3D Print-a-Palooza - Series

Service Description

Suggested Ages: 8-12 Duration: 90min per session Drop-Offs: Yes, for ages 8+ Number of sessions: 4 Slots: 8 Cost: $100 == Summary: This 4-session 3D printing course for ages 8–12 introduces students to how 3D printers work, the different types of 3D printing, and the full journey from idea to finished object. Kids learn the basics of FDM printing and explore other methods like resin and industrial printing, then create their own 3D designs using Tinkercad. They discover how designs are prepared for printing by slicing models in Bambu Studio, learning about orientation, supports, infill, and print settings. The course culminates with students printing, evaluating, and improving their own creations, helping them build confidence as young designers and makers while taking home a custom 3D-printed project. == Software: Tinkercad (design), Bambu Studio (slicing & prep), Solidworks (Exposure) Printing Type Focus: FDM (with exposure to other methods) Final Outcome: Each student designs, slices, and prints a custom object == Session 1 – How 3D Printing Works (and Why It’s Awesome) 3D printers build objects layer by layer from digital designs. Learning Objectives: What 3D printing is (and how it’s different from traditional manufacturing) How FDM printers work (melting plastic → layers → object) A quick intro to other types of 3D printing Resin (SLA) Powder (SLS) Industrial metal printing (high-level only) Printer safety & makerspace rules === Session 2 – Designing in Tinkercad Everything printed starts as a 3D model. Learning Objectives: Navigating Tinkercad (view cube, zoom, pan) Basic shapes: box, cylinder, sphere Add vs subtract (hole tool!) Scaling, aligning, grouping objects Design rules for printing: Thickness Overhangs Flat bases === Session 3 – From Design to Printer (Slicing & Prep) Printers need instructions, not just models. Learning Objectives: What a slicer does (turns models into instructions) File types: STL vs printer files Using Bambu Studio: Importing models Choosing print orientation Supports (what they are & when needed) Infill (strength vs speed) Layer height (detail vs time) == Session 4 – Print Day & Iteration Makers improve their designs through testing. Learning Objectives: Starting and monitoring a print What can go wrong (and why it’s okay!) Removing prints safely Simple post-processing: Support removal Light sanding (demo) How to improve a design after seeing it in real life