Press Print
Activity 1: Printer Checklist
(15 minutes)
Ok, so you have your design in Tinkercad, and it looks beautiful on-screen. You just can’t wait to hold the real object, right? First, it’s important to check a few things to make sure your model is printable.
-
Are all the parts of your design connected? In other words, it is one single object*? You want to make sure there are no parts that are just hanging out there in space. In order for 3D printers to print something, it must be connect to either the printing platform or the rest of the object. If you made your design by connecting a few shapes, make sure the places where the shapes meet are “watertight,” meaning there is not even a little crack between them.
-
If part of your object is hollow, make sure the walls are thick enough. Walls that are too thin will make a weak object that could crack or break. The minimum wall thickness varies according to material and 3D printer model, but generally 1 millimeter is a good rule of thumb.
-
Double check the size of your object. To do this, select your object by clicking on it and hovering over one of the little white squares. The dimension will appear in millimeters. Is this the size you want?
-
Double check that the object is small enough to be printed by your club’s specific 3D printer model. An easy way to do this is by adjusting the size of the grid to match the grid on your printer. Select the “Edit grid” button at the bottom-right corner of the screen. Select the dropdown menu under “Use a Preset.” If it’s there, select your 3D printer model. If your printer isn’t listed, measure its platform and enter the size under “width” and “height.” Then click “Update Grid.” If your object fits inside the grid, your printer can print it.
-
Lastly, make sure the object doesn’t have too much overhang that extends past its base. A small base is less stable than a larger base, and if your base is too small your design might topple. Check out this visual.
Whew, what a checklist! The more you make 3D designs the easier this will become because you get used to what works, and what doesn’t, with these tools.
*Note that for some big objects designers purposely split them into smaller pieces that they can assemble after printing.
Activity 2:Download a file
(10 minutes)
Once your Tinkercad model is ready for printing, select the “Design” tab in the upper-left corner.
-
Then click “Download for 3D Printing.”
-
Select .STL from the file options. (Most 3D printers accept this file type but not all, so check that your 3D printer model does.)
-
Save the file to an SD card.
-
Insert the SD card in the 3D printer’s card reader OR in the computer connected to the printer.
-
Now you’ll need to follow specific instructions based on which type of 3D printer you have, so check those out!
Activity 3: Prepare your Printer
(20 minutes)
Get your club’s printer ready by following its specific list of pre-printing instructions. Completing everything on the list will help ensure a successful print. Below are links to a few common 3D printers’ user manuals. If your club’s 3D printer isn’t listed below, see if your facilitator has the physical manual, or try searching for it online.
What You'll Need:
Watch your design take shape -- literally!
Activity 4: And Print!
(15 minutes)
Watch the first several layers to make sure the material is sticking to the board properly. Watching the printing is mesmerizing; it might be hard to take your eyes away! The printing could take several hours depending on the size your design.
Follow the instructions that come with your club’s 3D printer to determine how long to let your object harden before you take it off the printing bed. When it is safe to handle it, examine your object. Did it turn out like you thought it would? Are you surprised by anything? Is there anything you would change? How could you improve your design?
Try doing these modules in order:
From 2D to 3D > Tinkercad 101 > 3D Design > Press Print > Design Challenge
If your club doesn’t have a 3D printer there are still ways you can print your design. You could find out if a local library, museum, or science center has one that is open to the public.
Activity 5: Submit and Share!
(5 minutes)
Take a photo or video of your 3D Printed Object and upload it!
