Learn Online: 3D Design and 3D Printing
3D printers are playing a role in supporting front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, both in Toronto and around the world.
Recently, Toronto Public Library lent out 3D printers to a team at Toronto General Hospital (TGH). The 3D printers will be used to produce parts for a face shield for medical staff. The same TGH team have previously produced 3D printed stethoscopes.
In many parts of the world, 3D printers are also being used to print protective medical devices.
- Prusa Printers have designed and made available to the public a 3D printable face shield. The printed device can hold projector sheets used for overhead projectors.
- Swedish Company 3dverkstan have made a similar model that does not need elastic straps.
- Chilean/US company Copper3D has made available a 3D printable protective mask.
While we are keeping safe and healthy in our homes, it is a great time to learn about 3D design, the process of creating digital objects that can be 3D printed into physical objects. The following free software programs provide a great way to get started.
- Blender is a free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports modeling, animation, simulation and rendering. Blender is easy to download on your personal computer or tablet.
- Autodesk Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics and coding. Tinkercad offers tutorials to get you started in 3D design.
- Autodesk Fusion 360 is a tool for precise modeling of 2D and 3D objects. Autodesk is offering an extended access program, available till May 31, 2020. Autodesk is also free for students and educators.
Safari Tech and Business Books Online
Toronto Public Library offers many e-resources in learning 3D design. All the resources listed below are free with a Toronto Public Library card. Here are a few suggestions from Safari Tech and Business Books Online.
Learning Blender: A Hands-On Guide to Creating 3D Animated Characters
"Learning Blender walks you through every step of creating an outstanding animated character with the free, open source, 3D software Blender." This book then teaches you how to put that character in a video animation using a professional workflow.
"Build four projects using Blender for 3D Printing, giving you all the information that you need to know to create high-quality 3D printed objects."
3D printing with Autodesk 123D, Tinkercad, and MakerBot
"Practical examples take you through the Design, Catch, Meshmixer, Tinkercad, Make and CNC Utility apps as well as the MakerBot Desktop. Fun projects, easy-to-follow instructions, and clear screenshots progress from installing the software to printing the design."
"Learn how to use essential tools for working with 3D modeling. To give your models the feel of real-world objects, you'll learn how to create materials and set up surfaces."
3D modeling and printing with Tinkercad: create and print your own 3D models
"Want to master 3D modeling and printing? Tinkercad is the perfect software for you. This guide is packed with photos and projects that bring 3D modeling to life!"
A Beginner's Guide to 3D Modeling
"A practical guide to 3D CAD modeling. Begins with the principles of parametric modeling and assembly methods, and then moves on to advanced modeling concepts such as 3D sketching and splines, helixes and ribs, technical drawing and rendering."
"Learn how to use Autodesk Fusion 360 to digitally model your own original projects for a 3D printer or a CNC device. Fusion 360 software lets you design, analyze, and print your ideas. Free to students and small businesses alike, it offers solid, surface, organic, direct, and parametric modeling capabilities."
Courses from Lynda.com
Beginner and Intermediate 3D design tutorials are also available through Lynda.com. Learn more about Lynda.com. You will be asked to log in with your Toronto Public Library card to access these courses. Course descriptions are from Lynda.com.
Learn how to create 3D models, navigate in 3D, create and modify shapes, as well as use the workplane and ruler to design more accurately. This course is for beginners.
Get an overview of modeling, animating and rendering 3D graphics in Blender software. Learn how to create and edit basic objects, work with modifiers and subdivision surfaces, and apply materials and textures. The is course is for beginners.
Fusion 360: Tips, Tricks and Techniques
Fusion 360, the popular 3D design and fabrication tool from Autodesk, is constantly evolving. This weekly series keeps you up to date with the latest and greatest in the Fusion 360 feature set, providing tips tailored fro beginners jump-starting their learning journey.
With thanks to Joey Milligan for co-authoring this post.
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