Tinkercad is a great tool for students to learn the basic aspects of CAD software and 3D modeling. With the ability to drag and drop pre-made forms, Tinkercad allows students and teachers an opportunity to begin 3D modeling with limited experience. While it may be an entry level CAD software, Tinkercad is robust enough to still allow students an opportunity to create complex designs and parts. The Codeblocks option in Tinkercad also allows students an opportunity to create a 3D design using the pre-made forms and coding.
Designs created in Tinkercad can be exported as .obj or .stl files, which can be opened and prepared in the Dremel or Ultimaker slicer software, and ultimately printed on our 3D printers. In addition, parts created in Tinkercad that rest on the workplane can be exported as .svg files, opened in Adobe Illustrator, and be sent to the Epilog Laser Engraver to be cut or engraved as vector files.