Step 2:  Watch the tutorials below to help you learn how to use Tinkercad.  You can always refer to them throughout the process.

Step 3:  Work on your project.  Refer to the tutorials for help.  Be sure that you meet all of the requirements before you are ready to print.

• Must include at least 4 shapes.

• You must learn to group and ungroup.

• You must redesign a shape by cutting using the hole tool.

• You may not use any of the pre-made characters or objects in Tinkercad.

• You must make an original design (no copying and pasting other projects that are online).

Uses for 3D Printing

Product Design

3D printing enables product and industrial designers to create prototypes within hours as opposed to weeks through traditional methods. The cost to create a prototype can be in excess of $10,000 when you consider the tooling required for processes like injection molding. With 3D printing, prototypes can be achieved at a fraction of the cost.

Aerospace

3D printing for aerospace purposes allows complex geometries to be created with no waste material and no tooling required. This results in innovative functional parts and millions of dollars are saved. GE aviation have even started testing the largest jet engine ever built. The engine is said to be more efficient, advanced and powerful due to its 3D printed components.

Hobbyists

Desktop 3D printers can now be acquired for under USD$500, which has gained the interest of many hobbyists. From 3D printing toy characters to functional items for the home, we’re seeing anyone and everyone becoming part of the “maker movement”. Many industry experts have predicted that in the next ten years, most households will have a 3D printer.

Architecture

Typically, architects can spend days creating physical models to explain their designs to clients. Using modern technology, they can use their existing CAD drawings to rapidly create a 3D model and print it in 3D. Not only do they save time but complex geometries that can’t be modeled by hand can be produced efficiently and at a low cost.

Prosthetics

The amazing e-NABLE project use desktop 3D printers to create custom prosthetics for children at a production cost as low as $50. Being such a low cost option benefits children in particular because they grow out of their prosthetics quickly. Additionally, 3D printing allows children to choose custom options for their prosthetics such as superhero designs!

Medical

One of the key benefits of 3D printing is the ability to customize objects at no extra cost. The medical sector is taking advantage of this in various ways and one prominent field is that of hearing aids. The process begins by taking a 3D scan of the patient’s ear, which ensures an accurate 3D print can be made that has a perfect fit for that specific patient.

Dental

Combined with 3D scanning technologies, dentists can now 3D print moulds, visual aids, bridges, crowns, guards and more. 3D printing eliminates the need for manual tasks, which saves weeks of time and similarly to hearing aids, each product is accurately tailored to the patient. There are many 3D printers designed specifically for dentists.