Designing for 3D Printing Course (Updated 2026)
Designing for 3D printing is not just about creating shapes in CAD. It is about understanding how those shapes behave when they are printed. Our refreshed Designing for 3D Printing course breaks down the key principles of FFF printing using physical test models, real CAD examples, and clear visual explanations to help you design with confidence.
30th March 2026 • News
The course focuses on helping you understand what actually happens during a print, and how your design decisions affect the outcome. Instead of theory alone, each principle is explored through the design of real product examples. You will see how features succeed or fail, and how small changes in geometry can make a big difference. Check out the intro video below:
Model Set and Design Guide
Alongside the course, we have created a 3D Printing Design Principles Model Set and a Design Principles Guide.
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The model set is a collection of simple test prints that demonstrate each concept in a hands-on way, helping you see how designs behave in the real world.
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The guide is a short visual reference that summarises each design principle with key tips and diagrams. It is designed to be used after the course as a quick reference when designing your own models.
Together, they give you both a physical and visual way to understand and apply the principles in real projects. We recommend printing the model set before starting the course so you can follow along physically and get the most from each section.
Ready to Get Started?
This course is available to subscribers of PrintLab. Learn more about our license options and start a free trial today to access a whole range of resources across the fields of 3D printing, 3D design, assistive technology, product design and STEM.