3D Design & Printing: Turning Ideas Into Reality

Learning the Basics of 3D Design

The course began with an introduction to the fundamentals of computer-aided design (CAD). Students learned how to create and manipulate shapes, combine components, and think critically about how digital models translate into physical objects.

Their very first project was a personal one: a custom name plaque to place on their desks. This gave students a chance to explore text design, block modeling, and multi-color printing, while also creating something meaningful that they could take home.

Building Fidgets and Exploring Repetition

Once they had mastered the basics, students moved on to a more challenging project: designing fidget toys. By experimenting with telescoping shapes that lock together but do not fall apart, students explored how precise measurements affect the way objects connect. They also learned how to use repeating functions in CAD software, a tool that saves time and ensures accuracy when creating patterns or multiple identical pieces.

This project was not only fun but also a real engineering challenge, requiring them to think about durability, balance, and how the pieces would work together when printed.

Designing Swords and Learning Technical Drawings

Next, students designed their own swords, giving them freedom to customize size, shape, and style. This project combined creativity with technical skill, as students had to think about symmetry, proportions, and structural strength.

Alongside their sword designs, students were introduced to orthographic (ortho) and isometric (iso) drawings. They learned how to sketch a design in both formats, then translate that drawing into a CAD model. This connection between sketching, modeling, and real-world production is at the heart of engineering design.

A Creative Path Forward

With each project, students are gaining confidence in 3D design while developing problem-solving skills that go far beyond the classroom. They are learning how to:

• Use CAD software effectively

• Apply design thinking to solve challenges

• Translate 2D sketches into 3D models

• Understand how digital precision impacts real-world results

And the best part is that students will print three final projects by the end of the course, taking home professional-quality 3D prints that showcase their hard work.

Looking Ahead

As the class continues, students will have opportunities to design and customize new creations that bring together everything they have learned. By the end of the program, they will have both a strong foundation in 3D printing and a portfolio of projects that reflect their creativity and technical growth.

Join Our Next Weekend Session

Our next set of fall weekend classes begins October 18th at the CFI Robotics Center. Spots are limited, so now is the perfect time to register and save your seat.

Check out upcoming weekend classes and register here:https://forms.gle/C64M6V85XK87okFU8