TinkerCAD codeblocks and 3D printing for beginners.

In this lesson, you will learn more about the process of 3D printing and the different parts of the process. You will learn how 3D printers move and the correlation between X,Y and Z coordinates. Topics covered include the difference between 2D and 3D models and how the slicing process is a vital part of producing successful 3D printed model.

You will learn how layer height and denisty forms an important part of the slicing process and different ways of transferring files from a computer to a 3D printer. Terms such as CAD and CAM are covered to increase your understanding of the terminology commonly used with 3D printers.

In this lesson, the basics of design and coding are covered and a breakdown of how to use TinkerCAD code blocks is taught through a series of step by step tutorials. Important factors such as X,Y and Z axis are covered and how coding relates to this. There are multiple video tutorials using the software that build your skills in coding 3D models with scratch code blocks. Tasks are steadily built up with easy to follow tutorials that will teach you the basics of coding models for 3D printing.

This tutorial demonstrates how to drag a basic code block and simulate the outcome. Also it shows how to edit the values of a code block.

This tutorial will teach you how to create the code for a basic hollow cylinder.

This tutorial will teach you how to edit a code and add a floor to a cylinder.

This tutorial demonstrates how to code a door sign for a classroom or an office using multiple different codes blocks.

This tutorial demonstrates how to code drill tabs for the door sign.

This tutorial demonstrates how to duplicate a block of code and complete the door sign.

The focus of this lesson is using repeat patterns and tessellations to create visually impressive, easy to print models using code. In this lecture, there is a brief introduction to what repeat patterns and tessellations are before moving onto tutorials demonstrating how to code models in the style of tessellations and repeat patterns. 

This tutorial details how to code a basic repeat pattern in the style of a drinks coaster.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to code another style of coaster using repeat patterns and squares.

This tutorial demonstrates how to code a basic tessellation design.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create the code for a tessellated honeycomb pattern.

This tutorial shows how to code a necklace using repeat patterns.

This tutorial teaches you how to code a necklace using variable code blocks.

This is a 'code challenge' lesson, where you are tasked to demonstrate your coding skills learned during the previous lessons. The lesson starts with a mini-tutorial on how to create repeat patterns in 3D, building on lesson 4. Then the main challenges are explained and demonstrated in with extensive video tutorials. The challenges are differentiated into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinium levels, with each challenge getting progressively more difficult. All code challenges come with printable worksheets with the example code sequences listed on them.

There are printable worksheets to support you with the challenges and also a self-guided worksheet for extended learning.

This first video demonstrated the first skills-building challenge in this lesson.

This is skill-building challenge 2 of the lesson which builds upon the first tutorial. This is the same principle as the first challenge, but slightly more detailed in the design.

This tutorial demonstrates how to code a name tag for a charger cable.  Download and print the worksheet to help you with the coding sequences.

This tutorial demonstrates how to code a design for a cactus planter. Download the printable worksheet with the coding sequences on to help you during this challenge.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to code a clock face using repeat code blocks. This is a large coding challenge so make sure you download the support worksheet,

This tutorial demonstrates how to code the design for an Ardunio case. The principles learned can be applied to any case e.g. Rasberry pi or microbit.

This is the most challenging of all the tasks in the curriculum and involves precise measuring and coding down to the mm. Be sure to print the worksheet to help you during this task.

There is also a design challenge worksheet to help you extend your learning during this lecture, complete with an answer sheet to refer to.

This lesson will guide you through the basics of 3D printing materials and what are the most popular materials to print with.

This lesson focuses on a 'masterclass' on how to prepare the 3D models for printing using CURA slicing software. The video tutorials takes you through layer height, density, scale, print speed, nozzle size, support structure, and print analysis. This will allow you to set the correct settings for your model and check your print will work before sending it to the 3D printer. CURA is free to download and is the most widely used software for slicing models for 3D printing. By the end of the lesson, you will be completely confident that your prints will be sliced the correct way for successful 3D printing.

This is where you download the end of course certificate. Also a final message from the course instructor Phil Cotton.