INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE/GOAL OF COURSE: The purpose of the course is to introduce educators to techniques and strategies for utilizing 3D design and printing skills across the curriculum.

       This is a hands-on introduction to 3D Design, Scanning, and Printing.  The focus of the course will be on designing, scanning, and printing materials for use in the classroom, either as teaching resources or student developed projects.  

       Since the printing process has become simpler, classroom use of 3D techniques can focus on design and development.  In the class we will look at several free programs and apps that can be used for scanning and design, as well as examine many of the new materials that can be used for printing, such as copper, bamboo, and flexible filaments.  We will also do some hands-on work with 3D printers and learn the printing process.  During the course we will learn how to:
• Control and maintain 3D printers (loading filament, preparing prints, choosing filament types)
• Design objects using several different 3D design programs
• Scan objects using a variety of 3D scanners, including your own phone
• Use 3D pens for hand-held printing
• Integrate the 3D design/printing process across the curriculum

PLEASE BRING A LAPTOP TO CLASS ON SATURDAY.  IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE AVAILABLE, I WILL HAVE A COUPLE OF SPARE CHROMEBOOKS THAT CAN BE USED.

SCHEDULE

Friday evening - Finding something to 3D print. 

       There are 3 ways to find or create a file for 3D printing.  The first is to download an existing file from a public site such as Thingiverse.  The second is to create your own 3D file using a program such as Tinkercad.  This evening, you will explore the first two methods and tomorrow, in class, we will look at the third method, 3D scanning.

Thingiverse

       Click here for a short introduction to Thingiverse.  Once you've looked through the document, visit the Thingiverse site, www.thingiverse.com, and browse the 3D files.  You can use the Search tool or look at the files listed under the Education tab.  Download some files that you might find interesting or helpful in teaching and bring them to class tomorrow.  Remember to download the files with the stl or obj ending.  We'll discuss these files in class.

Tinkercad

       This is a 3D design program, www.tinkercad.com.  It’s a free program, like Thingiverse, but you will need to create an account (username and password) so that you can save your files.  A good way to learn about Tinkercad is to watch a basic tutorial, then play around with the program.  You will find lots of youtube tutorials (search Introduction to Tinkercad.)  Some are very brief, some are quite long.
Good, short intros:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDaG_3eoZNY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh4o9k599pQ
       Your task will be to become familiar with the Tinkercad interface, learn how to draw, re-size, edit, and mix familiar shapes, learn how to create holes or cut-outs, and learn how to add text to your design.  Create a simple object, then go to the upper right hand corner of the Tinkercad screen and Export that object – that allows you to save the object as a .stl file for later printing.  You can bring that file to class Saturday.

       If you have any questions, please contact me by e-mail at gmeadows@umw.edu  I will be online all Friday evening.

Saturday - hands-on practice  

Saturday will mostly be hands-on work with 3D printers, scanners, and pens.
• Review Thingiverse and Tinkercad programs.
• Use 3D Printer software (Ultimaker Cura) to prepare .stl files for printing.
• Learn how to use and maintain the Dremel 3D printer.
     o Choosing filament
     o Leveling the platform
     o Printing
• Scanning 3D object for printing and other uses
     o Structure Sensor
     o Makerbot Digitizer
     o Qlone app
• 3D pens
• Integrating 3D design and printing across the curriculum