Technology club: 3D printing laboratory

The technology club is a fun way to distract you from the schoolwork here at Vittoria high school, today we’re here to tell you all there’s to know about the 3D printing part.

We have used different softwares to design 3D objects that we then printed using the 3D printer.

This was a very creative and wonderful experience that we recommend to all!

Thingiverse and makerworld: 3D design software

Which softwares did we use?

We used different computer programmes to design our 3D objects:

Tinkercad was the first site that we used during our project. Using this website is possible to create all the objects or landscapes from scratch without any type of preexistent starting point.
Thingiverse, the other tool we used, is one of the most well-known platforms in the world of 3D printing, offering a vast library of preexisting models created by designers from around the world. These models, ranging from everyday objects to more complex ones, are available for free download and can be modified to meet the specific needs of users. Thanks to Thingiverse, anyone can access an endless resource of ideas and solutions, fostering innovation and saving time in the design process.

Makerworld is yet another platform that shares the same spirit of collaboration and innovation. It also offers a wide range of preexisting models but stands out for its community's focus on DIY projects and open-source initiatives. Makerworld allows users not only to download and use models but also to contribute their own creations, creating a cycle of sharing and continuous development. With both platforms, the ability to start from preexisting models paves the way for faster and more customizable creation, stimulating creativity and innovation in the world of 3D printing.

PLA: our printing materials

We used the software Bamboo Studio to control and manage our printer, the A3 Mini, a small, reliable machine that produces high-quality prints.

Bamboo studio helps to prepare 3D models for printing by slicing them into layers and adjusting settings like speed, smoothness and temperature. The software makes it easy to send projects directly to the printer and monitor the printing process. Bamboo Studio is designed to be beginner-friendly, allowing everyone to get great results with their 3D prints.

PLA: our sustainable printing material

As printing material, we used PLA (Polylactic Acid), known for being environmentally friendly because it's made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane.

PLA is great for 3D printing because it’s simple to print with, has a low risk of deforming, and doesn’t always require a heated bed.

It also produces smooth, high quality prints and is ideal for making prototypes, decorative objects, and models.

It’s a good choice for beginners and experienced users alike when using the A3 printer.

Conclusion

The 3D printing course has been both fun and highly useful. It offered a hands-on experience that allowed us to create practical objects for everyday use. We learned not only the basics of 3D design and printing but also how to apply these skills to create custom items that solve real-world problems. This course has given us a greater appreciation for how 3D printing can enhance our daily lives and sparked our interest in exploring its potential further.