PrintLab and Make:able

PrintLab is our very own online platform of 3D printing courses and projects, which can help you build new technical and creative problem-solving skills in preparation for your Make:able journey. Although PrintLab is a paid-subscription, we invite you to use the free trial to explore and participate in a range of relevant resources. And at the end of the trial, you can choose whether you’d like to subscribe to PrintLab. Below are some recommend PrintLab resources that you might use to build your skills!

Isometric view of 9 different geometric shapes.

Intro to Tinkercad

This mini course combines all the key fundamentals of 3D modelling in Tinkercad into a 1-2 hour session. From navigating the model workspace and placing objects to mirroring and combining shapes, you will be provided with a complete overview of the tools and opportunities within Tinkercad software.

Intro to Fusion 360

In this skill-building mini course, you will learn how to get started with Fusion 360. A series of base models are provided with the course, which are uploaded into Fusion 360 and used in conjunction with 13 bitesize instructional videos.

Render of 16 cubes showing different aspects of FFF 3D printing.

Slicing for 3D Printing

In this short online course, you will learn about 10 essential slicer settings to help get the most out of your 3D printer. The course is video based and based on FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printers.

Photomontage of a 3D printing bridging model with a 3D printer nozzle over the top.

Designing for 3D Printing

In this short online course, you will learn about the best practices for designing specifically for 3D printing. The course is video based and goes over 10 essential tips to achieving good quality prints on FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printers.

2 website screens showing the learning platform for PrintLab's tactile matching games project.

Assistive Technology Projects

PrintLab has a range of step-by-step assistive technology projects that take you through the full design process using a series of design-thinking methods. These are great for becoming familiar with 3D CAD, idea generation and problem solving techniques specific to assistive technology.

Hand holding a multi-coloured tactile tangram puzzle.

3D CAD Tutorial Library

Looking for quick tutorials rather than full projects? PrintLab’s 3D CAD Tutorial library is the ultimate toolkit of Tinkercad and Fusion 360 tutorials and includes a whole section dedicated to assistive devices.