What Is 3D Printing? And How to Get Started
3D printing is a really cool way to create real, solid objects in three dimensions. You can make things like prototypes for new products, artistic creations, musical instruments, tools, and even body parts! The process of 3D printing starts by using special software to design a 3D model on a computer. Then, the software takes that digital design and turns it into instructions that a 3D printer can understand. The printer itself uses different materials like plastics, metals, glass, paper, or wood to transform the digital design into a physical object. What's really interesting is that the printer builds the object layer by layer, using a process called additive manufacturing. It adds thin layers of material one on top of another until the whole object is complete. This way, you can see your digital creation come to life as a real, solid thing that you can touch and hold!

3D - PD Resources

đź–¨The Art and Science of 3D Printing_ A Beginner's Overview 2.0 (1).pdf
3D Printing Vocabulary (1).pdf
Tinkercad Signin & Tutorials.pdf
Tinkercad Keychain Steps.pdf

Morning 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 @uab_atim.
6.  Evaluation

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:
 $1299 - $5249

Pursa
Price Range:
 $899 - $2599

Dremel
Price Range:
 $1500 - $2199

SoVol
Price Range:
 $209 - $559

Bambu Labs
Price Range:
 $399 - $1649

Free/Paid 3D Printing Files 

3D Printing Files Search Engines

Simplified steps for 3D Design and Printing Tailored to those who are New to 3D

Step 1: Imagine and Plan:

Step 2: Design Your Object:

Step 3: Prepare for Printing:

Step 4: Print Your Object:

Step 5: Watch it Print:

Step 6: Finishing Touches:

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.