3D printing education programs

3D Printing Education Programs | MakerBot

3D printers are now used in a variety of career fields. Consider ...

- In the medical field, 3D printers create prosthetic limbs, tracheas, sternums. Skin and tissue are bioprinted. Dentistry professionals 3D print dental crowns and bridges.
- In geology 3D printers replicate unreachable subsurface rocks, space rocks, and fragile fossils for visualization and learning purposes.
- The veterinary field uses 3D printers for horseshoes and animal prosthetics.
- Forensics uses 3D printing technology for replicating crime scenes, facial reconstruction and evidence reproduction.
- Engineering 3D prints car and jet engine parts, robotics, satellite parts, and drones.
- The architectural and construction industries use 3D printing for scale models and prefab housing.
- The fashion industry creates jewelry, designer clothing and cleats for athletic shoes with 3D printing.
- In entertainment, there are 3D printed selfies, wedding cake tops that replicate the happy couple, along with toys and toy parts, and custom fit earbuds.

3D Printers Make the Classroom Come Alive

With 3D printers, the classroom becomes an interactive learning center. Educators move beyond telling to showing and creating. Students’ learning and understanding reach new levels as they implement a design and see their vision become a reality. This creates both excitement and a deeper understanding of the design process.

Regardless of curriculum, 3D printing elevates students from passive consumers of information on a screen or in a text to active, engaged participants through the conception, design, and execution of their projects and interaction with the 3D printer and the teacher.

Visual learning is enhanced by 3D printing and improves students’ understanding of the world when they are able to see and touch their projects.

Learning how 3D printers work and troubleshooting problems promote students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They learn persistence and endurance in overcoming difficulties.

3D printing in the classroom fosters students’ creativity which helps develop their passion for original thinking and innovation as well as developing their self-confidence, enabling them to pursue challenging courses in STEM fields.

Examples of practical applications of 3D printing in the classroom:

- In biology, students have the opportunity to create 3D models of DNA; they replicate organs and biological systems.
- Chemistry students study 3D printed models of molecules.
- Geography students can print topographical maps, or maps showing population and demographics of an area.
- History classes can 3D print historic artifacts for closer study.
- Auto class students can print replacement or modified car parts.
- Cooking school students design intricate molds for ices and gelatins.
- In English, literary characters come to life along with devices, tools and other items from stories.
- Art creates multimedia elements, sculptures, and custom easels, stands, and frames.
- Graphic design students create 3D versions of their artwork.
- Architecture students print out 3D models of their designs.
- Engineering and design students, just as in the real world, use 3D printers for on-demand prototyping, manufacturing, and production.
- CAD (Computer Aided Design) classes create designs that are actually implemented.
- Robotics uses 3D printers for designing and making intricate parts for custom devices.

STEM Education

3D printing education programs enable educators and students to reach multiple learning objectives.

Early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is key for building the foundation for advanced thinking skills. Using 3D printers in the classroom incorporates multiple aspects of STEM learning, including critical thinking and team-building skills. 3D printing education programs teach students the process of trial and error, helping to develop the student mindset where it is okay to fail therefore encouraging experimentation in their learning.

Preschool to PhD

With the precise detail, durability, and variety of materials used in 3D printing, it has applications in every stage of education.

Preschoolers’ imaginative play is enhanced by custom accessories and game pieces made with 3D printers.

Elementary students get excited by the expansion of their creativity enabled by 3D printing. Middle and high school students naturally embrace 3D printing as a way of learning teamwork, design, and implementation.

Colleges and universities make extensive use of 3D printers with applications in engineering, medicine, and research, to name just a few.

Instead of just having an awareness of an abstract idea, 3D printing education programs empower educators and students to experience and embrace technology in the present and for the future.

3D Printing Education: Teachers are Vital

The most vital aspect of 3D printing education programs are the teachers, the people tasked with preparing students for today’s workplace. Increasing numbers of schools are buying into 3D technology for the classroom with its potential for facilitating learning.

The best advice for teachers responsible for buying hardware for the classroom is to test it themselves in a workshop. If time does not allow this, they should find other users or sources of knowledge. User forums can provide insight - positive and negative - into figuring out what 3D printing hardware is right for the classroom.

Then, 3D printing classes must be integrated into the classroom in the most effective way possible. Teachers dispensing knowledge about 3D printing must first understand it themselves. This requires comprehensive training and planning along with ongoing technical support.

3D Printing Classes and Resources

MakerBot has developed curriculum resources focused on every stage of education from kindergarten to higher education like technical colleges to universities and innovation centers.

MakerBot’s Thingiverse is one of the largest 3D printing educational resources in the world. It includes educational resources like project modules, comprehensive 3D printing classes, lesson idea videos, and student design competitions.

Thingiverse Education provides over 100 free lessons that make teaching with a 3D printer easier and more effective for a variety of grade levels and subjects. It also provides a community where educators can exchange best practices or remix projects.

MakerBot’s well-known Educators Guidebook and ISTE-approved Educator Certification is the definitive resource for implementing 3D printing in the classroom and is perfect for educators looking to get students excited about 3D printing. It includes a course on 3D printing and 3D design for educators, classroom-ready 3D printing lesson plans, and advice on best practices for 3D printing and STEM educators.

And now, MakerBot’s Certification Program for Students provides middle and high school students a proven edge with design thinking skills and hands-on 3D printing training. It is a cloud-based online learning platform easily scalable for academic institutions and their classrooms.

Igniting student engagement and academic performance, the Student Certification Program sets a foundation for measuring STEM proficiency while empowering students with 21st-century career skills.

The effect and influence of 3D printing on a variety of industries and therefore the importance of 3D printing education is undeniable. Most products in use today involve 3D printing in some way during the design cycle. The workforce of the future will have all been students who have been impacted by 3D printing.

3D Printing Curriculum and Lesson Plans

3D Printing Curriculum

PrintLab Classroom is an online platform of 3D printing lesson plans combined with a certified teacher training course. Our approach is to take inspiration from the innovative uses of 3D printing in industry and bring these through to education. The curriculum is aligned to a range of standards across different subject areas and challenges students to design assistive technology, reusable packaging prototypes, hands-free virus solutions and more.

View Lessons

A Toolkit for Educators

Our online toolkit allows you to pick and choose from 40+ projects to build your own pathway for students - saving you the time and stress of creating your own lesson plans. Each project is equipped with downloadable teaching materials such as presentations, workbooks and rubrics, as well as explainer videos and 3D design tutorials hosted on a student portal for a blended learning experience.

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Make:able Challenge

Make:able is a free assistive technology design challenge, brought to you by PrintLab and Autodesk. Join today for the chance to win 3D printers, 3D scanners and more

Redesign your Classroom

In this project, students are challenged to redesign their classroom to improve their own learning environment

Assistive Clips

In this project, students design assistive clips that attach to objects to make them more accessible

Packaging Redesign

In this project, students learn about the circular economy before rethinking and redesigning the way we create and use plastic packaging

For Libraries & Makerspaces

It’s not just schools we support - libraries and makerspaces can provide members of all ages with access to our student portal, allowing them to work through exciting, self-paced courses and projects. The impact of this is sure to increase 3D printer usage and footfall in any creative organisation.

Learn More

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Top 20 Free 3D Printing & 3D Printing Software

Looking for 3D printing software? We've rounded up the top 20 software tools for beginners and professionals alike. Most slicers are free.

What is a slicer? This is a program for preparing a digital model for printing. Models for 3D printing are usually distributed in STL files. To turn an STL file into G-code (a language that a 3D printer understands), a slicer program is required. It is called a slicer because it cuts (to slice - English) a 3D model into many flat two-dimensional layers, from which a 3D printer will add a physical object.

Which slicer should I choose? In this article, we will tell you which slicer is best for 3D printing for each stage of your work. Which one is better for preparing a 3D model for printing? But what if you need to create a 3D model from scratch? And if you are only taking the first steps in 3D?

Don't be afraid: we've answered all of these questions, including the required skill level for each program and where you can download it. The great thing is that most of these programs are completely free and open source.

Cura
CraftWare
123D Catch
3D Slash
TinkerCAD
3DTin
Sculptris
ViewSTL
Netfabb Basic
Repetier
FreeCAD
SketchUp
3D Tool
Meshfix
Simplify3D
Slic3r
Blender
MeshLab
Meshmixer
OctoPrint

#1: Cura

For beginners who need a slicer to prepare STL files for 3D printing

Cura is the default slicer software for all Ultimaker 3D printers, but can be used with most others , including RepRap, Makerbot, Printrbot, Lulzbot and Witbox. The program is completely open source, its capabilities can be extended using plugins.

This program is very easy to use and allows you to manage the most important 3D printing settings through a clear interface. Start in Basic mode to quickly get up to speed and change print quality settings. If finer control is required, switch to Expert mode.

Cura can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other.

Download: Cura

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#2: CraftWare

3D printers by the Hungarian startup CraftUnique to support their CraftBot crowdfunding machine. However, the program works with other printers.

Like Cura, CraftWare allows you to switch from "Easy" to "Expert" mode, depending on how confident you feel. It's a colorful app that features a visual G-code visualization with each function represented by a different color. But the most outstanding feature is the individual support service. As far as we know, only the paid program Simplify3D has this.

Please note, however, that this program is still in beta, so bugs may occur.

Download: CraftWare

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac

#3: 123D Catch

-systems, smartphones and tablets, which allows you to convert images of objects into a 3D model. Pictures can be taken with a smartphone/tablet or digital camera.

You need many photos of an object from different angles - the more the better - after which they will be compiled into a 3D model.

123D Catch is more of a fun app than a professional 3D printing tool, but after some tambourine dancing, you can get good results, especially when paired with an STL editor like MeshLab or Meshmixer.

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Android, iOS, Windows Phone

#4: 3D Slash

and surprisingly simple, and refreshingly new. With 3D Slash, you can design 3D models using your dice skills.

You can start with a large block and, like a virtual sculptor, remove small cups from it with tools such as a hammer or drill, or start from empty space and build a model from cubes and other shapes. You can paint with flowers or use template pictures.

Other features worth mentioning are tools for creating logos and 3D text. The Logo Wizard imports an image and creates a 3D model, while the Text Wizard allows you to enter and format text, and then turn it into 3D.

Recommended!

Download: 3dslash.net

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux, Browser

#5: TinkerCAD

- A computer-aided design (CAD) system for 3D printing, which is a good starting point for beginners. Since its capabilities are limited compared to Blender, FreeCAD and SketchUp, many users switch to more powerful tools after some time.

As in 3D Slash, here you can build models from basic shapes. At the same time, unlike 3D Slash, TinkerCAD allows you to create vector shapes in 2D and convert them into three-dimensional models.

Come in: Autodesk TinkerCAD

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#6: 3DTin

For beginners who want to create 3D printable models

another easy and intuitive online tool choice for beginners in 3D modeling. All you need is a Chrome or Firefox browser with WebGL enabled.

Choose from a huge library of 3D shapes and add them to your sketch. All sketches are stored in the cloud, access to them is free if you honor the Creative Commons license. Everything can be exported to STL or OBJ formats.

Enter: 3DTin

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#7: Sculptris

For beginners who want to create 3D printable models

clay. This is a fantastic 3D modeling program if figurines are your main task. For example, you can make a bust of your favorite video game or comic book character. Sculptris is completely free and bills itself as a stepping stone to the more complex (and expensive) ZBrush tool.

Download: Pixologic Sculptris

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac

#8: ViewSTL

For beginners who want to view STL files

ViewSTL is the easiest way to view STL files . Simply open a web page and drag the STL onto the dotted box.

The STL online viewer allows you to display the model in one of three views: flat shading (for a quick view), smooth shading (for a high-quality image), and wireframe.

Enter: ViewSTL

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#9: Netfabb Basic

some nice features that allow you to analyze, "repair" and edit STL files before moving on to the model cutting stage.

A good choice if you need more than just a slicer and want to be able to quickly fix STL files without having to learn programs like MeshLab or Meshmixer.

Don't let the 'Basic' in the title fool you, Netfabb Basic is actually a very powerful 3D printing tool. It's "basic" only in the sense that it doesn't cost €1,500 like Netfabb Professional!

Download: netfabb. de

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

No. 10: Repetier

For advanced to prepare STL files for 3D printing

9002 the next level of 3D printer slicer software, but if you want to stay open source, you should look into Repetier. It is the great grandfather of 3D printing software and a favorite of the RepRap community.

To date, the program is moving by leaps and bounds from the level for beginners to advanced users. Packaged in an all-in-one configuration, it supports up to 16 extruders, multi-slicing via plug-ins, and virtually every fusing 3D printer on the market. Get ready to tinker!

What's more, Repetier Host works remotely via Repetier Server, so that the 3D printer can be controlled via a browser, tablet or smartphone.

Download: Repetier

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#11: FreeCAD

The program is a great option for developing your design skills. More technically, this parametric 3D modeling program allows you to easily change the project by rolling back through the history of the model and editing the parameters.

Download: freecadweb.org

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#12: SketchUp

For beginners who want to create 3D printable models

SketchUp is the perfect combination of simplicity and the perfect combination functionality, with a user-friendly interface and a relatively flat learning curve (i.e., as experience grows with the time spent), the ideal program for developing three-dimensional models.

The Make SketchUp version is free and will include everything you need for 3D modeling if you also download and install the free STL exporter. There is also a professional edition for architects, interior designers and engineers.

Download: sketchup.com

Price: Free (SketchUp Make), $695 (SketchUp Pro)

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#13: 3D-Tool Free Viewer

view and validate STL files

3D-Tool Free Viewer is a sophisticated tool that, among other things, allows you to check the structural integrity and printability of your file. With the Cross-Section function, for example, you can look at the model from the inside and check the wall thickness. Very useful if you want to check your STL file for killer errors before printing.

Download: 3D-Tool

Price: Free

Systems: PC

#14: Meshfix

your model for errors.

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#15: Simplify3D

For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing print. A flexible algorithm checks the model for problems, fixes them, shows a preview of the printing process (ideal for identifying potential problems), and then slices it.

This slicer offers the best infill pattern options in the competition. For models that require supports, Simplify3D will create the appropriate structures on its own and give you full control over their placement. For printers with a dual extruder, when printing with different materials, the Dual Extrusion wizard will help, as a result of which, for example, it will be easier to remove the dissolving filament.

Simplify3D supports 90% of today's commercially available desktop 3D printers and is compatible with Marlin, Sprinter, Repetier, XYZprinting, FlashForge, Sailfish and MakerBot firmware. Simplify3D can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other.

Download: simplify3d.com

Price: $149

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#16: Slic3r

source code, which has a reputation as a carrier of super new functionality, which you will not find anywhere else. The current version of the program is able to show the model from multiple angles, so that the user gets a better preview experience.

There's also an incredible 3D honeycomb infill, the first of its kind that can extend over multiple layers rather than repeating itself like a stamp. This significantly increases the strength of the internal filling of the model and the final printout.

Another option is direct integration with Octoprint. Once the files on the user's desktop are sliced, they can be directly uploaded to Octoprint with one click.

Download: Slic3r

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#17: Blender

For professionals who want to create 3D printable models

Blender is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) system with a steep learning curve. Not at all the best choice for beginners, but what you need if you are quite experienced and need something more complex for modeling and printing.

In short, Blender is one of the most powerful tools out there. Its community is always ready to help, there are a lot of educational materials. It's also open source, so enthusiasts often write extensions to make it even better and more powerful.

Download: blender.org

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#18: MeshLab

For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing

MeshLab - advanced editor. It allows you to remove parts of a 3D model, merge two models into one, patch holes. If you need a program to modify models for 3D printing or some kind of "repair" work, MeshLab is the right choice.

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#19: Meshmixer

For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing files. It's especially good for identifying potential problems and fixing them automatically. For example, it will show paper-thin walls that can lead to problems with 3D printing. Meshmixer is part of the Autodesk family of 3D printer software, so it should work well with tools like TinkerCAD.

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac

#20: OctoPrint

start, pause or interrupt 3D print jobs. Combined with Wi-Fi capable devices, it makes for a great monitor for remotely monitoring the 3D printing process.

Octoprint understands the G-codes of almost all 3D printers and slicers and includes a gCodeVisualizer to visualize this code before or during printing.

If you want to work away from your 3D printer and control it remotely, Octoprint is the best you can find.

Download: octoprint.org

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

3D modeling software tools for beginners who want to create their own 3D models. Users can export their models and either 3D print them or post them online for others to download for free or for money.

These programs range from easy-to-use for beginners to professional programs that can take years to learn. That's why we've created our list of the best free 3D modeling software to help you make your choice.

Some free online programs run entirely in the browser, others need to be downloaded. But they are all, at least in the short term, free.

List of the best free 3D modeling software in 2021:

TinkerCAD - Best program for beginners
3D Slash - simple program for beginners
FreeCAD - Free source code
Blender - Apheted free free
MeshMixer
Fusion 360
Vectary
0005
OpenSCAD
Wings 3D. Free programs are often used by beginners, so this is important.
A well-developed set of tools for creating professional 3D models.
The presence of new tools that allow you to take a completely new approach to creating 3D designs.

1. TinkerCAD is the best free program for beginners

Country of origin - USA. Available to work in the browser.

This is one of the many 3D CAD software programs from Autodesk giant TinkerCAD. The tool looks deceptively primitive, easy to use, but again and again it makes it to the top of the best free programs.

TinkerCAD allows you to create detailed 3D models using basic shapes by joining them together. The learning process is much easier than in other programs. It is perfect for beginners and kids to teach kids how to 3D print. It is most often used in schools and classrooms around the world. You can get started in minutes in your browser without downloading. What's more, you can download the TinkerCAD app and play with the models on your smartphone or tablet!

Autodesk makes a wide variety of software for various industries. TinkerCAD is perfect for beginners in 3D design to make something cool. You can export the model to STL and any other format and send it to a 3D printer. Once you gain the necessary experience, you may need a more sophisticated program such as AutoCAD. But at the same time, TinkerCAD remains a great program to start your career as a 3D designer.

2. 3D Slash is a simple free program for beginners

Basic version is free, premium version costs $2 per month.

Ideal for beginners. 3D Slash is not like a regular program, more like a friendly, interactive 3D world where you can create whatever you want. The development team clearly thought out how to make the user interface as natural as possible, understandable to non-designers, without a complex learning process. The functionality is intuitive and convenient.

At the same time, you are not limited to basic shapes. You can create impressive and more complex objects. The standard version is free, the premium version comes with a small monthly fee. School and professional plans are also available.

3. FreeCAD is free and open source

FreeCAD was released back in 2002, and although it's still in beta testing, its development has progressed a lot. It is designed to make the process of creating 3D versions of real objects as efficient and simple as possible.

A very useful feature is the ability to start with a static 2D sketch, from which you can then build the final 3D model. FreeCAD works well on Windows and Mac, you can easily export the model as STL, OBJ or even DXF files, for example for CNC.

Although FreeCAD was developed primarily for machine tools, it can also be used for 3D printing. What's more, FreeCAD is open source, so you can work with Python.

FreeCAD is ideal for users with some design experience, as some of the tools can be difficult for beginners. But overall it is a very powerful free 3D modeling tool.

4. SketchUp

Basic version is free, Pro version is $299 per year. The country of the developer is the USA.

A veteran of the 3D modeling software industry, created in 2000 by Lastsoftware. In 2006, Google bought it to implement this versatile and powerful tool in its services. It has since been sold to Trimble Inc., who have offered a free version. SketchUp is a great choice for beginner designers. It, like TinkerCAD, is easier to learn than most other 3D programs. Contains almost all the tools you might need.

Though mostly used by architects, SketchUp is gaining popularity in 3D printing. The tools are surprisingly well suited to 3D CAD file creators. You can download the SketchUp STL extension to create files in STL.

SketchUp has a simple interface that is not overloaded with information. You can easily figure it out in a few hours and create a very realistic 3D model on the first day.

5. Blender - Extended Freeware

The country of origin is the Netherlands.

Possibly the most popular 3D design software. Blender has a huge active community that shares its STL files and 3D models as well as information on the web. A quick Google and YouTube search will turn up thousands of links where users showcase their 3D designs and share their Blender 3D experience. Such popularity is primarily due to the fact that the program is 100% free and open source. You can create almost anything in it. The choice of tools is huge.

The learning process is more complex than in previous programs. However, thanks to its toolset, Blender is a versatile 3D modeling program. It is used in a variety of applications ranging from VFX for movies, video games, 3D model design to 3D printing. In addition, Blender comes with an integrated game engine as well as detailed modeling tools and video editing capabilities. This incredible free software is ideal for game developers and experienced 3D modelers.

6. MeshMixer

Country of origin - USA.

Meshmixer is a unique program that does not fit into any particular category. Another development from Autodesk, Meshmixer sets itself apart from the competition in that it allows you to edit existing models using a variety of tools, including animation, buckle/fill, repair. Meshmixer is well suited for design modification and quality assurance. Useful for both beginners and experts. Allows you to improve and prepare your models for 3D printing.

Another important advantage of the program is the possibility of using it in topological optimization. With simple tools, parts can be made lighter and more economically. This is especially useful for subsequent 3D printing in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where the weight of the model is very important.

All in all, Meshmixer is a versatile option for those who need to improve their 3D model. Beginners can change their models, experts can optimize industrial designs.

7. Fusion 360

The program is free for personal use for a year, the Pro version costs about $500 per year.

Country of origin - USA.

Another Autodesk development for schools and academic institutions. It is undoubtedly a tool for experts, but easy enough to use for an educated beginner. Fusion 360 is a sharing program that allows you to share STL files via the cloud for collaborative editing and model optimization.

Powerful tools for virtually any industrial 3D design. It has built-in functions for estimating the load that the components of a 3D model will face. This allows designers to find potential weaknesses before printing. Once created, you can easily export the model to an STL file or any other format. The program has recently become free for students, startups, and more. If you have some experience or want to improve your 3D design skills, this 3D software is perfect.

8. Vectary

Free program with premium features for $12 per month.

Vectary launched in 2014 and calls itself the most accessible 3D and AR design platform. This is a free web-based 3D modeling program. Vectary offers templates with pre-rendered and lit screens that you can place your 3D models in front of for product photography and other artistic purposes. A simple work interface with the necessary set of tools makes working with lighting and modeling easy. You can easily export your finished design or scene as an AR model.

The free package includes access to Vectary Studio for creating and designing models, as well as the ability to export your creations to OBJ or STL formats. For other formats, you will need an update. You can create up to 25 projects for free, as well as access a library of 3D assets, materials, and Vectary icons. A paid upgrade gives you access to AR preview tools, as well as project sharing features and teams for better and faster feedback between multiple people.

9. SelfCAD

Free education software. For the rest, it costs $4.99 per month.

Country of origin - USA.

SelfCAD focuses on being the best browser-based, no-download, free 3D modeling software for students around the world. It is popular in American schools teaching 3D design to students. Simple and easy to use, requiring a short training period, SelfCAD has all the necessary tools for creating models. It also has slicing tools to prepare STL or G-code files for 3D printing.

SelfCAD is a simple 3D design program with a very clear interface, suitable for beginners.

10. BlocksCAD

The program is provided free of charge. There are paid educational versions for schools.

Country of origin - USA.

BlocksCAD is educationally oriented and was created for STEM students in grades 3-8. It is a cloud-based free 3D modeling software that promotes learning about mathematics, computational thinking, coding concepts, and designing models for 3D printing.

The free gallery has a wide selection of projects that can be used in personal and classroom work, ranging from snowmen, jewelry rings, fish, and even the infamous cafeteria. Works great with OpenSCAD, designed to be simple, fun and easy for kids to work with. 3D models can be created using colorful, easy-to-manage blocks and exported either as STL files or as files to be opened and edited in OpenSCAD. For beginners, BlocksCAD offers extensive tutorials on the basics of 3D modeling and how to use 3D software.

11. OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a free downloadable program. It looks intimidating, because it “envelops” with codes and scripts. This is a powerful tool. But keep in mind that it is for those who are used to coding. The program was created back in 2010 by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf. New updates and patches are released regularly. OpenSCAD is loved by 3D designers who prefer a scripted rather than an artistic design method. It is also worth noting that a 3D part in OpenSCAD can be created using only the mouse, but this is not the only feature of the program.

Overall, we are impressed with OpenSCAD: it offers something new and free of charge. However, at least intermediate knowledge of scripting languages is required.

3D printing education programs