View source for Intro to 3D Modeling with Tinkercad.com

== General Info==
TinkerCAD.com is a browser based CAD/Drafting tool for creating 3D models suitable for 3D printing or importing into graphics engines in other programs like minecraft or animation programs.

* TinkerCAD uses modern browsers, so nothing needs to be installed on a user's computer.  Everything runs in the cloud.

* TinkerCAD is super easy to learn and a great way to develop beginner CAD skills and 3D thinking.

* TinkerCAD is FREE, simply create an account and follow the intro lessons.  http://www.tinkercad.com


Maker Station member Tanju Bayramoglu is a fan of tinkerCAD and has offered to host a class on it.

Feel free to reach out to him or the Board of Directors (info@themakerstation.com) to ask questions or request another class.


'''TinkerCAD's intro video'''  https://youtu.be/MwjWT-EvKSU

<youtube>MwjWT-EvKSU</youtube>

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== Lesson: Maker Keychain ==
This intro lesson will getting you up and running quickly with tinkercad.  In this lesson you will learn how to use the base shapes called ''primitives'' to make a simple keychain design. You will also learn how to add features by ''removing'' shapes using holes.  In this example, we convert a shape to a ''hole'' to add the keyring hole feature to the keychain.  Lastly you will be able to download your design for 3D printing and a keychain is a great 1st part for printing since it has a flat bottom and will print relatively quickly.
 

''' 1.) Login/Create Account''' <br/>
[[File:Tinkercad dashboard.PNG|300px|right|thumb]]
# In a new browser window, go to http://www.tinkercad.com and choose ''SIGN IN'' or ''SIGN UP'' as needed. <br/>
# Enter your credentials. <br/>
# The page will load with your dashboard.  If you are an existing member, your existing designs will be displayed.  Otherwise, you will see a generally blank screen.<br/>

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'''2.) Create new design''' <br/>
[[File:Tinkercad box.PNG|300px|right|thumb]]

# Click the ''Create new design'' button
# The page will refresh and the Tinkercad workspace will be displayed
# Scroll down until the geometric shapes are displayed in the tool pane on the right side of the screen
# Click the ''red box'' and drag it on to the ''workplane''

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'''3.) Edit shapes'''<br/>
[[File:Tinkercad edit shapes.png|300px|right|thumb]]
# Click on the red box to reveal the shape handles.
# Select a corner handle and drag it to convert the square box into a rectangular box 40 mm long.
# Select the top center handle down to reduce the box height to 2 mm tall.
# In the tool pane, scroll to find the cylinder and drag it on to the workplane near the box.
# Select the top center handle and reduce the cylinder's height to 2 mm tall.
# Select and drag the cylinder so that its center lines up with the left edge of the box as shown in the screenshot.
# Click the +/- button and the ''panning'' left/right/up/down arrows to position your view of the workplane as needed.

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'''4.) Add Text'''<br/>
[[File:Tinkercad letters.png|300px|right|thumb]]
# In the tool pane scroll down for individual letters.
# You may need to ''expand'' the Letters section of the tool plane.
# Select the letters "M" - "A" - "K" - "E" individually and drag them on to the box.
# Position the letters as shown in the screenshot.
# Click the +/- button and the ''panning'' left/right/up/down arrows to position your view of the workplane as needed.

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'''5.) Add hole feature for the key ring'''<br/>
[[File:Tinkercad add hole.png|300px|right|thumb]]
# In the tool pane scroll down back up for the ''Round Roof'' shape.
# Drag the round roof anywhere on to the workplane.
# Click on the new shape and notice the arc'd rotation arrows.
# Rotate the round roof 90 degrees.
# Rotate it again 90 degrees onto it's side so that it looks like a half circle when viewed from the top (you will end up with a ''half cylinder'' shape).
# With the shape on its side, select the up pointing handle and raise it only 4mm so that it remains 1 mm below the workplane (-1 mm above the plane).
# Select the top handle and reduce the height so that it is 4mm tall.
# Select the side handles and drag to resize so that it is 14 mm long and 7 mm wide.
# Drag the half-cylinder on to the previous cylinder and line up the flat side with the letter "M"
# Take care to center the shapes as shown in the screenshot.
# Select only the half-cylinder and then click on the '''''Hole''''' option in the ''Inspector'' dialog box.
# The design should end up as shown in the screenshot.

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'''6.) Group parts '''<br/>
[[File:Tinkercad grouped.png|300px|right|thumb]]
# Click on the workplane and drag a selection box around all the shapes and letters.
# You may need to zoom out as needed. 
# The selected items will have a blue glow indicating selection.  If you missed a part, simply drag a new box until all are selected.
# With all the parts selected, click on the '''''Group''''' button found on the top tool bar (looks like a Mountain Icon called Group)
# Grouping the parts will join the ''Hole'' shape to the ''Solid'' shapes resulting in a cutout for the keyring.
# The design should end up as shown in the screenshot.

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'''7.) Rename Design and Download '''<br/>
[[File:Tinkercad design toolbar.png|200px]] [[File:Tinkercad properties.png|200px]] [[File:Tinkercad download.png|200px]]
# With your design complete, you are now ready to download it for 3D printing or sharing as needed.
# In the upper toolbar, click on ''Design'' and then choose ''Properties''.
# The Properties dialog box will be displayed.
# Rename the file as needed.
# Choose visibility as ''Public'' and change ''License'' options at your discretion.
# Click Save.
# Next, click on ''Design'' again, but this time choose ''Download''.
# The Download dialog box will be displayed.
# Choose an option at your discretion.  STL files are the most common file type for 3D printing.
# Save the file to your local hard drive/computer

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'''8.) Next steps/Advanced Designs '''<br/>
[[File:Tinkercad keychain.png|300px|right|thumb]]
# Using the principles learned in the previous steps, try to make a nicer design similar to the one shown in this screen shot
# Hexagonal prism and a matching hexagonal hole add a nice "''maker''" touch to the design.
# Small cylinders can be used to round off the corners on the right side of the keychain's rectangles.
# Letters and box shapes can be resized to obtain more interesting edge effects.
# Shape colors can be changed using the ''Inspector'' dialog box.

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== Lesson: Name Badge for the Maker Station ==
[[File:Tinkercad nametag.png|300px|thumb]]
Add your name to the Maker Station's name tag badge

https://tinkercad.com/things/cTCVvtj2xo8

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== Lesson: Intermediate Tips & Tricks ==
* Helper Tools: Workplane and Ruler
* Rotating on different centers
* Duplicating objects
* Aligning and Mirroring
* Fillets, radius, and chamfers
* Importing files