Course Description

If you’re looking to learn about the world of 3D design and 3D printing but don’t know where to start, this is the class for you! By the end of the class, not only will you have everything you need to know to move forward with 3D printing, but you’ll also have applied it all to building your own miniature robot model!

Every day in class, we will cover a different aspect of the world of 3D designing and 3D printing. And each of those will be applied to one major project: creating your own model of a robot! Through topics like hinge design, practical prints, and problem-solving, each week you will learn about a new way of looking at design and build up your robot a little bit more until by the last day, you’ll be taking home the model of your robot to show to the world!

Students are encouraged to bring a laptop to class. The Robinson Center will provide loaner laptops for students who need one. Please note that tablets are not permitted for this course.

Essential Questions

  • How do I design my own creations to 3D print?
  • How do I operate a 3D printer?
  • How can I test, troubleshoot, and improve my designs?
  • How can I apply what I’ve learned to creating my own model robot?

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 Learning TinkerCAD - How to use TinkerCAD
Week 2 Learning to Slice And Print - How to use a slicer program to prepare your file for 3D printing, and how to operate a 3D printer
Week 3 What is a Practical Print? - Hands-on time with a wide variety of simple but useful 3D prints
Week 4 Design Once, Measure Twice- How do you put something that already exists into your print?
Week 5 Post-Processing and Painting - What’s the fun in creating a print if you can’t decorate it?
Week 6 Hinges - We’ve spent time working on our robots, now let’s make them move!
Week 7 Problem Solving - You have a robot, but what does it do?
Week 8 Final Design Day - Finish planning and designing your robot.
Week 9                Robot Showcase! - The robot invasion begins!

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 9:00am - 9:50am

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start