This is probably one of the best turnkey learning opportunities Rippowam Labs has ever offered! Over the course of two 4-hour classes, students will be shown how to build their very own high-resolution 3D printer – and then master how to use it.
This course is led by Darien High School student Toby Cowles, a veteran of many 3D printer builds (and many other STEM projects), and the creator of a monster 3D printer now in production.
No experience in coding or technology is required for this class. But, even if you do have some experience in using Arduinos, stepper motors or coding, this is a great class for those who’ve never done a deep dive into the world of 3D printing.
Here’s what you’ll learn …
Week 1: Students will begin the class learning the theory of 3D printers (i.e., how the microcontroller, stepper motors and the computer code work in a ballet to produce nearly any shape you can imagine).
Then they’ll get right to the assembly of their very own Creality Ender 3 3D printer kit (which includes a 1kg roll of PLA filament). In the process, they’ll learn how to solder components and flash their own TH3D unified firmware, onto a Ramps 1.4 shield, using an Arduino. (Its OK if you don’t know what this means now – but you will after this class!)
Once assembled, students will be shown how to calibrate their machines and learn how to precisely control the 3D printer’s extruder over the X, Y and X axes, using stepper motors.
Week 2: Students will learn how to design shapes in Autodesk 123D and explore differences in print-quality strengths via slicer options (Ultimaker CURA). Note: it would be best if students brought their own laptop (but a limited number will be available for those that don’t have one).
Students will also be shown how easy it is to download shape files from https://www.thingiverse.com/ and and how to share their own creations with others.
If you’ve ever thought of learning more about the world of 3D printing, this is an learning opportunity you’ll find nowhere else!
Please e-mail me if you have any questions – or sign up using the link below.