What Is 3D Printing? & How to Get Started
3D printing is a process that turns digital designs into real, physical objects. Using special software, you create a 3D model, which the printer builds layer by layer using materials like plastic, metal, or even wood. This technique called additive manufacturing is used to make everything from prototypes and tools to art, instruments, and even medical parts.
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3D - PD Resources
🖨The Art and Science of 3D Printing_ A Beginner's Overview 2.0 (1).pdf3D Printing Vocabulary (1).pdfTinkercad Signin & Tutorials.pdfTinkercad Keychain Steps.pdfMorning Routine & Attendance
1. Complete the Attendance Form by clicking -> Sign-In
2. Make a name tent with yellow paper in your folder or the supplies on the table; PLEASE PRINT your first and last name
3. Get a sticky note (in the bins on your table) and write down your perception about 3D Printing.
4. Find the closest 'Parking Lot' poster and put your sticky note on it
5. Follow me on Twitter/X @uab_atim.
6. Evaluation
TinkerCad Classroom Sign-In & Other Resources
3D Printing in the Classroom 7/7/25
Jefferson County EdTech Specialists
3D Printing Integration in the Classroom Summer 24
Intro to 3D Printing 7/19/24
3D Printing MeetUP
AETC 3D Printing Playgrounds Creating with Confidence
The Art and Science of 3D Print and Design A Beginners Overview
Martha Gaskins Engineering Club
TinkerCad Shortcuts
3D Printing & Modeling Guide
Presentation
Vocabulary
3D Printing & Design Lessons, and Challenges
3D Print and Design Process
First
CAD Software
Second
Slicer Software
Third
3D Printer
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software
CAD software is a special computer program that lets you design and draw things using a computer. It's like a virtual drawing board that helps you create cool 2D or 3D models of objects.
Autodesk’s Fusion 360 is the be-all and end-all of CAD software used by the majority of design pros, and fortunately, it’s free to hobbyists. Of course, Autodesk doesn’t give away the full version for free, but you get access to all of the software’s most essential features.
Sketchup is a well-known professional-grade software, especially used for architecture, interior design or engineering projects. An open-source library with a large collection of 3D models you can use and reuse for your projects. This 3D modeling program is free for personal use, or for students! Keep in mind that the free version of Sketchup is a web platform. (Paid)
Tinkercad is a tool that offers a fast and easy way to draw a 3D design. It can be used by teachers, hobbyists, professional designers, and kids to make models. This free mechanical drawing software enables you to move, scale, and rotate objects with ease.
Tinkercad Beginner Challenges
Slicer Software
Slicer software is a special program that helps 3D printers understand how to create objects layer by layer. It takes the digital model you made in the design software and slices it into many thin layers. It's like cutting a cake into slices. The slicer software tells the 3D printer how to build each layer, like a recipe, so that the printer can create the object exactly as you designed it. It's an important step in the 3D printing process that helps bring your designs to life!
Bambu Studio is an open-source slicing program that prepares files for 3D printing. It has a graphical interface, optimized slicing algorithms, and project-based workflows. Bambu Studio is based on Prusa Slicer and includes custom features for the X1 and X1 Carbon 3D printers.
Cura has been a go-to slicer for millions of people for nearly a decade now. It's constantly updated and improved upon, not just by UltiMaker, which created it, but by hundreds of users that actively contribute to the open-source code base. It's also used by many 3D printing manufacturers as the base for their branded slicers that often come with their 3D printers.
MakerBot Print is dedicated to the older MakerBot line of 3D printers (now UltiMaker). Unlike general 3D slicer software tools that cater to a broad range of 3D printers, MakerBot Print’s algorithm automatically adjusts slice settings for your specific 3D printer mode and extruder type. The engineers included a very nifty feature that is useful when preparing a whole series of components. It will automatically arrange meshes across one or more build plates.
For the best slicing experience for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers, you can't do better than PrusaSlicer. Despite being made by a 3D printer manufacturer, it isn't proprietary to Prusa printers and has a huge array of printers to choose from. If your printer isn't on the list, there is a way to create a custom setup for any 3D printer.
3D
Printers
MakerBot
Price Range:
$1,300 - $8,300
Pursa
Price Range:
$650 - $10,300
Dremel
Price Range:
$1,500 - $2,200
SoVol
Price Range:
$190 - $800
Bambu Labs
Price Range:
$200 - $1,200
Free / Paid 3D Printing STL / 3MF Files
3D Printing Files Search Engines
Useful Applications & Websites
Simplified steps for 3D Design and Printing Tailored to those who are New to 3D
Step 1: Imagine and Plan:
Think about what you want to create using 3D printing.
Draw or sketch your idea on paper to help visualize it.
Step 2: Design Your Object:
Use a user-friendly 3D design software like Tinkercad or Fusion 360.
Create your design using simple shapes and tools provided in the software.
Experiment with resizing, rotating, and combining shapes to bring your idea to life.
Step 3: Prepare for Printing:
Check your design for any floating or intersecting parts.
Ensure that your design fits within the size limits of the 3D printer.
Ask a teacher or adult for help if needed.
Step 4: Print Your Object:
Prepare the 3D printer by following instructions from your teacher or adult.
Load the appropriate filament (printing material) into the printer.
Send your design file to the printer using a computer or memory card.
Step 5: Watch it Print:
Observe the 3D printer as it brings your design to life.
Be patient, as it can take some time to complete the printing process.
Step 6: Finishing Touches:
Once the print is finished, carefully remove the object from the printer.
If there are any support structures, ask for help to remove them.
Enjoy your 3D-printed creation!
It's essential to provide proper supervision and guidance from teachers or adults when working with 3D printers. Always follow safety instructions and guidelines for the specific printer and materials you are using.
3D Print QR Code Generators
Maker World
QR2STL
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AutoDesk Add Braille to Everything
See3D
TouchSee.Me
AI Tools That Create 3D Models
3D Scanning
Lithophane
Review Later
STLs to Take a Closer Look @!
3D Print Class Models
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