> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://stem-docs.intellectualpoint.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to 3D Printing

> Build a real 3D printer from a kit, learn how it works, design your own models in CAD, and print a capstone project - all in five days.

## From a box of parts to your own creations

Welcome to the **Introduction to 3D Printing & Modeling** STEM Workshop. Over five days you will take a Creality Ender 3 printer out of the box, build it piece by piece, calibrate it, learn to design your own 3D models, and print a capstone project you invent yourself. No experience needed - by Friday you will own a machine you understand and know how to use.

<Info>
  This is a fully virtual, facilitator-led camp. Each student receives a Creality Ender 3 3D printer kit shipped to their home. You will assemble and keep your printer.
</Info>

<Frame caption="The FDM 3D printer you will build and master this week">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva/images/intro3d/ender3-anatomy.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva&q=85&s=5dc65520bf7b876c07ccfbf3060e9a01" alt="Labeled anatomy diagram of a Creality Ender 3 FDM 3D printer showing the spool, extruder, hotend, bed, gantry, and LCD" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/intro3d/ender3-anatomy.png" />
</Frame>

### What you will learn

By the end of this week you will be able to:

* **Explain how FDM 3D printing works**, from a spool of filament to a finished part
* **Assemble a 3D printer** from a kit - the frame, gantry, extruder, belts, wiring, and bed
* **Level the bed and load filament** so your first layer sticks every time
* **Slice a model into G-code** with UltiMaker Cura and run a print
* **Design your own 3D models** in Tinkercad, from a name-tag keychain to a code-built basket
* **Choose filaments** (PLA, ABS, PETG) and understand how print settings affect quality
* **Diagnose and fix** the most common print problems
* **Design, print, and present** a capstone project of your own

### Your week at a glance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Day 1: Foundations">
    How 3D printing works, the history of the technology, the anatomy of your Ender 3, and the kickoff of your capstone project.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 2: Unboxing and assembly">
    Unbox your Ender 3 and build it step by step - frame, power supply, LCD, Z-axis, extruder, belts, rails, spool holder, wiring, and bed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 3: First print, leveling, and software">
    Load filament, power on, level the bed with the paper test, run your first print, then install Cura and set up Tinkercad.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 4: Design and materials">
    Design your own models in Tinkercad, learn filament types and print technologies, and master troubleshooting and maintenance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Day 5: Capstone and wrap-up">
    Design and print your capstone project, explore online model libraries, present your work, and earn your certificate.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### The capstone project

Throughout the week you will plan, design, print, and present a project of your own. You pick your idea early, build the skills across the week, and present your finished model on Day 5. You are judged on creativity, effort, and problem-solving - not just perfection.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Choose and plan" icon="lightbulb">
    Pick a model to design or download and present your plan to the class.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Design and print" icon="printer">
    Model it in Tinkercad, slice it, and print it across the middle of the week.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Present and win" icon="trophy">
    Show your work on Day 5. You are judged on effort and problem-solving.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Camp format

* **Schedule**: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM daily
* **Delivery**: Fully virtual with live facilitator-led instruction
* **Duration**: 3 hours per day, 5 days
* **Hardware**: Creality Ender 3 printer kit (shipped to each student)

### Your printer at a glance

The **Creality Ender 3** is the most popular beginner FDM 3D printer in the world - reliable, upgradable, and backed by a huge community.

| Specification          | Value                                     |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Build volume           | 220 x 220 x 250 mm                        |
| Default nozzle         | 0.4 mm                                    |
| Layer thickness        | 0.1 - 0.4 mm                              |
| Print speed            | up to \~180 mm/s (40-60 mm/s recommended) |
| Max nozzle temperature | 255 C                                     |
| Max bed temperature    | 110 C                                     |
| Supported filaments    | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU                       |
| Connectivity           | microSD card, USB                         |
| Assembly               | Semi-assembled kit (you build it)         |

### Before you start

<Check>
  Confirm your Ender 3 kit has arrived and you have a clear, flat workspace, good lighting, and about an hour set aside for the Day 2 build.
</Check>

<Warning>
  The nozzle and heated bed reach high temperatures during printing. Never touch the nozzle or bed while the printer is heating or running, keep the power supply voltage switch set correctly for your region, and always print in a well-ventilated space.
</Warning>