3D DESIGN & 3D PRINTING SOLUTIONS
FOR BUSY STEM TEACHERS
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Intro to 3D Design & 3D Printing
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Architecture
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Bridges
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Interior Design
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Transportation
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Dinosaurs
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THE 3D PRINTING PROCESS
There are 4 basic steps required in the 3d printing process:
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1. Create a 3D Model File
2. 'Slice' the model
3. 3D Print the file
4. Post-Processing
1. Create a 3D Model File
There are many different software programs available to help you design and create a 3D model.
I like Tinkercad for elementary, SketchUp for middle school, and Fusion 360 for high school.
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There are hundreds of free YouTube tutorials for each one of these programs. I think a good way to learn is to watch a few of these tutorials and then just begin practicing. But if you want to reduce the learning curve, you can learn at the same time as your students by following our Online Course. Our Online Course consists of easy to follow videos that will walk you and your students from zero to creating anything you can imagine in just a few weeks!
2. 'Slice' the model
Once you finish your design, you'll want to save the file. This 3d model file will then be ready to be converted into code that the 3d printer can understand. To do this, we use a 'slicer' software program. There are many free slicer programs available for download, but I recommend you use the one recommended by your 3d printer's manufacturer. For example, if you are going to be using an XYZ davinci printer, you should use the XYZ slicer.
3. 3D Print the file
Once you have the code file, the 3D printer will be able to read your design and begin the production process. The model is created one layer at a time. Depending on the size of the model, this could take minutes or hours.
4. Post-Processing
Some prints require some post-processing. This includes things like removing supports material, sanding, and just cleaning up the print in general.