Ultimaker. The combined business became known as UltiMaker, while MakerBot remained in use for the Sketch family of education-oriented printers. MakerBot’s legacy therefore spans three connected areas: early open-source desktop hardware, the Thingiverse digital design community, and the professional and educational 3D-printing systems developed under Stratasys and later UltiMaker.
History
MakerBot emerged from the early RepRap and hacker communities that sought to reduce the cost and complexity of additive manufacturing. Bre Pettis became interested in RepRap while participating in an art residency and maker activities in Vienna, while Zachary Smith was involved in the RepRap Research Foundation. Together with Adam Mayer, they founded MakerBot in January 2009 in New York City. The company’s first commercial machine was the Cupcake CNC, a kit-based printer shipped from April 2009. Its construction files were made available through Thingiverse, allowing users to assemble, modify, and improve the machine. User participation was central to the product’s development: community modifications could influence later hardware revisions, and MakerBot owners were at times encouraged to produce parts needed for subsequent machines. The Thing-O-Matic, introduced in 2010, incorporated many improvements associated with the Cupcake ecosystem and remained open-source hardware. MakerBot grew rapidly as interest in desktop 3D printing expanded. The Replicator, launched in 2012, was sold as a pre-assembled machine and offered a larger build area, dual extrusion, an LCD interface, and a control pad. The Replicator 2 later increased build volume and focused on PLA printing, while the Replicator 2X added an enclosed build area, heated platform, and dual extrusion for experimental ABS work. This period marked the company’s movement from a hobbyist kit supplier toward a recognizable consumer technology brand. Growth was accompanied by internal and cultural conflict. In 2012, Zachary Smith left the company after disagreements associated with open-source principles and the company’s direction. MakerBot subsequently announced that it would not fully disclose the physical design and user interface of the Replicator 2. The decision was criticized by portions of the open-source community, which viewed it as a departure from the company’s original identity. Stratasys acquired MakerBot in June 2013. The acquisition was announced as a stock deal valued at approximately $604 million, and MakerBot continued as a separate brand serving the desktop and consumer market. Bre Pettis moved into a role at Stratasys and was later succeeded as MakerBot chief executive by Jennifer Lawton, Jonathan Jaglom, and Nadav Goshen. Under Stratasys, the company expanded its product and service portfolio while becoming more integrated into a larger industrial 3D-printing group. In 2013 MakerBot released the Digitizer desktop scanner, intended to convert physical objects into digital models that could be edited, printed, or shared on Thingiverse. In 2014 it launched a new Replicator, the compact Replicator Mini, and the large-format Replicator Z18. These printers introduced greater connectivity and proprietary software features. The company also promoted MakerBot Innovation Centers, which combined fleets of printers with workflow software, training, and enterprise support for universities and other institutional customers. The fifth-generation product family encountered reliability criticism, particularly involving the Smart Extruder. Reports of short service life and costly replacement contributed to customer dissatisfaction and a class-action lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed. MakerBot replaced the original extruder design with a revised version. At the same time, criticism intensified over the company’s increasingly closed hardware, proprietary firmware and file formats, and patent applications that some community members believed drew on ideas previously shared through Thingiverse. These disputes weakened the relationship between MakerBot and parts of its original open-source constituency. The company undertook substantial restructuring in 2015 and 2017. Manufacturing was moved from MakerBot’s New York facilities to contract manufacturing, retail locations were closed, and staffing was reduced. Under Nadav Goshen, the business emphasized professional and education customers rather than a broad consumer strategy. The Replicator+ was introduced in 2016 as a more reliable and refined successor to the fifth-generation Replicator. MakerBot’s METHOD platform, introduced in 2018, represented a further move toward professional prototyping. It used a heated chamber, dual extrusion, soluble support materials, monitored material bays, and extensive sensing, while drawing on both MakerBot and Stratasys intellectual property. METHOD X followed in 2019 with a higher-temperature chamber and support for real ABS material. These machines were the final major generation identified in the company’s pre-merger product history. On August 31, 2022, MakerBot merged with Ultimaker, its long-time competitor. The resulting company adopted the UltiMaker name, while retaining MakerBot branding for the Sketch line of education-focused printers. MakerBot therefore remains significant both as a continuing education brand and as a historical pioneer that helped bring desktop 3D printing from open-source workshops into schools, studios, design offices, and professional prototyping environments.
- 2022
MakerBot merges with Ultimaker
[1]The combined company becomes UltiMaker, while MakerBot remains a brand for education-oriented Sketch products.
- 2018
METHOD is introduced
[1]The METHOD platform brings controlled-chamber, dual-extrusion, and monitored-material features to a professional desktop format.
- 2016
Replicator+ is launched
[1]The Replicator+ is presented as a faster, quieter, and more reliable refinement of the fifth-generation platform.
- 2014
Connected Replicator family launches
[1]MakerBot releases the fifth-generation Replicator, Replicator Mini, and Replicator Z18 with greater software connectivity.
- 2013
Stratasys acquires MakerBot
[1]MakerBot becomes a distinct subsidiary and brand within Stratasys.
- 2012
MakerBot introduces the Replicator
[1]The pre-assembled Replicator expands build volume and adds dual extrusion and a user-facing control system.
- 2010
Thing-O-Matic is introduced
[1]The second-generation kit incorporates improvements developed around the Cupcake platform and remains open-source hardware.
- 2009
MakerBot is founded
[1]Bre Pettis, Adam Mayer, and Zachary Smith establish MakerBot in New York to develop accessible desktop 3D printers inspired by RepRap.
- 2009
Cupcake CNC begins shipping
[1]MakerBot starts shipping its first kit-based printer, with build files and documentation shared through the emerging Thingiverse community.
Products and positioning
Accessible and managed desktop 3D printing for education, professional prototyping, design, and engineering, evolving from an open-source maker brand toward more integrated and supported systems.
Kit-based desktop 3D printer · 2009
Cupcake CNC
MakerBot’s first commercial printer, introduced in 2009 as a compact rapid-prototyping kit. It used an open design approach, with build files and technical information made available so that users could assemble, modify, and improve the machine. The printer’s approximately 100 by 100 by 130 millimeter build volume suited small objects and experiments.
Kit-based desktop 3D printer · 2010
Thing-O-Matic
Introduced in 2010, the Thing-O-Matic bundled many improvements developed for the Cupcake platform, including a heated automated build platform, revised extrusion hardware, updated electronics, and a redesigned motion system. It remained open-source hardware and could be controlled through USB or an SD card. Sales ended in 2012.
Desktop 3D printer · 2012
Replicator
MakerBot’s first major pre-assembled printer, launched in 2012. It substantially increased the usable build area compared with the Thing-O-Matic and included dual extrusion for two-color or two-material builds, an LCD display, and a control pad. It was the last MakerBot printer generally identified with the company’s earlier open-source hardware approach.
Desktop 3D printers · 2012
Replicator 2 and Replicator 2X
The Replicator 2 increased build volume and focused on PLA printing through a single extruder. The Replicator 2X was an experimental companion model with an enclosed build area, heated aluminum platform, and dual extruders intended to support ABS and dual-material work. Both were sold as assembled printers rather than kits.
Fifth-generation desktop 3D printers · 2014
Replicator Mini, Replicator, and Replicator Z18
The 2014 fifth-generation family covered compact, standard, and large-format use cases. The Replicator introduced Wi-Fi connectivity and links to MakerBot desktop and mobile software, the Mini targeted smaller educational and design workloads, and the Z18 offered a much taller build volume for larger prototypes. These models used more proprietary hardware and software than earlier generations.
3D scanner · 2013
MakerBot Digitizer
A desktop 3D scanner released in 2013 to capture physical objects and convert them into digital models. Its associated software supported editing, direct printing, and uploading designs to Thingiverse, linking physical scanning with MakerBot’s broader digital fabrication ecosystem.
Desktop 3D printer · 2016
Replicator+
Introduced in 2016 as the successor to the fifth-generation Replicator, the Replicator+ refined the motion system and hardware for faster, quieter, and more consistent operation. It retained the established MakerBot desktop format while increasing the build area and addressing reliability concerns associated with the preceding generation.
Professional desktop 3D printers · 2018
METHOD and METHOD X
METHOD, launched in 2018, was positioned between consumer desktop printers and industrial systems. It offered a heated chamber, dual extrusion, soluble PVA supports, monitored material storage, a rigid frame, and extensive process sensing. METHOD X, released in 2019, added a hotter chamber and support for ABS and specialized support materials, targeting more demanding professional prototyping.
Education-focused 3D printer
MakerBot Sketch
The Sketch family is the principal continuing use of the MakerBot name after the merger with Ultimaker. It is oriented toward schools and educational environments, where managed workflows, classroom usability, and support are more important than the open-ended experimentation associated with MakerBot’s earliest products.
Online 3D-printing design community
Thingiverse
MakerBot founded and operated Thingiverse as a repository and collaborative community for digital fabrication files. Users could publish printable designs, document projects, remix other work, and share files for 3D printing and related maker activities. The platform became one of the most visible elements of MakerBot’s early ecosystem.
Controversies
2014
Smart Extruder reliability controversy
Users reported premature failures and costly replacements involving the Smart Extruder used in fifth-generation printers. The issue contributed to a class-action lawsuit, which was dismissed, and MakerBot later introduced a replacement extruder design.
2014
Community criticism of patent applications
Some Thingiverse contributors argued that MakerBot patent applications covered concepts resembling designs shared by the community. The dispute reflected broader concerns that the company was claiming proprietary rights over ideas developed in an ecosystem that had initially emphasized open-source sharing.
2012
Conflict over open-source direction
Co-founder Zachary Smith left MakerBot amid disagreements associated with the company’s adherence to open-source principles and its evolving corporate direction. Subsequent moves toward proprietary designs intensified criticism from early supporters.
Marketing campaigns
- 2014MakerBot Innovation Center program
United States · Higher education
MakerBot promoted Innovation Centers combining printer fleets, workflow software, training, and institutional support. The program was adopted by universities and was intended to expand structured access to 3D printing for students, faculty, and surrounding communities.
Outcome. Expanded institutional and education positioning
- 2014Print the Legend documentary exposure
Global
The Netflix documentary Print the Legend examined the rise of desktop 3D printing and featured MakerBot as one of the sector’s most prominent companies. The film increased public awareness of the brand while also presenting internal tensions and the competitive pressures surrounding the industry.
Outcome. Broader cultural and media visibility
- 2011Stephen Colbert stratosphere project
United States
MakerBot was featured on The Colbert Report after artist-in-residence Jonathan Monaghan produced a printed bust of Stephen Colbert and sent it into the stratosphere on a helium balloon. The stunt demonstrated the brand’s media-friendly maker culture and helped introduce desktop 3D printing to a broad audience.
Outcome. High-profile media exposure
Brand decisions
2022
Merger with UltimakerM&ABackground
MakerBot and Ultimaker had become long-time competitors in desktop 3D printing, while market conditions favored greater scale and consolidation.
Action taken
The two businesses completed a merger and formed UltiMaker, with Stratasys retaining a minority share.
Aftermath
MakerBot ceased to be the name of the combined company but continued as a brand, particularly for education-focused Sketch printers.
2018
Launch of the METHOD platformProduct launchBackground
MakerBot sought to bridge accessible desktop operation with the process control and material capabilities expected in professional prototyping.
Action taken
The company introduced METHOD with a heated chamber, dual extrusion, soluble supports, monitored material bays, network connectivity, and extensive process sensors.
Aftermath
METHOD and METHOD X became the final major printer platform in MakerBot’s pre-UltiMaker product history.
2017
Shift to professional and education verticalsStrategyBackground
Declining market share and the difficulties of competing broadly in consumer desktop printing prompted a sharper segmentation strategy.
Action taken
Under Nadav Goshen, MakerBot reduced its workforce and concentrated its business around professional users and education.
Aftermath
The repositioning laid the foundation for later professional desktop products such as METHOD and for the continuing education focus of the Sketch line.
2015
Operational restructuringStrategyBackground
MakerBot faced product reliability criticism, increasing competition, and the need to integrate its operations more closely with Stratasys.
Action taken
The company closed its three retail stores, reduced staffing, and moved manufacturing to contract production while retaining development, logistics, and repair activities in New York.
Aftermath
MakerBot became less retail- and consumer-oriented and increasingly emphasized institutional, professional, and education customers.
2013
Acquisition by StratasysM&ABackground
Stratasys sought a stronger position in consumer and desktop 3D printing while MakerBot required capital and scale to expand production and distribution.
Action taken
Stratasys acquired MakerBot in an all-stock transaction and retained it as a distinct brand and subsidiary.
Aftermath
MakerBot gained access to Stratasys resources and industrial technology, while integration later brought restructuring, manufacturing changes, and a stronger focus on professional and education customers.
Announced transaction value. $604 million (June 2013 announcement)
2012
Move from open hardware toward proprietary productsStrategyBackground
As MakerBot expanded beyond hobbyist kits, it faced pressure to protect intellectual property, standardize products, and build a more conventional commercial business.
Action taken
The company stopped fully publishing the physical design and interface of newer products and increasingly used proprietary controllers, firmware, and file formats.
Aftermath
The decision supported a more controlled product ecosystem but damaged relations with portions of the open-source community and became a recurring source of controversy.
Recent events
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