What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is an innovative technology that was originally patented back in the 1980s. Initially referred to as a stereolithographic apparatus machine, this was the beginning of the additive manufacturing/3D printing industry.
The early machines were able to fabricate complex parts out of materials like plastics and rubber, and today’s machines have also advanced to use other materials such as metal alloys. Metal 3D printing is now a common process used for metal parts fabrication and prototyping. Today, the same process occurs where multiple layers of different materials are applied, one on top of the other. Using this technology requires some understanding of the printers and the software that is used. There are excellent resources online that can educate anyone on how to become much more adept at 3D printing.
Thingiverse
Regarded as the largest community of 3D printing enthusiasts, it provides well over 300 lessons that you can access on this topic. There are specific lessons, as well as a million or more designs, that have been provided by this online community. There are actually several different areas that you can dive into. This includes subject areas of technology, science, and history. It all revolves around using 3D printers and this technology which will soon become commonplace in households and classrooms worldwide.
Makers Empire
This is another online resource that offers 3D printing lesson ideas, ranging from over 25 different subjects. They also have a blog in which members of this paid community, can access the thoughts of those with designed-based thinking. If you are a teacher, and you are thinking of putting 3D printing into your curriculum, this would be the ideal place to obtain the latest information.
Ultimaker Core Lessons
If you would like to access a community of like-minded 3D enthusiasts, this website can certainly suffice. Those that provide information are called educators, and they teach information on many subjects. Designed for students that are 10 years of age or older, it is a great place to get lessons on 3D printing that will assist people of all ages.
YouMagine
This is similar to Thingiverse with one distinct exception. The smaller in size, you will have access to some of the best 3D printable content that is all available for free. It allows participants to share their 3D designs that are easy to publish. The current count is nearly 20,000 open designs that are ready to print. You can sift through the trending, popular, and featured designs, all of which are very innovative. You can also learn a great deal of information on their blog regarding 3D printing.
3D printing has come a long way in the last few decades. Since that time, many active communities have started to provide resources for not only children but people with medical conditions. There are many other resources for educators, including the Smithsonian’s 3D Program, which digitizes artifacts and provides educational videos for educators. Yeggi is yet another great resource, providing a search engine of 3D models. Other helpful resources include e-NABLE, which matches people with fabrication devices with prosthetics. Overall, it’s easy to find a plethora of excellent information and resources on how to do 3D printing online.