{"id":140,"date":"2025-03-22T13:14:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-22T13:14:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/?page_id=140"},"modified":"2025-03-22T15:41:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T15:41:06","slug":"3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/3d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"3D printing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is 3D Printing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/lab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Makerbot-Replicator-300x235.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3387\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>3D Printing, or&nbsp;additive manufacturing, is the process by which three-dimensional objects are created from&nbsp;digital files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additive manufacturing is the process of laying down successive layers of material until the object is complete. This process allows for a very stable, lightweight object to be created while limiting excessive use of resources&nbsp;thus lowering production costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While many commercial 3D printers use a corn-based plastic filament, other materials can be used depending on the application, such as metals,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bTSakUtxXYY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">concrete<\/a>, other plastics, and perhaps one day,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencealert.com\/researchers-have-just-3d-printed-a-mini-heart-using-human-tissue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">human tissue<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting Started with 3D Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is widely available to users for the purpose of 3D design and modeling. These programs enable users to create digital objects in either two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. Most CAD tools allow users to create, modify, analyze or optimize digital designs to suit the overall purpose of the object. To read more about the different types of 3D modeling,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/lab\/steam-tools\/3d-printing\/#3dmodel\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tinkercad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/lab\/steam-tools\/3d-printing\/www.tinkercad.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/lab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Screen-Shot-2016-10-26-at-10.30.14-PM-300x150.png\" alt=\"Screen Shot 2016-10-26 at 10.30.14 PM\" class=\"wp-image-366\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Tinkercad is a free, web browser-based computer-aided design (CAD) tool. It allows users to use simple drag-and drop technology to create a 3D print file (.stl) which can then be printed on most commercial 3D printers. Tinkercad can be utilized for any curricular subject, the only limit is the creativity of the user.&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tinkercad.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here to visit the Tinkercad website<\/a>&nbsp;and get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fusion 360<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/lab\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/fusion-360-lockup-stacked-screen-e1609885314643-300x122.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3918\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Also from Autodesk, Fusion 360 is a fully-integrated computer-aided design (CAD),&nbsp;computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) platform. While Tinkercad is ideal for users with little modeling experience, Fusion 360 is professional-grade software that can take your designs to the next level. Unlike Tinkercad, Fusion 360 has a steep learning curve and its full functionality is only available with a paid license. However, if you\u2019re interested in more sophisticated 3D design with more control over your model, this program may be worth checking out.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.ca\/en\/products\/fusion-360\/features\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a>&nbsp;to learn more about the features of Fusion 360.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to use Fusion 360 in the secondary classroom,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1apei0Kgck6Drs_Gf4ihdDM-WmUFC-iYk\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this curriculum and activity guide<\/a>&nbsp;produced by STEAM-3D Maker Lab intern Oliver Alexander might help! Learn to start using Fusion 360 to model replacement parts and explore the Ontario Grade 9 Mathematics curriculum with the help of Python programming:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1b2X4nHPDIh9hjsbq2lEKqiIZh94NLiG1\/preview\">https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1b2X4nHPDIh9hjsbq2lEKqiIZh94NLiG1\/preview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For even more 3D printing resources, check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/lab\/steam-tools\/resources\/#3dprintresources\">Additional Making Resources page<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Curriculum Connections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure where 3D printing fits into your educational program? Check our list of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/125tqxuOyaNQLDTeZI1UAqyK2bx7jm9SCP9l5ao2HWY8\/edit#bookmark=id.88pmyhfqmiqs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ontario curriculum connections<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3D Printing in the Maker Lab<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=L4rA27Q8e_U%3Ffeature%3Doembed\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3D Printing in The \u201cReal World\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Medical Industry:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bio-Printing\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Potential for use in tissue engineering and similar applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Layers of living cells are deposited into a gel-based medium and slowly built up into a three-dimensional structure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning and Practice\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prior to conducting major surgeries, surgeons can print anatomically correct versions of the patient\u2019s organ.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They can take these models and plan their best course of action to ensure best results for patients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aerospace and Aviation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Typically would utilize Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An additive manufacturing technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Involves laying down materials in layers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allows for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA has been known to use this type of 3D technology.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designers can create digital files from Earth and send them up to the printer at the International Space Station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printing on demand can revolutionize longer distance journeys in space.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Changes the way supplies can be replaced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could allow for creation of objects that historically could not be launched into space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Resources:<br>3D Scanning &amp; Subtractive Manufacturing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction to 3D Scanning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3D scanning is a non-contact and non-destructive tool that captures the shape of physical objects using a line of laser light. These scanners allow users to collect&nbsp;an object\u2019s exact dimensions and recreate it in a digital form that can then be manipulated or utilized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Subtractive Manufacturing in the Maker Lab<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Laura Dobos, one of our research assistants, has taken on the challenge of learning our newest piece of tech \u2013 our CNC machine (Carvey). Here\u2019s what we think so far!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=un6QCBWqRBM%3Ffeature%3Doembed\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>A<\/strong><strong>dvance Your Knowledge: Types of 3D Modeling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Parametric Modeling:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Objects are built from a set of mathematical equations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often based on \u201creal world\u201d project data and parameters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use feature-based, solid and surface modeling tools to manipulate attributes of the system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attributes are intertwined so when an adjustment is made, it affects all facets of the design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Direct or Explicit Modeling:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Uses a database of pre-existing geometric shapes and models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objects are modified through pushing, pulling, or twisting (Boolean operations).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often much simpler for beginner users of CAD software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is 3D Printing? 3D Printing, or&nbsp;additive manufacturing, is the process by which three-dimensional objects are created from&nbsp;digital files. Additive manufacturing is the process of laying down successive layers of material until the object is complete. This process allows for &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/3d-printing\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-140","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/140","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=140"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/140\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1456,"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/140\/revisions\/1456"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/janettehughes.ca\/makerlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}