Computer Aided Design (CAD)

We have just begun using CAD software (Sketchup) in order to design something useful and then print it using our 3D printers. (Learning Center)

Think of something smallish that you would like to design for 3D printing.  Some ideas are:

• a holder that allows a smartphone to be connected to a tripod
• tripod connectors like the one shown below (they get lost at school)
• a cable holder that keeps cables on a desk (projector cable, audio cable, power cable...)
• headphone hangers to put around classroom
• cardboard connectors like MakeDo

Vocabulary we'll be using:

1. faces (on surfaces in Sketchup)
2. x, y, and z axes
3. Push / Pull tool
4. Orbit tool
5. Follow Me tool
6. "healing" a surface in Sketchup
7. isometric view
8. solid (water tight)
9. coplanar

The final product.

It starts with an idea. And a lot of good measurements.

The original item

3D printing takes patience. Failures = learning.

Creating the design in CAD software.