3D modeling and printing with tinkercad pdf

Tinkercad - 3D Printing - LibGuides at Pikes Peak Library District

Tinkercad

"Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything!"

Tinkercad.com

Why Tinkercad?

Tinkercad is not what anyone would call a "serious" 3D modeling application.  But they don't see that as a bad thing!  What it lacks in sophisticated tools, Tinkercad makes up for with accessibility.  The software is fun, easy to set up, and available on any device with an internet connection.  Its simple, colorful interface and library of premade shapes enables you to slap together a model in just a few minutes.  If you've never used a 3D application, or you want to get started with 3D modeling right away and you're not looking to do anything too complicated, Tinkercad is an ideal place to start.

1) Access Tinkercad and set up your account

If you're a first-timer to Tinkercad, the best place to start is by going to Tinkercad. com and signing up for an account.   Although you can access Tinkercad through your smartphone or tablet, we still recommend using a computer with a full keyboard and mouse when learning to 3D model.  

2) Learn the basics

Once you've got your account set up, you can get a quick start by trying out some of the beginner tutorials below:

Learn How to Use Tinkercad: Found in the Learn section of the website, under 3D Design, these tutorials, lessons, and projects are built right into Tinkercad and will guide you through interactive exercises that cover all of its key features.

Build It Scotland: BBC Scotland's maker initiative has created an easy-to-follow series of printable tutorials that covers Tikercad's basic features.  Great if you're looking for an option available in PDF.

Lynda.com: Want the ultimate in-depth Tinkercad learning experience for beginners?  Access Lynda. com with your PPLD library card and search for the Learning Tinkercad course.

3) Mimic a Design

Sometimes the best way to learn is by watching others.  Here are a few example modeling exercises that you can follow along with:

• MisterFogleSVSD teaches you how to make a basic and a more advanced fidget spinner.  
  • Click here for the advanced version.
• Do you wanna build a snowman?  Emily Allen teaches you how to make a cute snowman from start to finish.
• Eunny shows you how to build a rocket ship.

4) Replicate a physical object

Once you've become familiar with all the functions of the software, the next step in your 3D modeling journey is to plan out more complicated designs without help from a tutorial.  The best way to do this is to look for objects around your daily work or home space that look like something you could 3D Model.

Look for simple physical objects like a pencil, a paper tray, a phone stand, or pieces from a board game.  

Ask yourself a few analytical questions about how you'd go about constructing it.

• Can I divide the body of the object into a few geometrical shapes?
• Which parts need to be modeled first, and which parts are better left towards the end of the process?
• Are there any parts that are too difficult for me to model right now? (For example, a water bottle might look easy, but can you model the threads that keep the lid screwed on?)

Take some measurements of the object and draft it out on paper if you think that might help.  Then see how far you can get trying to replicate it.  Remember, this is just practice, so it may take some patience, and it doesn't have to be perfect.  If the object doesn't work out, try something easier and come back to it when you've gotten some experience with simpler objects.  

5) Create an original design

Look for a problem you want to solve, an idea you want to express, or an item that needs to be fixed with a replacement part.  

Map it out in your mind, or draft it on some graph paper if you need to visualize it first.

Try out a few designs in Tinkercad, print them out, and see if they work or if you need to go back to the drawing board.  Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Iteration and improvement are important parts of the design process.

Tinkercad: The Online Software to Start 3D Modeling

Published on August 11, 2021 by Carlota V.

Tinkercad is an online collection of software tools from Autodesk that enable complete beginners to create 3D models. This CAD software is based on constructive solid geometry (CSG), which allows users to create complex models by combining simpler objects together. As a result, this 3D modeling software is user-friendly and currently enjoyed by many, particularly teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers. Best of all, it’s free and you only need an internet connection to answer it. The software allows users to create models that are compatible with 3D printing, a great option for beginners to the technology.

Tinkercad is a good alternative to other 3D modeling software such as SketchUp or Fusion360—another solution from Autodesk—if you do not need the more advanced features of these solutions. Actually, Autodesk acquired Tinkercad in 2013, two years after it was launched by former Google engineer Kai Backman and his cofounder Mikko Mononen. The software’s main advantage over the other two software is that it is free, while still offering more modeling freedom than what first meets the eye! It is currently available in 16 languages.

Add different basic shapes to your 3D model.

What Are the Main Features of Tinkercad?

Even though Tinkercad is perfect for beginners, it does not mean that those who are more experienced with 3D modeling will not also enjoy this software. Given that it is based on CSG to create solid models, you can always make your model more complex by adding more shapes. In more concrete terms, all you have to do is select one of the available shapes, add or remove material and voila you’re done! For example, you could start with a cylinder before adding triangles, circles, cones, etc. The shape can then be moved and rotated, allowing users to see it from all angle.

Additionally, the software allows you to add electronic circuits to 3D models in order to create objects with light and movement. The end result can even be simulated on the software to check how the components will respond in real life. Another feature of Tinkercad is it’s ability to transform a 3D design into buildable brick models, similar to creating legos. Finally, for those that love Minecraft, you will be well served, as you will be able to make creations compatible with the application.

Tinkercad relies on solid construction geometry.

Therefore, Tinkercad can be used for a range of applications, including 3D printing. The 3D models can be saved in three different formats, STL, OBJ, and SVG. Once you have an STL file of your model, you can go on to using slicing software. Slicing software converts the 3D model into a series of thin layers and produces a G-code file containing instructions tailored to a specific type of printer. In other words, it is dividing the object into a stack of flat layers and describing these layers as linear movements of the 3D printer extruder. If you don’t have a 3D printer, you can also order your model via the online service offered by Tinkercad. You should also know that it can be exported in SVG format for laser cutting.

Tinkercad’s 35 Million users often compliment the intuitiveness of  this CAD software. Transformation, duplication, and shape modification are easy to grasp. Additionally, Autodesk has made many resources available to its community. For example, you will find inspiration, and tips & tricks to get started on their blog, as well as videos and course to get you started with 3D modeling! The software works on any computer with an internet connection, you just have to create your account. It also offers a backup of 3D models on the cloud. If you would like to learn more, be sure to check out the website HERE.

Find more 3D modeling software for beginners in our listing. Have you used Tinkercad to create 3D models? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter to receive all the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox!

Tinkercad for Beginners (D. Gorkov)