Learn how to use 3D CAD and 3D printing to bring your creative ideas to life, while earning industry-recognised credentials along the way

Begin your journey by participating in courses to build skills and confidence in 3D CAD, 3D printing and design-thinking. Then explore our extensive resource library to learn how to create assistive technology, homeware, sustainable products, sculptures, and more. Let's take a look at the 3 course types available in PrintLab's library:

PrintLab's '3D Printing Industry' mini course.

Mini Courses

Mini courses feature informative videos or step-by-step tutorials, building foundational 3D printing knowledge and 3D CAD skills in Tinkercad or Autodesk Fusion (both free for personal non-commercial use). Each course ends with a quiz, and you can download a certificate if you score over 70%.

PrintLab's 'Tactile Games' project learning platform.

Projects

Projects guide you through each stage of the design process to create products in the fields of assistive technology, product design, and STEM. They offer a blend of online and offline design activities, as well as an editable template portfolio to document and showcase your creative journey.

Challenges

Challenges are live briefs that give you the opportunity to design creative solutions for real organisations and individuals. With open-ended goals, you have full freedom in both the product and design process. Our first two challenges focus on assistive devices and homeware, with more coming soon.

The PrintLab 3D Printing Certification Program

About

PrintLab Certified Maker, Designer and Innovator badges.

While using PrintLab, you can submit evidence of your work and earn certifications along the way! The PrintLab Certification Program is a comprehensive, tiered learning pathway that equips you with recognised credentials in 3D CAD, 3D printing, and design innovation.

Upon completing each level, you’ll earn an open digital badge certification – a verifiable, shareable micro-credential that you can display on your email signature, resume, social media, and digital portfolios.

Level 1

PrintLab Certified Maker badge overlaid onto an image of a 3D print bed.

To earn the PrintLab Certified Maker badge, you must complete and submit certificates of 4 mini courses to showcase your essential knowledge in 3D CAD and 3D printing.

Level 2

PrintLab Certified Designer badge overlaid onto an image of a design workspace.

After obtaining your Certified Maker status, take your skills to the next level to achieve the PrintLab Certified Designer badge. This involves participating in a PrintLab project and submitting your portfolio – showcasing your proficiency in design-thinking, 3D CAD and 3D printing activities.

Level 3

PrintLab Certified Innovator badge overlaid onto an image of a person using an assistive gripping aid on a pan.

As a final step, Certified Designers can obtain the PrintLab Certified Innovator badge by participating in a PrintLab design challenge – showcasing your ability to go through the entire design-thinking process to create 3D printed solutions for real people or organisations.

“

I've been 3D printing for a few years and even so, it was definitely worth going through these exercises. Most my experience was learned on the job by doing and making mistakes over may years, so it was great to have a concise overview of the whole process and continue to learn new things.

Patrick Benfield

“

I have always been an “early adopter” of technology and wanted to get a 3D printer to play with and explore. But I had not ever used any 3D CAD so I needed a guidebook to help me put the different parts together so I could start to design and prototype my product ideas. Printlab was the perfect resource for guiding me and getting me a proper foundation so I could get up and running.

Ed Charlwood

Frequently asked questions about PrintLab

Get your day pass trial

PrintLab is for anyone looking to develop new skills in 3D CAD and 3D printing, especially those passionate about designing solutions to real-world challenges. Our customers range from occupational therapists and aspiring designers to hobbyist makers.

Absolutely not! PrintLab is suitable for complete beginners with no experience in 3D design and 3D printing. Our resources range in difficulty so you can work your way from beginner to advanced level.

Our certification program is designed to equip you with practical, in-demand skills in 3D CAD, 3D printing, and design innovation. While the digital badges are not formal qualifications, they serve as verifiable, shareable micro-credentials recognised by educational institutions and industry professionals.

Many organisations value digital badges, especially from established brands like PrintLab, because they demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning. By displaying these credentials on your resume, portfolio, or social media, you can stand out to employers and showcase your hands-on experience and accomplishments in the field.

To make the most out of your PrintLab experience, you'll need access to a 3D printer, filament and a computer. In terms of software, you can either use Tinkercad (for beginners) or Fusion (for intermediate-advanced users). Both options are developed by Autodesk and are completely free for hobbyist, non-commercial use.

PrintLab was built as a flexible library of resources that you can pick and choose from depending on your interests, skill level and personal preferences. We do however recommend following the certification pathway by starting with a selection of mini courses, progressing to projects, and finally tackling challenges for a comprehensive learning experience.

Of course! We offer a free day pass trial to our personal license. Click the link below and scroll down to the personal license trial to get started.

Get your day pass trial

Learn how to use 3D CAD and 3D printing to bring your creative ideas to life, while earning industry-recognised credentials along the way

Mini Courses

Projects

Challenges