2.2 3D Modeling Tools
As mentioned in the first section of this module, one of the benefits of incorporating 3D printing projects in an educational setting is giving students the chance to build, design, or remix their own 3D digital models. When engaging in 3D modeling activities, students can develop a number of skills, such as 3D modeling, creative thinking, problem-solving, and technological literacy.
In this section, you will learn about three, free 3D modeling tools that can help bring ideas to life! These tools will not only encourage your students to think beyond their own limitations, but also allow them to experience learning in a new dimension.
Tinkercad.com (Free, web-based)
Tinkercad is the perfect place to start for beginners and even advanced users. It is one of the most popular online 3D designing tools, because it is easy to use, relatively intuitive, and has in-depth tutorials with step-by-step directions.
The workplane is a three-dimensional plane for placing and manipulating 3D objects. Tinkercad comes bundled with a wide variety of 3D objects including basic geometric shapes, 3D characters, text and numbers, characters, community-created objects, and more.
Objects can be dragged onto the workplane and modified by adjusting the three axes (x, y and z-axis).
Since Tinkercad is cloud-based, all your progress is automatically saved. To download your 3D model for 3D printing, you may export your project in a .stl or .obj file format, which 3D printers can open and slice for printing.
Looking for design ideas? Tinkercad has a plethora of 3D user-created models in their stunning public database (gallery) to view, modify, and print.
3D Slash (Free, web-based)
3D Slash is an easy-to-use 3D modeling tool for anybody who has not designed a 3D model before. Like Tinkercad, 3D Slash is also intuitive to pick up and requires no prior training. 3D Slash was initially inspired by Minecraft, the video game, and only uses 3D blocks. The toolset includes a hammer, a trowel, a chisel, a brush, and a variety of 3D geometric shapes and it is used to manipulate (sculpt) the blocks.
The workspace is a blank 3D environment that enables users to insert 3D objects and view them in all dimensions.
Object building tools are categorized into Shape, Color and Advanced.
3D Slash has adjustment sliders for all three axes. These sliders represent the height, width, and depth of the 3D model. These come in handy for viewing your 3D objects in a different perspective.
There are helpful tutorial videos that walk users through various basics operations that one can accomplish using 3D Slash.
Visit the 3D Slash public gallery for 3D models ranging from automotive spare parts to jewels, toys to buildings, and much more.
Blender (Free; Windows, Mac, Linux)
Blender is an advanced, free, and open-source software for creating 3D content. This software is available as a download on Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems. Using Blender, you can create 3D models, add animations, create simulations and games, and more. Unlike Tinkercad and 3D Slash, Blender offers more advanced 3D design capabilities, with more tools and customization.
Blender has extensive collection of tutorial videos on Youtube with walkthroughs and demos of its 3D modeling software. Blender provides demo files (templates) to explore its 3D environment.
Let us now put one of these 3D modeling tools to use and design a whistle.
