3D Printing in the Classroom

Let 3D printing bridge the gap between the physical and the digital worlds in your classroom. Build or find what you need on the screen, and then print it into existence and into your students' hands. From there they can inspect, analyze, and process from the physical manipulation of their creation.

Whether you are printing students' creations or something someone else made, 3D printing can be a great way to bring your student creations to life.

CREATE. PRINT. MANIPULATE.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing works by starting with a digital model in a 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file and then creating a physical three-dimensional object. An object is scanned, or an existing scan of an object is used, which is processed by a piece of software known as a “slicer.” The slicer converts the model into a series of thin, 2-dimensional layers and produces a file with instructions (G-code) tailored to the specific type of 3D printer.

The 3D printer applies the required combination of raw material (plastic, metal, rubber, etc.) and then build the object by adding one layer at a time, layer by layer until it is completely designed and finished according to the design from the original file.

How to create 3D files for printing.

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use web app that equips the next generation of designers and engineers with the foundational skills for innovation: 3D design, electronics, and coding!

Tinkercad is a great tool for classrooms because it is simple, easy to understand, and most of all it is web-based. Meaning there is no special software to download or buy. Teachers have the ability to walk students through tutorials, create classrooms, and even co-teach classes.

NOTE: Your 3D printer will come with specific software to slice and print the actual object.

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3D Printing for ALL!

Here are just a few examples of how teachers and students can use a 3D printer in the classroom:

- History students can print out historical artifacts to examine

- Graphic Design students can print out 3D versions of their artwork

- Geography students can print out topography, demographic, or population maps

- Chemistry students can print out 3D models of molecules

- Biology students can print out cells, viruses, organs, and other biological artifacts

- Math students can print out 3D models of problems to solve

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