8 Back-to-School 3D Printing Resources for Teachers
As schools around the world prepare for or begin a new school year, we’ve brought together 8 of our favourite 3D printing resources from the past year. From practical classroom tips and free downloads to project ideas and design challenges, we hope there’s something here to inspire you and your students for the year ahead.
24th August 2026 • News
1. Free Autodesk Fusion Training for Educators
If you’re currently using Tinkercad and looking for the next step to an industry-standard CAD software, or you’re already using Autodesk Fusion and want to build your confidence, this is for you! Autodesk is offering educators a free 12-hour live virtual training course, designed to give you the essential skills needed to teach Fusion CAD with confidence.
2. Getting Started with Your 3D Printer Course
New to 3D printing, or introducing it to your students for the first time? Our new beginner-friendly course covers the complete 3D printing workflow, from understanding how printers work and finding models to preparing prints, troubleshooting common issues and achieving successful results.
3. What 3D Printers are Schools Using in 2026?
Thinking about investing in new 3D printers this school year, or simply curious about what other schools are using? Explore the results of our 2026 survey of 168 schools and educators, covering popular brands and models, classroom fleet sizes, and the features educators value most.
4. Managing High-Volume 3D Printing for Iteration and Student Projects
Managing dozens of student prints and iterations can be a challenge, especially with limited printers and classroom time. See how teacher Jim Cairns manages high-volume 3D printing, with practical tips on student ownership, print queues, settings, maintenance and more.
5. Using AI Stakeholders in the Classroom
With the rapid rise of AI in education, how can it be used to support meaningful design experiences? PrintLab Certified Educator Ron Nober shares how he uses AI stakeholders to help students ask better questions, explore real-world challenges and receive ongoing feedback when access to a real stakeholder is limited.
6. 3D Printing Design Principles Model Set
Help students understand how their design decisions affect printability, strength and surface quality with our free 3D Printing Design Principles Model Set. Download and print the models to explore concepts including overhangs, bridging, orientation, tolerance, holes and more.
Learn more and download the set
7. Design Your Own 3D Printed Storage Organiser
Looking for a practical 3D design project to try with your students this year? In our Storage Organisers project, students measure real objects and spaces before designing, prototyping and refining a custom 3D printed storage solution.
8. Join the Make:able Challenge
Make:able 2027 is now live! Challenge your students to design and make a 3D printed product that improves the day-to-day life of someone with a disability or the elderly. Registration is completely free, and you can explore last year’s winning projects for inspiration along the way.
We hope these resources give you some fresh ideas for the school year ahead! Looking for more? PrintLab includes a growing library of 3D printing courses, projects and challenges for students of all ages. Start a free 7-day trial and explore the full platform today.