The Foundations of 3D Printing

Part 1: The Foundations of 3D Printing 

In this hands-on course, you'll dive into the amazing world of 3D printing. This class is perfect for teens who want to learn the fundamentals of how these incredible machines work and how to set them up for success. 

Throughout the course, you'll explore: 

•  Safety First: Discover essential safety guidelines to ensure a fun and secure printing environment for everyone. 

•  Understanding 3D Printers: Demystify the magic behind additive manufacturing, exploring different types of printers and their core components. 

•  Filament Fundamentals: Learn about various filament types and how to properly load and unload them for a successful print. 

•  Your First Print: Witness your very own design come to life as we guide you through the process of initiating your first print! 

Whether you're curious about how things are made, want to fix broken items, or just love to experiment, this course will give you a solid understanding of the mechanics and setup of a 3D printer. By the end of this part, you'll be ready to move on to designing your own creations! 

Part 2 of this workshop will take place Thursday August 14th at 4:45 

Part 2: Design, Slice, and Print Your Own Creations! 

Now that you've got a handle on the printer itself, it's time to unleash your inner designer! This part of the course empowers you to create your own 3D models and prepare them for printing. You'll learn how to transform your ideas from a digital concept into a physical object. 

Throughout the course, you'll explore: 

•  Introduction to CAD Software: Get hands-on with user-friendly Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, learning fundamental tools and techniques for creating your own 3D models from scratch. 

•  Designing Your Ideas: Practice designing simple objects, understanding concepts like measurements, shapes, and basic manipulation to bring your digital blueprints to life. 

•  Slicing for Success: Learn how to "slice" your 3D models using specialized software, preparing them for the printer by defining layers and print settings. 

•  Troubleshooting & Best Practices: Tackle common printing issues and learn how to troubleshoot them, so you can confidently overcome any challenges and get perfect prints every time. 

Whether you dream of designing custom phone cases, creating custom accessories, or inventing new gadgets, this course will give you the skills to design, prepare, and successfully print your very own 3D parts! What will you create first?