TinkerCAD

TinkerCAD is a free, web-based 3D design and modeling tool. It is user-friendly and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners who are just starting to explore the world of 3D design. With TinkerCAD, you can create digital 3D models for a variety of applications, including product design, architecture, and game design. The tool offers a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to combine basic shapes to create more complex objects, and you can also import and export designs in common 3D file formats. TinkerCAD is widely used in schools, libraries, and makerspaces to introduce students and aspiring designers to the basics of 3D design.

Website

Workshop

  1. Introductions
    1. What are you hoping to design with TinkerCAD?
    2. What do you want to make?
    3. What is TinkerCAD? Overview.
    4. Why TinkerCAD? Features and capabilities.
    5. 3D Modeling Slides (we can
    6. Other 3D Modeling programs
  2. Getting Started
    1. Setting up an account
    2. Creating a new design
    3. Navigating the TinkerCAD interface
  3. Design Basics
    1. Creating and manipulating shapes
    2. Combining shapes to create more complex objects
    3. Adding text to your design
    4. Grouping objects
    5. Arranging objects in 3D space
  4. Advanced Techniques
    1. Resizing objects
    2. Mirroring and rotating objects
    3. Cutting and punching holes in objects
    4. Measuring distances and angles
    5. Aligning objects to one another
    6. Importing designs from other programs
    7. Exporting designs for 3D printing or other applications
  5. Design Project (NEXT WEEK!)
    1. Introduction to the design project
    2. Guided steps for creating a simple design in TinkerCAD
    3. Time for participants to work on their own designs
    4. Sharing and feedback on designs
  6. Conclusion
    1. Recap of key concepts and techniques learned in the workshop
    2. Resources for further learning and exploration
    3. Q&A and wrap-up.

First Project Ideas

  1. Keychain design: Participants can create a custom keychain design by combining shapes, adding text, and importing images. They can then export their design for 3D printing.
  2. Jewelry design: Participants can use TinkerCAD to design a simple piece of jewelry, such as a pendant or earrings. They can experiment with different shapes and textures and learn how to create holes for attaching to a chain or earring hooks.
  3. Planter design: Participants can design a planter for a small plant, such as a succulent. They can learn how to create a container for the soil and a hole for the plant, and can add decorative elements to their design.
  4. Lamp design: Participants can design a simple desk lamp using basic shapes and the measurement and alignment tools. They can learn how to create a base, a stem, and a shade, and can experiment with different shapes and sizes.
  5. Bottle opener design: Participants can design a custom bottle opener by combining shapes and adding a hole for the bottle cap to pass through. They can then export their design for 3D printing.

Important & Useful Workflows for Craft-based Applications

Part Two