How to Learn 3D Printing

The best way to learn 3D printing is to first familiarize yourself with the process, how printers work, and their parts and capabilities, along with safety guidelines and precuations. From there, think about the "why" and what 3D printers could be used for on a small and large scale. Of course, experience is also a great teacher!

1. Get Familiar with the 3D Printing Process

3D printing describes the process of creating a digital model and then sending that file to be manufactured as a physical, three-dimensional object. 

To do so, specialized software designed for 3D printers can take a 3D model and break it into sliced layers. This new sliced object is then saved to a file the printers can read. Each of these programs are a bit different, some can be used with multiple printers, and some printers require specific slicers.

For kids, 3D printing can be thought to work much like the inkjet printer they have at home or in school, except they’re “printing” using materials through an additive process, rather than printing ink on paper. 

Said differently, 3D printing can be likened more to manufacturing and building than actual “printing” given the physical nature of the output. 

In terms of their capabilities, 3D printers are able to create amazing projects. Here are a few different ways they are being used:

• To prototype new designs
• To replace parts for machines or automobiles
• To build toys and trinkets
• To create prosthetic limbs and organs
• To manufacture housing

As shown through the short list above, the world of 3D modeling and printing is vast—and really, if you can dream it, you can build it!

2. Learn about the 3D Printer's Parts

The main parts of a 3D printer include the Print Bed, Extruder, Nozzle, and Filament. 

3. Review 3D Printing Safety

Before going on, safety when using 3D printers should always be top of mind. As a general rule, kids should never be left alone with their printers, and thus should only operate them under adult supervision. 

At the end of the day, the 3D printer is a tool, just like a hammer or sewing machine, and can cause harm even unintentionally. Between the moving parts and extreme temperature levels, there are dangers if proper precautions are not taken. 

This is not by any means an exhaustive list of things to be aware of when it comes to safety, but merely a reminder message of warning for you and your children. You can read more about 3D printer safety here. 

4. Understand the "Why"

It’s a great question. Oftentimes something new and shiny comes along, and people rush to it or are told they should be rushing to it, but nobody ever stops to think about the “why?”

So aside from being cool and new, what value is there in 3D printing? We have printing in the traditional sense, and we also have people and processes already in place to build many of the things we’ve mentioned above.

Hint: We did refer to it being “world-changing” above. That’s no exaggeration.

It’s not just that 3D printing is advancing to the point of allowing us to create anything imaginable. But, it’s the way in which the process is carried out that sets it apart from existing technologies. Think efficiencies, cost, scalability, risk mitigation, sustainability, and more. 3D printing offers a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing.

And when it comes to 3D printing, think about the doors to innovation and creativity that are now open. I mean, just like crayons, colored markers, and paint elevated the abilities of an aspiring artist, or the computer screen allowed kids to go from pen or pencil drawings to full-blown graphical creations, 3D printing is the next level up for anyone with a big imagination.

Here are a few brief examples for some inspiration for those who want to be on the forefront of something huge!

• Assist in world hunger: 
• Create customized prosthetics: 
• Improve manufacturing: 
• Less waste

5. Get Experience

As you can see, 3D printing can be cool, fun, and even world-changing, but can also be very involved and intensive. 

Don’t let that intimidate your kids and teens! Even without going through an intro to 3D modeling or having any experience, there are a number of free resources and software that can be found online, along with summer camps and programs. 

We’ve already mentioned a few, but here is a list of recommended resources for kids to check out as they start exploring.

3D printing camps (held at prestigious universities across the country) 
3D printing with Blender (online lesson)

Resources:

3D Printing & Design Tutorial from Shapeways: Get inspired and then start creating! 
3D Modeling Software from Autodesk: Create your own model or modify one of the 10,000+ free 3D models provided by Autodesk. 
FreeCAD: A great 3D modeler to help you design real-life objects. 
Free workshops: check out your local Tech Museum or Maker Faire to find free or inexpensive classes on getting started with 3D modeling and printing.

Remember, all this incredible, innovative technology is nothing without sharp, creative minds to bring it to life!