ORCHARD / CONFIGURATION PLANNING
Plan for everyone
who needs to make.
Compare a workload, map the complete setup, and bring a concrete starting point to your demo.
01 / YOUR WORKLOAD
How many projects
need a turn?
Explore simultaneous capacity before choosing equipment.
Separate desktop printers
12 printing positionsfor 28 jobs
Choose individual printer models, placement, and a compatible fleet-management workflow.
Orchard printing modules
12 printing positionsfor 28 jobs
2 of 14 ports remain for a proposed recycling module mix or future configuration. Confirm module requirements with Itemfarm.
Capacity illustration, not a speed benchmark. Assumes one equal-duration job per printing position per round, all positions available, and no setup or changeover time. Multiple parts per bed, actual print speeds, failures, materials, and staffing change results. Equal printing counts produce equal rounds in this model. Every Orchard includes 14 modules; confirm your printing and recycling mix with Itemfarm.
Take this starting point into a configuration review.
Discuss this configuration02 / THE COMPLETE SETUP
Look beyond
the printer count.
Use the same questions for every proposal, whether you are assembling a desktop fleet or planning an Orchard.
| Plan for | A desktop-printer fleet | An Orchard installation |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware layout | Select and place separate printers; plan access, power, and consumable storage for each. | One base with centralized power and control, supporting a mix of modules across 14 ports. |
| Managing work | Compatible fleet software can provide shared monitoring and queues. Capabilities vary by brand and model. | Sylvan combines model preparation, local slicing, branch status, and scheduled starts in one offline Windows desktop application for connected 3D printing modules. |
| Material reuse | Scope separate bottle-processing equipment and establish a compatible filament workflow if recycling is part of the program. | Include compatible plastic-recycling modules in the Orchard configuration and connect material preparation to printing. |
| Project fit | Select models for required part size, enclosure, materials, and any multicolor needs. | Check each project against a 152.4 × 203.2 × 203.2 mm print area and supported PET/PLA materials. |
| Implementation | Compare education bundles and reseller services; training and curriculum may already be available. | Every Orchard includes operator training and full curricula for grades 4–8. Scope installation and ongoing service in the same proposal. |
| Budget & service | Total the printers, accessories, software, space preparation, consumables, and service you actually need. | Use the $14,988 purchase price as the starting point; confirm module mix, delivery, training, and ongoing terms in writing. |
Compare the actual configurations in your quotes. A desktop fleet may suit larger parts, specialized materials, enclosures, or a smaller initial purchase. The Orchard is worth evaluating when shared hardware, multiple projects, and material reuse belong in the same program.
About this comparison
Planning categories, not a model-by-model performance test. Updated September 24, 2026. Desktop fleet capabilities are documented by Bambu Lab, Prusa, and UltiMaker. Education services vary; see Prusa Education and MakerBot Sketch. See the current Orchard specifications on Itemfarm.
READY FOR YOUR PURCHASING TEAM
One proposal.
The whole scope.
Request a written quote that your educators, facilities team, and budget approver can review together.
Request a purchase proposalConfiguration
Number and type of modules, supported materials, and software access.
Installation
Installation is included. Confirm delivery, assembly, workspace needs, and commissioning responsibilities.
People & support
Installation, training, and curriculum are included. Specify onboarding, warranty, service coverage, and replacement parts in the quote.
Full cost
Purchase price, taxes, freight, the optional control computer, consumables, and any recurring charges. Schools can order by purchase order or invoice.
Bring the Orchard to your program.
Choose rental or purchase and configure your modules. Still have questions? See the workflow in a demo.