3D Designing & Modeling
Translate ideas into virtual prototypes and 3D prints.
Program Overview
3D Designing and Modeling is the foundation of modern manufacturing, CAD design, and engineering. Students build spatial reasoning skills as they construct 3D objects inside Tinkercad and professional CAD software. They learn extrusion logic, subtractive carving, alignment, scaling, and the complete slicing pipeline. This course develops solid geometric spatial awareness, transforming abstract ideas into solid, printable prototypes.
Course Syllabus & Timeline
CAD Workspace & Solid Shapes
- Introduction to 3D Cartesian coordinates, planes, and workspaces
- Navigating CAD interfaces, rotating perspectives, and zoom tools
- Adding, grouping, scaling, and aligning primitive solid structures
- Subtractive modeling: Creating holes, cavities, and custom cutouts
- Structuring precise measurements and calibrating mm grid layouts
Complex Engineering Design
- Translating 2D layout sketches into 3D extruded solid forms
- Designing interlocking gears, hinges, and modular joints
- Applying fillets, bevels, and sweeps to round off object corners
- Engraving custom text, symbols, and details on curved planes
- Calibrating real-world object scales using digital calipers
Slicing, Filament & Print Pipeline
- Exporting CAD files to standard manufacturing formats (.STL, .OBJ)
- Configuring printer slicing software: Layer height, infills, and print speeds
- Understanding printing materials: PLA, ABS, and filament properties
- Calibrating extruder heats, bed levelling, and support structure structures
- Running active print tests and trouble-shooting extrusion failures
Key Projects Hand-built
Rather than memorizing abstract rules, kids learn by prototyping solutions. Here are three primary projects built in this course:
Engraved Modular Keychain
A custom name tag keychain containing chamfered edges, hanging loops, and double-layered extruded text logos designed for manufacturing.
Mechanical Spur Gear Train
A set of interlocking spur gears that mount onto axes, calibrated with precise tooth profiles to transfer rotation smoothly.
Architectural Castle Model
A multi-structured fortress displaying spiral stairs, windows, crenellated towers, and arches, testing the printer's bridging capability.
Course Details
Book a Free Trial
Let your child build their first circuit or write their first lines of code in a guided trial session.
