OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

The learner will be given a demonstration on how to design a 3D model such as a keychain in the free autoCAD software tinkercad. The student will customize and layout a keychain to go from the design phase to the print phase. Once the model is completed the learner will export the STL to a 3D printing slicing software. This step is where we discuss the programing and G-code that is being written to take an STL and convert it into something that prints based on the parameters that were set.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Mathematics, Technology, Engineering
• Grade Level : 9-12
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Data Analysis
  • Impacts of Computing
• Computer Science Principles:
  • Creating Computational Artifacts
  • Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts
• Materials:
  • Website, any 3D printer, 3D printing slicing software and Tinkercad.com
• Considerations:
  • I would practice one for an example before launching the entire class into the process. Depending on how many and what type of printers you have you may want to consider the time it takes to make a keychain. Due to tempermental 3D printers, teachers might want to the control point on running them with student designs. If the instructor is doing the printing it can say time by printing multiple keychains per print. I would say an average keychain takes between 20-35 minutes to print.

Lesson Plan

Overview

The learner will be given a demonstration on how to design a 3D model such as a keychain in the free autoCAD software tinkercad. The student will customize and layout a keychain to go from the design phase to the print phase. Once the model is completed the learner will export the STL to a 3D printing slicing software. This step is where we discuss the programing and G-code that is being written to take an STL and convert it into something that prints based on the parameters that were set.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

There are really no testing questions that need to be addressed. Most of the information is best used as vocabulary or base understanding of CAD, file types, and procedures. Follow the Tinkercad tutorials to gain skills to be able to 3D model.

OBJECTIVES

The key objectives are that a student is able to 1) Design an object in a 3D modeling software that is able to be printed 2) convert that design into a command that will operate the 3D printer effectively 3) A finished keychain that is to the specifications and goals that were set forth.

CATCH/HOOK

Lets make a keychain! How do we go from your idea to a product?

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

Use a demonstration of www.Tinkercad.com. Create an account to be able to start “tinkering”. In this lesson you will use the 3D design features to take and place shapes to generate objects. Note there are also options to be able to use: Codeblocks, circuits, and generate lessons. Codeblocks could be used in later lessons but for now use the basic tutorials on how to operate tinkercad. These will be listed under “Starters”. Here you will learn the basic commands, then you can go to lessons and choose “Key Ring, Letters”. Follow the steps on creating a personalized keychain. Once this is completed you will need to export and STL. I have the best luck saving it to the desktop. Then open the 3D slicing software that comes with the 3D printer. They each have their own version usually run by the same program called Cura. Simply Drag and drop the file into the slicing software. Once it’s there check the scale, layer height(quality), and positioning on the build platform. Supports and a building raft shouldn’t be needed(these normally help level the plastic to start or support overhanging objects). Once your quality is selected( I would recommend draft for speed) then slice the object to create the G-Code to command the printer. After it is sliced then you can export it again to the desktop. If your printer is not hooked up to the computer you may need to then drag and drop the sliced object to a SD card or thumb drive to insert it into the printer. Once you have the command file sent to the printer it should be as simple as making sure the printer is operational and press print. 3D printers are usually temperamental and need some fine tuning. This will be something to consider and monitor. This is why some instructors only operate the 3D printer as a control point and to monitor settings and adjustments. Once the print is done simply remove it and print the next one. At that point measure and discuss if it turned out as anticipated and to specifications. If it did great, if not what happened and why.

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

There are many checkpoints

STANDARDS