In this short online course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of 3D CAD (computer-aided design) using Tinkercad, a free and beginner-friendly 3D design tool. Through a series of hands-on tutorials, you’ll learn how to navigate the workspace and use key modelling tools to create a range of 3D printable designs.
At the end of the course, you can take a quiz—score 70% or higher to earn a downloadable certificate. View the course details below and start a free trial to PrintLab today!
This course is rated as beginner and is designed for learners of all ages and experience levels.
The course takes approximately 2–3 hours to complete, including time to follow along with the tutorials and explore the optional activities.
To participate in this course, you will require:
At PrintLab, we believe AI can offer exciting opportunities for learning and design, but only when used thoughtfully and responsibly. Our approach is to use AI as a supporting tool for exploring ideas, solving problems and experimenting with new possibilities, rather than replacing creativity, critical thinking or hands-on design skills.
Throughout the course, you’ll find optional Try More with AI activities designed to introduce some of the ways AI can support modern design workflows. Depending on the activity, you might use an AI assistant (such as ChatGPT or Claude) to explore ideas, create visualisations, solve a problem or carry out a calculation using example prompts that we provide. You can then review the results, give the AI further feedback and continue refining your request.
These activities are entirely optional and are not required to complete the course. AI-generated responses can be inaccurate or unsuitable, so always review the results, check important information and use your own judgement.
The course platform features a series of hands-on video tutorials where learners follow along in Tinkercad to create a range of 3D printable designs. Each tutorial is supported by key takeaways and optional AI activities to reinforce learning and explore ideas further.
With our education licenses, you can generate a share link to give your students instant access to the course learning platform.
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.
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