3D Printing

You will use Tinkercad or other instructor approved modeling 3d rendering software to produce a unique item that you will print in-class. Remember to Create evidence and INCLUDE IN YOUR PORTFOLIO

3D modeling software such as Blender (1), or CAD software such as FreeCad (2) is used to create digital models of objects. Slicing software, such as Slic3r (3) divides the 3D model into crossections, and uses those outlines to produce GCODE, which defines the printer's actions during the print job. Host software, such as Pronterface (4) is used to issue manual commands to the printer, such as to move the print head to the home position, and to feed a GCODE file to the printer to initiate a print job. There are some rules that designers must keep in mind to produce models that slicing software can process, or adhere to some limitations of the printers. Shapeways provides an excellent tutorial here (5). The Blender foundation recently produced a collection of tutorials (6) and tools (7) specifically to assist 3D artists in the process of designing models to be 3D printed.

3D printers are machines which are capable of producing three-dimensional solid objects of virtually any shape from a digital model. 3D printing is what is called an additive process, in which the material is built up layer-by-layer. Traditional manufacturing uses what is called a subtractive process, in which material is carved away to either create molds for casting or to create the finished product itself. (8)

There are several different types of additive manufacturing processes. Fused Filament Fabrication (9) is well suited for thermoplastics (such as ABS or PLA) and works by controlled extrusion of molten feedstock. LulzBot's printers work this way. Other types of printers include Stereolithography (10) which uses light to cure a photopolymer, and Selective Laser Sintering (11) to fuse powdered metal together. - https://www.lulzbot.com/content/what-3d-printing

This video is a great tutorial made by an art teacher that illustrates how he guides students through the process of making a realistic-looking Japanese mythical beast by fusing together pre-existing models from Thingiverse in Tinkercad.

In watching the video, you will notice the teacher uses SculptGL, a free digital sculpting web app, to manipulate the design he creates in Tinkercad. As you can see, students can easily import their design into this program to smooth out edges or add additional effects and then export them out and back into Tinkercad again for adding finishing touches like a base.

Tinkercad website features many step-by-step, no-fail lessons and tutorials such as:

https://all3dp.com/tinkercad-tutorial/

Make a Ruler

Make a Robot Figure

Make a Clock

Instructables is also a great place to look for lesson ideas.