3D Printing Essentials: From Design to Reality from edX

This online course is designed to transform beginners into practiced makers. Over three short modules it will guide learners through the fascinating process of bringing your ideas to life using 3D printing technology. Work at your own pace through a series of short tutorials and quizzes that will ready you for managing the 3D printing process.

Section 1: Dive into Design

Kickstart your adventure by mastering the fundamentals of Autodesk Tinkercad. You'll begin by crafting a personalized keychain, learning to manipulate shapes by adding, resizing, creating holes, and grouping objects. As your skills advance, you'll explore more sophisticated features like mirroring and aligning. This work culminates in designing a unique makercoin that represents you, and utilizes all the skills you've acquired.

Section 2: Slicing Software

With a solid design foundation, you'll delve into the essentials of file types and slicing software. Using your Tinkercad-designed .STL file, you'll navigate Ultamaker’s Cura, though our teachings are versatile enough to translate to various slicing programs. This segment culminates in fine-tuning printer settings — supports, infill density, print temperature, and more — to ensure your design is perfectly prepped for printing.

Section 3: Printing and Troubleshooting

In the final stretch, you'll bring your digital creation into the physical world by printing your makercoin. This section's guidance is universal, fitting any 3D printer you might use. We wrap up with a practical exploration of common 3D printing challenges and effective troubleshooting techniques to maximize your printer’s performance, and jumpstart your prototyping. You will learn the fundamental skills necessary to operate any modern 3D printer, from Bambu to AnkerMake to Ultimaker to Prusa.

Whether you’re looking to unleash your creativity, kickstart a hobby, gain a new skill for professional development, or prepare yourself to enter the growing fields of product design, product development, or robotics, this course is your gateway to the exhilarating world of 3D printing. Join us to transform the imaginary into reality, one layer at a time.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the basics of 3d designing in tinkercad, including adding, resizing, creating holes, and grouping objects.
How to align and mirror objects, as well as import .svg files into tinkercad to create more complex designs.
How to adjust and change in slicing software such as adding supports, infill density, print temperature, and more.
Pros, cons, properties and printer settings for 6 common types of filament: pla, abs, tpu, pet-g, pui, and nylon.

How to print with and without a network connected printer
Troubleshooting techniques and the problem solving processes involved when prints fail, or are not as you expected.
An understanding of the fundamentals of additive manufacturing in terms of fdm 3d printers

Learn the basics of 3d designing in tinkercad, including adding, resizing, creating holes, and grouping objects.
How to align and mirror objects, as well as import .svg files into tinkercad to create more complex designs.
How to adjust and change in slicing software such as adding supports, infill density, print temperature, and more.
Pros, cons, properties and printer settings for 6 common types of filament: pla, abs, tpu, pet-g, pui, and nylon.
How to print with and without a network connected printer
Troubleshooting techniques and the problem solving processes involved when prints fail, or are not as you expected.
An understanding of the fundamentals of additive manufacturing in terms of fdm 3d printers

Syllabus

Section 1: Tinkercad Design

Delve into Autodesk Tinkercad to discover essential 3D design techniques. Begin with a simple keychain project to grasp basic functions. Progress to exploring advanced tools, culminating in the creation of a personalized makercoin that showcases your newfound skills.

Section 2: Slicing a 3D Object

Unlock the secrets of slicing and 3D printing software, essential for 3D printing preparation. Learn to navigate through universal settings adjustments to enhance your 3D printer's performance, ensuring your designs are print-ready with optimal quality. This section also provides detailed information on several different types of filament that are common in FDM printing.

Section 3: 3D Printing

Transition from a digital 3D design to tangible 3D object by printing your makercoin. Gain insights into both networked and standalone printing processes, complemented by fundamental troubleshooting strategies for addressing common printing issues.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Zachary Cureton-Hazard and Sean Holland, who have a passion for education and a love for making

Develops foundational skills for beginners who seek to enter fields such as product design, product development, or robotics

A gateway to the immersive world of 3D printing that combines theory and application

Requires access to a 3D printer, which can be costly for some students

Does not provide the most up-to-date information on slicing software; for instance, the course does not cover PrusaSlicer

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3D Printing Essentials: From Design to Reality with these activities:

Review Fusion 360 basics

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Fusion 360 is a powerful 3D modeling software. Familiarize yourself with its basic tools to make the most of the course.

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Watch a tutorial on the Fusion 360 interface
Create a simple 3D model using Fusion 360, such as a cube or a cylinder

Complete Tinkercad exercises

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Tinkercad is the 3D design software you'll be using in the course. Practice using it to improve your 3D modeling skills.

Browse courses on Tinkercad

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Follow the Tinkercad tutorials on the Autodesk Education website
Create a 3D model of your own design in Tinkercad

Follow YouTube tutorials on 3D printing

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There are many great YouTube tutorials on 3D printing. Watch a few to learn more about the process and different techniques.

Browse courses on 3D Printing

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Search for "3D printing tutorial" on YouTube
Choose a tutorial that looks interesting and follow it step-by-step

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Read "3D Printing for Dummies"

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of 3D printing technology. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of 3D printing.

View 3D Printing for Dummies on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes on the key concepts

Create a 3D model of something you're interested in

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Now that you have a good understanding of 3D modeling, try creating a 3D model of something you're interested in. This could be anything from a toy to a piece of furniture.

Browse courses on 3D Design

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Choose an object you want to model
Sketch the object in Tinkercad
Add details and textures to your model
Export your model to an STL file

Attend a 3D printing workshop

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3D printing workshops are a great way to learn more about the technology and get hands-on experience. Look for workshops in your area.

Browse courses on 3D Printing

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Search for 3D printing workshops in your area
Choose a workshop that looks interesting and register
Attend the workshop and learn about 3D printing

Career center

Learners who complete 3D Printing Essentials: From Design to Reality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

3D Modeling Artist

3D Modeling Artists use computer-aided design (CAD) software, like Tinkercad, to create 3D models of objects. These models can be used for a variety of purposes, including product design, animation, and video games. This course can help 3D Modeling Artists build a strong foundation in Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic models. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeling Artist

Product Designer

Product Designers use their knowledge of design principles and materials to create new products. They often work with 3D modeling software to create prototypes of their designs. This course can help Product Designers learn the basics of Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic prototypes. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. They often use 3D modeling software to create prototypes of their designs. This course can help Mechanical Engineers learn the basics of Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic prototypes. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. They often use 3D modeling software to create prototypes of their designs. This course can help Robotics Engineers learn the basics of Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic prototypes. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. They often use 3D modeling software to create models of their designs. This course can help Architects learn the basics of Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic models. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

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Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers design products that are mass-produced. They often use 3D modeling software to create prototypes of their designs. This course can help Industrial Designers learn the basics of Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic prototypes. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

CAD Technician

CAD Technicians use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings and models. They often work with engineers and architects to create designs for products and buildings. This course can help CAD Technicians learn the basics of Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic models. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician

Prototyper

Prototypers create prototypes of new products. They often use 3D modeling software to create models of their designs. This course can help Prototypers learn the basics of Tinkercad, which will allow them to create more complex and realistic prototypes. The course also covers the basics of slicing software, which is used to prepare 3D models for printing.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. This course may be useful for Graphic Designers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and printing. The course covers the basics of Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling software, and how to use it to create 3D models.

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Web Designer

Web Designers create the look and feel of websites. They use their knowledge of design principles and web technologies to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. This course may be useful for Web Designers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and printing. The course covers the basics of Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling software, and how to use it to create 3D models.

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UX Designer

UX Designers research, design, and evaluate the user experience of products and services. They use their knowledge of human behavior and design principles to create products that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course may be useful for UX Designers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and printing. The course covers the basics of Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling software, and how to use it to create 3D models.

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Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories. They use their knowledge of fashion trends and materials to create clothing that is both stylish and functional. This course may be useful for Fashion Designers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and printing. The course covers the basics of Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling software, and how to use it to create 3D models.

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Interior designer

Interior Designers create the interior spaces of buildings. They use their knowledge of design principles and materials to create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. This course may be useful for Interior Designers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and printing. The course covers the basics of Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling software, and how to use it to create 3D models.

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Event Planner

Event Planners plan and coordinate events, such as weddings, parties, and conferences. They use their knowledge of event management and design to create events that are both memorable and successful. This course may be useful for Event Planners who want to learn more about 3D modeling and printing. The course covers the basics of Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling software, and how to use it to create 3D models.

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Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a variety of academic subjects. They use their knowledge of curriculum and teaching methods to create learning experiences that are both engaging and effective. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and printing. The course covers the basics of Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling software, and how to use it to create 3D models.

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