Welcome to Introduction to 3D Printing
Welcome to the Introduction to 3D Printing & Modeling STEM Workshop! Over the next five days you will go from a sealed box of parts to a working 3D printer and your own printed creations. This is a hands-on, build-it-yourself camp - and by Friday you will understand your machine from the inside out.This camp is fully virtual and facilitator-led. Every student has an Ender 3 printer kit shipped to their home, which you will assemble and keep.
What today is about
Day 1 is Foundations Day. Before you touch a screwdriver, you will understand what 3D printing is, how it works, where it came from, and what every part of your printer does. You will also choose your capstone project so you have all week to bring it to life.How 3D printing works
Follow a print from a digital model to a finished object, and learn what FDM means.
History of 3D printing
See how the technology went from a room-sized industrial machine to your desk.
Anatomy of your Ender 3
Learn the name and job of every major part before you assemble them tomorrow.
Capstone kickoff
Choose the project you will design, print, and present on Day 5.
Meet your camp team
Your instructors and technical helpers are here to support you all week. Please allow up to 24 hours for email replies.Get set up for success
Clear your workspace
You will need a flat, well-lit table with room to spread out the kit for tomorrow’s build.
Have your kit ready
Keep your Ender 3 box nearby, but do not open it yet - we unbox together on Day 2.
Show up curious
Ask questions, take notes, and start thinking about what you want to print this week.
Safety first
3D printers are safe when handled correctly, but a few parts get hot or move quickly. Keep these rules in mind all week.You are ready to start when your workspace is clear, your kit is nearby, and you have a way to take notes. Let’s begin!