The MakerBot METHOD is a professional desktop 3D printer that bridges the gap between hobby-class machines and industrial additive manufacturing systems. With a 65°C VECT (Variable Environment Chamber Technology) actively heated build chamber, dry-sealed material bays, and a modular 4-in-1 Performance Extruder platform, the METHOD delivers reliable printing of engineering-grade materials — including nylon, nylon carbon fiber, and PETG — in an office-compatible form factor.

How Does the Modular Extruder System Work?

The METHOD uses quick-swap Performance Extruders designed for specific material groups, preventing cross-contamination between incompatible filaments. The Model 1A extruder features a 19:1 dual-drive gear ratio and lengthened thermal core for rapid heat-up to 300°C, supporting PLA, Tough, PETG, and nylon. A separate Support Extruder handles PVA and SR-30 soluble support materials, enabling complex geometries with internal channels and overhangs that dissolve away in a post-print wash — no manual support removal required. The LABS GEN2 extruder extends compatibility to experimental and third-party filaments.

What Makes the METHOD Suitable for Professional Office Use?

MakerBot Clean Air Smart Filtration System is Greenguard-certified for indoor air quality, combining a HEPA filter with an activated carbon layer to capture particulates and VOCs generated during printing. The dry-sealed material bays protect hygroscopic filaments like nylon and PVA from ambient moisture, maintaining print quality without requiring external dry boxes. A 5-inch capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi/Ethernet/USB connectivity, and MakerBot CloudPrint software enable remote job management and monitoring. Twenty-one onboard sensors provide automated bed levelling, material detection, and print fault monitoring, reducing the operator intervention needed compared to open-frame desktop printers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the METHOD and the METHOD X?

The METHOD has a 65°C heated chamber optimised for PLA, Tough, PETG, and nylon materials. The METHOD X extends the chamber temperature to 110°C, enabling ABS and polycarbonate printing. Both share the same modular extruder platform and build volume.

Can the METHOD use third-party filaments?

Yes. While MakerBot Precision Materials are factory-profiled for plug-and-play use, the LABS GEN2 Experimental Extruder allows printing with third-party 1.75mm filaments by enabling custom temperature, speed, and retraction settings through MakerBot Print software.