Polar3d.com announced today that it has completed the acquisition of STEAMtrax from 3D Systems(NYSE: DDD). Financial terms were not disclosed. STEAMtrax is an innovative STEAM-based curriculum that integrates engineering, CAD modeling 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 high school curriculum to launch by August 2016.
“We are pleased to have found such a suitable home for STEAMtrax and will continue to support its growth,” said Hugh Evans, VP Corporate Development & Ventures. “We are impressed with the design of the Polar desktop printer, the power behind the Polar Cloud, and the company’s focus on education.”
The Mission at Polar 3D is to introduce and expand 3D printing in education to inspire students to innovate and think like entrepreneurs.
“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,” said Greg LaLonde, CEO of Polar 3D. “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.”
Dee Kerr, formerly CEO of STEAMtrax and most recently VP, Global K-12 Education at 3D Systems, joins Polar 3D as its President. The STEAMtrax team is also transferring to Polar 3D and will maintain their offices in Rochester, New York.
“When I first saw the Polar Cloud, I was amazed by the platform’s capabilities,” noted Dee. “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.”
