3D Printing with Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free online collection of software tools that help people all over the world think, create and make. Tinkercad can be used to create 3D printed designs but it can even be used to create software games or build real electronic products - like robots using the Arduino circuit boards.
Easiest ways to experiment is by downloading existing models from a site called Thingiverse.
SEP schools may want to consider using 3D within their respective projects. 3D printing can be used to produce products, tools or artwork (ie print logo).
Most schools will have a 3D printer which is usually managed by the school librarian.
3D printers use rolls of coloured plastic string that is fed into a heated extruder and deposited onto a surface in layers. These printed plastic parts are quite strong and hard. Print times are pretty slow - a small 3D model like the size of a single chess piece may take up to one hour to print depending on the print resolution and the type of printer.
Centrepointe Library has a printer available to reserve - no special certification is required - and the cost is $0.10/gram for the extruded plastic used. Just bring a usb stick with your .stl file on it. Someone is always on duty who can assist.
