The Wollongong creators of a 3D printer have taken to social media to promote an opportunity for schools to get free printers.

Me3D is allowing schools to earn 10 percent discount vouchers each time a customer buys one of its locally-made Me2 printers under its Seed3D promotion. Schools earn the discounts each time a customer enters that school’s coupon code when buying a printer.

A total of 18 schools had signed up at the time of writing, and two schools had already purchased a printer.

Unlike some other big names in 3D printing, like Makerbot, Me3D doesn’t yet have an extensive distribution and reseller network, though some resellers are expected to be brought on board soon.

Despite this, the fledgling business has managed to see its printers used in about 20 schools and four universities. Me3d printers have also been sent to Ireland, Finland, Malaysia and China.

Me3D was founded in 2013 by Matt Connelly, Leanne Connelly and Fletcher Thompson, a mix of engineers and economists. The trio designed the printer, which is manufactured by Greenacres Industries.

Connelly told CRN that the aim was to bring a 3D printer to the education market that would let kids learn on the 3D printer, “not just get the piece of plastic at the end”.