AlaskaX: 3D Printing Essentials: From Design to Reality

by University of Alaska Fairbanks

3D Printing: From Beginner to Expert

Course Description

Welcome to the exciting world of 3D printing! This comprehensive online course, offered by AlaskaX, is designed to transform complete beginners into skilled 3D printing enthusiasts. Over three engaging modules, you'll embark on a fascinating journey that will guide you through the entire process of bringing your ideas to life using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.

What You'll Learn

Master the fundamentals of 3D design using Autodesk Tinkercad
Understand file types and slicing software for 3D printing
Learn to operate and troubleshoot various 3D printers
Gain knowledge about different filament types and their properties
Develop problem-solving skills for common 3D printing challenges
Create personalized 3D objects from concept to finished product

Prerequisites

This course is designed for absolute beginners, so there are no specific pre-requisites or prior skills required. All you need is a curiosity about 3D printing and a willingness to learn!

Course Content

Introduction to 3D design principles
Autodesk Tinkercad basics and advanced features
Creating and manipulating 3D objects
Understanding file types for 3D printing
Using slicing software (e.g., Ultimaker Cura)
Adjusting printer settings for optimal results
Properties and uses of various filament types (PLA, ABS, TPU, PET-G, PUI, Nylon)
Operating networked and standalone 3D printers
Troubleshooting common 3D printing issues
Practical projects: Designing a keychain and personalized makercoin

Who This Course Is For

Beginners curious about 3D printing technology
Hobbyists looking to expand their creative skills
Professionals seeking to add 3D printing to their skill set
Students interested in product design or engineering
Anyone who wants to learn how to bring their ideas into the physical world

Real-World Applications

Product design and prototyping for entrepreneurs and inventors
Creating custom parts for home repairs or improvements
Developing unique gifts or personalized items
Enhancing educational experiences in STEM fields
Exploring new career opportunities in manufacturing and design
Contributing to robotics and automation projects
Participating in the growing maker community

Syllabus

Section 1: Tinkercad Design

Introduction to Autodesk Tinkercad
Basic functions: Adding, resizing, creating holes, and grouping objects
Advanced tools: Mirroring, aligning, and importing .SVG files
Project: Designing a personalized keychain
Project: Creating a unique makercoin

Section 2: Slicing a 3D Object

Understanding file types for 3D printing
Introduction to slicing software (Ultimaker Cura)
Adjusting printer settings: Supports, infill density, print temperature, etc.
Exploring filament types: PLA, ABS, TPU, PET-G, PUI, and Nylon
Optimizing designs for printing

Section 3: 3D Printing

Operating networked and standalone 3D printers
Printing your makercoin project
Troubleshooting common printing issues
Problem-solving techniques for print failures
Understanding the fundamentals of additive manufacturing in FDM 3D printers

By the end of this course, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to operate any modern 3D printer, from Bambu to AnkerMake to Ultimaker to Prusa. Join us on this exciting journey to unlock your creativity and bring your ideas to life, one layer at a time!

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