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3D Printing

Learn 3D Printing

Keychain

Learn the basics of 3D print design by creating a name keychain using Tinkercad. 

In this project you will learn how to:

  • Create & edit shapes
  • Add text 
  • Group your design elements 

For this project you will need a Tinkercad account, see link below.

There are two learning resources available for this project.  The first is a video explaining how to design a name keychain with two ways to add text to your design. The second is a step-by-step article showing how to make a keychain with curved edges. 

You can submit your project to be printed at the Idea Lab without having to take our class because it is a beginner's project. Before you submit, please fill out the Idea Lab agreement if this is your first time printing or you've never visited the Idea Lab and filled this out before:

 

Now you can submit your project to be printed with the link below:

 

Congratulations you finished the first project!

Wondering what to do next? Here are a few suggestions. 

  • Try out Project 2 - Cookie Cutter
  • Learn about where to find 3D object files and more basic 3D printing information in the 3D Printing Resource tab.
  • View the 3D modeling Software tab to learn more about the different programs you can use.

 

Cookie Cutter

Did you know you can 3D print cookie cutters? This project will show you how to use COOKIECAD, a website that can convert your image files into printable STL files. 

In this project you will learn how to: 

  • Make basic adjustments to your design. 
  • Save or share your finished file. 

IMPORTANT: Do not put your finished cookie cutter in the dishwasher. The high temperature will melt the plastic. For reuse, hand wash with warm, soapy water and be sure to use a brush to clean out all food residue.

COOKIECAD has a few basic shapes you can select from to make your cookie cutter file . You can also upload a clipart image or your own drawing to make your cookie cutter design. The first video shows how to use one of the basic shape files provided by COOKIECAD. The second video shows how to use an image file to create your design and how to add a support bar.

You can submit your project to be printed at the Idea Lab without having to take our class because it is a beginner's project. Before you submit, please fill out the Idea Lab agreement if this is your first time printing or you've never visited the Idea Lab and filled this out before:

 

Now you can submit your project to be printed with the link below:

Congratulations you finished project 2 - Cookie Cutter!

Wondering what to do next? Here are a few suggestions. 

  • Try out Project 3 - Infill Earrings
  • Learn about where to find 3D object files and more basic 3D printing information in the 3D Printing Resource tab.
  • View the 3D modeling Software tab to learn more about the different programs you can use.

Infill Earrings

Make your own 3D printed earrings using the settings available in Cura.

In this project you will learn how to: 

  • Create a basic shape file in Tinkercard
  • Edit Infill settings in Cura

For this project you will need a Tinkercad account and Cura.  

There are two steps to this project. Step one is to make a basic shape design in Tinkercad or to download a shape design. Step two is to edit the settings in Cura. The article below explains how to edit the settings in Cura and has downloadable files to choose from. Watch the video to learn how to make a basic shape design in Tinkercad and then bring that file into Cura. 

You can submit your project to be printed at the Idea Lab without having to take our class because it is a beginner's project. Before you submit, please fill out the Idea Lab agreement if this is your first time printing or you've never visited the Idea Lab and filled this out before:

 

Now you can submit your project to be printed with the link below:

Congratulations you finished project 3 - Infill Earrings!

Wondering what to do next? Here are a few suggestions.

  • Learn about where to find 3D object files and more basic 3D printing information in the 3D Printing Resource tab.
  • View the 3D modeling Software tab to learn more about the different programs you can use.

More Projects

Share your Projects!

The Erie County Public Library welcomes the opportunity to support and promote the creative expression of our diverse community.

In that spirit, we have established the Idea Lab Creates collection, a showcase for community members who have used Idea Lab equipment or resources to create an original work. It could be a project from one of the Idea Lab’s Maker Guides, something created during a class, an item made with a Maker Kit, or any project related to Idea Lab themes.

Erie County residents of all ages are encouraged to submit their original work to this collection. View the collection below or submit one of your projects for us to share.