Selecting the best software for your 3D printer can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you are operating on a limited budget. In this week’s blog, we’ll look at three popular (and FREE!) software programs you can use in your classroom.
Tinkercad is the gold standard of design software, especially for younger students and beginners. Tinkercad’s interface is kid-friendly and easy to navigate. It’s a web-based product, making it accessible from any device, whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. There isn’t much of a learning curve, which is a huge benefit for K-8 classrooms. Although it isn’t as powerful as some of Autodesk’s other products, it is likely to meet the needs of most students.
My favorite features:
Best for: All ages, but particularly great for grades K-8
(Image courtesy of Tinkercad.com)
SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that excels in usability and flexibility. Like Tinkercad, SketchUp is browser-based, so students can access it easily from any device. The learning curve is much steeper than for Tinkercad, but the tools are also more powerful. SketchUp provides a variety of shortcuts, making it easy to draw lines and points that snap into place when reaching the midpoint of shapes.
My favorite features:
Best for: All ages, but particularly for grades 6-12
(Image courtesy of Sketchup.com)
OpenSCAD is a completely different kind of 3D modeling program. It uses script code (similar to JavaScript) to manipulate figures rather than a graphical interface. OpenSCAD is open source and is free to download. My first impression of OpenSCAD was that it has too large of a learning curve and is too clunky for widespread use. After watching some tutorials and exploring the interface, I’ve changed my mind. The ability to use code to interact with shapes lends precision to your design. It also means you can change the parameters and variables at any time.
My favorite features:
Best for: Grades 9+
(Photo courtesy of OpenSCAD.com)
Choosing a CAD program for your students doesn’t have to be tricky. Take some time to try out each one, exploring just as your students do.
Do you have other programs that you like to use? Give us a shoutout on social media and share those programs with us!
– Dr. Corey Hall