Intro to 3D Printing

This 3-hour class will teach the basic principles behind additive manufacturing technologies and how to create parts using 3D printers. The class will cover the science and technology behind 3D printers as well as important design techniques necessary to ensure successful prints. We will also cover material selection and handling, print setup, post-processing, and design for manufacture (DFM). Students will learn how to design parts in CAD software and prepare these parts for printing in 3D slicer software. The printing process will be demonstrated on Factory 3’s printers. Students will be able to get hands-on experience through live demonstrations of the 3D print process. No technical background is required. Students may choose to follow along with software demonstrations on their own computer. This class will demonstrate tutorials in Fusion 360 and Ultimaker Cura.

About the instructor: Spencer Rubin is a maker with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Product Design from the University of Virginia. He has worked in education and construction and gained a variety of technical and creative skills from robotics and 3D printing to planning dangerous work and inspecting tools. Spencer enjoys learning new skills, problem solving, making art, and spending time outdoors with his partner Anneka and their dog, Acorn.