Getting Started

• Learner is required to register at Tinkercad software prior to taking the course.
• Autodesk’s Tinkercad is one of the most popular classroom tools for creating simple designs from scratch, quickly modifying existing designs. ​
• It is a free online 3D design program that you can use in your web browser without downloading any software.
• Please click the following link to register at Tinkercad: www.tinkercad.com

1. Assess learner’s 3D printing knowledge prior to taking the module.
2. Describe various 3D printing technologies.
3. Introduce 3D printing materials.​
4. Describe basic steps of 3D printing.
5. Describe printing resolution​
6. Describe 3D printing equipment at Queensborough Community College.​
7. Introduce commercial 3D modeling software.​
8. Introduce free 3D modeling software. ​
9. Train learners in Tinkercad 3D modeling software.​
10. Describe applications of 3D printing including those for general public use and public work use.​
11. Assign two laboratories.​
12. Assess learner’s 3D printing knowledge after completing the module.

Module Outline

1. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies
2. 3D printing software
3. Applications of 3D printing

1. Design a class ring with your school logo.
2. Design a coaster with your school logo.

• Pre-Module Assessment
  • Test before studying the lectures.
• Post-Module Assessment
  • Test after studying the following lectures:
    1. Lecture 1 - Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies
    2. Lecture 2 - 3D printing software
    3. Lecture 3 - Applications of 3D printing

Pre-Module Assessment

1. What is 3D printing?
2. List different types of 3D printing technology.
3. List various 3D modeling software.
4. List applications of 3D printing for public use.
5. List applications of 3D printing for public work us.

Lecture 1: Three Dimensional (3D) Printing

• 3D Printing, or Additive Manufacturing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model or a digital 3D model. ​
• The term “3D Printing” can refer to a variety of processes in which material is joined or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, with material being added together (such as liquid molecules or powder grains being fused together), typically layer by layer. ​

Lecture 2: Software

• Software is required to design and create a three-dimensional (3D) model before the model is manufactured by 3D printing.
• There are two main types of 3D modeling software:
  1. Commercial 3D modeling software that requires a paid license.
  2. Free 3D modeling software that requires no fee.

Lecture 3:Applications of Three Dimensional (3D) Printing Technologies

1. Education – General Public Use
2. Prototyping and Manufacturing
3. Medicine – General Public Use
4. Construction – Public Work Use
5. Art and Jewelry – General Public Use
6. Food – General Public Use

Laboratory Experiments

• Design a class ring with your school logo.
• Measure the size of one of your finger and use the size for the ring.
• Use Tinkercad software to create a 3D model.
• Save the model as a STL file for 3D printing.

• Design a coaster with your school logo.​
• Measure the base size of your cup and use the size for the coaster.​
• Use Tinkercad software to create a 3D model.​
• Save the model as a STL file for 3D printing.

Post-Module Assessment

1. What is 3D printing?​
2. What is fused deposition modeling?​
3. Describe laminated object manufacturing.​
4. What is the first step of 3D printing?​
5. What does STL represent?​
6. How is the resolution of a 3D printed object increased?​
7. List the popular commercial 3D modeling software.​
8. List two applications of 3D printing for public use.​
9. What medical products are produced by 3D printing?​
10. What food products are produced by 3D printing?