In order to print on a 3D printer, you need a 3D model.
How to Print a ModelThere are two main options: 1) Buy your own 3D printer, they start in the low 100s, 2) Use a printing service, there are many, including our company.
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3D ModelsTo make a 3D print, you must have a 3D model. A 3D model can be created in many ways. What is the difference between 2D and 3D? 3D has volume, 2D is flat. 3D has geometry.
Using CAD to Create 3D Models The most common way to create a 3D design is using Computer Aided-Design (CAD). What’s exciting is that there have been tremendous strides in this area over the last few years. There are free programs that are very easy to use. Non-CAD Options for 3D Models
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Introductory Classes: These classes were designed to be taken in a seriesou. If you just want to stick your toe in, start with the 101: Intro, you will learn the basics of design and create your own which we will print. Each workshop will give you hands-on experience and you will get to select one of your designs to be printed.
Click here for the workshop flyer.
Each Class Will Have this Format:
- Lecture: The instructor will demonstrate the skills to be learned.
- Hands-On: Students will follow along as the instructor walks through each step.
- Assisted Workshop: Students will continue working on their own with the instructors assistance.
101: Introduction to 3D Printing & Design
In this introductory class you will learn about the 3D printing and the design process. You will also learn the basics of TinkerCAD.
Using your new design skills, you will design your own custom name place with your own base design, imprinted with your name and decorated with own ideas. We will print your design and you can pick up one week later. You will have fun, learn a lot and get a 3D print that you designed. You will learn: 1) How 3D printers work and the various types 2) How 3D printers are being used for fun, in business and research 3) Using Thingiverse to find and print 3D objects 4) Using TinkerCAD to create 3D models to print and learn how to use their on-line tutorials Time: 90 minutes, one session Prereq: None Cost: $25 Tool/s Used - all FREE: TinkerCAD, Thingiverse 3D Prints: 1 included |
102: 3D Printing & Design with TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is probably the easiest way to create 3D models. It is FREE and runs in a browser (nothing to install!).
You will be amazed what can be designed with this fun, free and easy-to-use package. Using your new design skills, you will create a design of a house, including doors, windows, interior walls and more. We will print your design and you can pick up one week later. You will learn: 1) The TinkerCAD user interface 2) How to drag and drop geometric objects onto a workplace. The objects can be resized 3) How to combine and subtract objects to create new objects 4) The concept of scale 5) How to create a 3D print from TinkerCAD and even how to send to a company for printing Time: 90 minutes, one session Prereq: 101 Cost: $25 Tool/s Used - all FREE: TinkerCAD, MakerBot Desktop 3D Prints: 1 included |
103: 3D Printing & Design with 123Design123Design is a good starting place for people who want to begin real CAD. It is FREE install.
TinkerCAD is great but if you think you really want to learn design, 123Design is the next step. 123Design is step before moving to a professional CAD system, these classes will also be available in the future. Using your new design skills, you will create a custom design. We will print your design and you can pick up one week later. You will learn: 1) The 123Design user interface 2) How to create a model using the 123Design language 3) How to add special features like fillets, chamfers, drafts, and holes 3) How to create a 3D print from TinkerCAD and even how to send to a company for printing Time: 90 minutes, one session Prereq: 102 Cost: $25 Tool/s Used - all FREE: 123Design, MakerBot Desktop 3D Prints: 1 included |