3D printing turns digital designs into physical objects, making it useful for everything from prototypes and replacement parts to creative projects and custom designs. National Technology Learning offers courses that introduce both the 3D printing process and the computer-aided design skills used to create objects for printing.
PRN3D: 3D Printing
PRN3D introduces the complete 3D printing process, from understanding how additive manufacturing works to producing and refining finished prints. Participants explore the components of an FDM printer, filament materials, safety and calibration, print quality, digital models and slicing, and design techniques for creating reliable, functional prints.
Topics include:
- Introduction to additive manufacturing
- FDM printer components and mechanical systems
- Filament types, properties, and material selection
- Printer safety, calibration, and print quality
- Finding, evaluating, modifying, and slicing 3D models
- Advanced design techniques and post-processing
CAD101: Computer Aided Design for 3D Printing
CAD101 introduces computer-aided design for 3D printing using Tinkercad and Autodesk Fusion. Participants begin by creating and modifying models in Tinkercad, then progress to more advanced design techniques in Fusion, including sketches, solid modeling, holes, threads, and mesh editing. The course also explores slicing and print optimization, helping participants take a design from an initial idea through a model ready for 3D printing.
Topics include:
- Creating and manipulating 3D designs in Tinkercad
- Advanced Tinkercad tools, sketching, text, and vector images
- Creating sketches and 3D features in Autodesk Fusion
- Solid modeling with extrude, sweep, revolve, and modification tools
- Creating holes and threads and working with mesh models in Fusion
- Slicing and optimizing models for successful 3D printing
