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Introduction to 3D Design and Printing

Resources to learn about 3D design and 3D printing best practices

TinkerCad

TinkerCAD, owned by Autodesk,  is an easy web based 3d design and modeling tool. You sign up for a free account using your email address and create a password or with your Facebook account. 

TinkerCAD is great for first timers looking to build their first CAD models.  Users can quickly learn the drag and drop interface to build unique and complex designs.  

Helpful Hints for Use and Navigation

Below is a map of the interface for TinkerCAD.  Various options for shapes are located in the right side doc.  

 

Notes on using TinkerCad

  • Drag and drop shapes, components, and generators on the workplane from the right side panel
  • Tapping “W” on your keyboard opens the workplane tool; click on the desired surface to place a plane
  • Select multiple objects by holding down the shift key and clicking with the left mouse button or by drawing a box around the desired objects
  • Tapping “D” on your keyboard drops the object on the active workplane.
  • You can edit the grid to make more precise movements and adjustments.  Leave snap grid on to ensure accurate placements.
  • You can duplicate objects by selecting them and hitting Ctrl+D (Cmd+D) on your keyboard or by clicking and holding on the object with the left mouse button while holding the Alt key and dragging.  

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