In this intermediate-advanced mini course, you’ll be introduced to the fascinating world of 3D printed mechanisms. The creative learning resources will teach you how to add connections and movement to your 3D models – unlocking new and innovative design possibilities. New connections and mechanisms will be added to the course throughout the year, so be sure to check back here regularly. At the end of the course is a quiz, and if you achieve over 70%, you can download a certificate!
Each section of the mini-course focuses on a different mechanism and comes with a range of resources to help you master it. Although you are free to pick and choose how you use the resources, we recommend following the below workflow for each mechanism.
Begin by watching the mechanism introduction video to give you a brief overview of what the mechanism is and how it works.
Download the model files folder for the mechanism. Some mechanisms have separate model files (1 designed in Tinkercad, 1 designed in Fusion 360). In this case, you should select the file set that corresponds to the software you generally use. Once downloaded, open up the Tinkercad/Fusion 360 design file and explore its geometry to gain a basic understanding of its design.
If choosing the Fusion 360 model sets, you’ll notice there are 2 files for each mechanism. Use the one with ‘Joints’ in the title when exploring. This will allow you to click and drag on the model to digitally simulate its movement. For editing, we recommend using the other file, which does not include joints in the CAD file, but is more stable for making changes in the timeline.
After exploring the digital model files, 3D print the STL files (included in the model file folder). Each section of the learning platform shows an illustrated graphic of the best 3D printing orientation for the mechanism. Once 3D printed, play and learn from the physical model – to gain an understanding of the movement and relationship between components.
Please note that all 3D printers have different tolerances and if the included STL files do not print as intended, you may need to adjust dimensions/clearances in the design files to suit your specific machine.
With a general understanding of the mechanism in place, participate in the 3D design tutorial. As with the model files, some mechanisms come with both Tinkercad and Fusion 360 tutorials.
At this stage, you should have the skills and knowledge to use the mechanism in your own creative work. You may wish to check out some of the suggested challenges at the bottom of the learning platform, or you may wish to incorporate the mechanism into a completely new design.
Finally, the resources progress from simple to complex—starting with basic part connection methods and moving on to movement mechanisms. Feel free to choose those that match your interests or skill level.
The Tinkercad dovetail cube consists of 2 interlocking halves that slide together using a simple dovetail joint. Once 3D printed, align the two parts and slide them into place to complete the assembly - no additional components required.
A step-by-step guide to designing a dovetail mechanism cube in Tinkercad. *If you prefer, you can turn on text subtitles using the 'CC' option in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
A step-by-step guide to designing a dovetail mechanism cube in Fusion. *If you prefer, you can turn on text subtitles using the 'CC' option in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
The Fusion dovetail cube features the same interlocking mechanism as the Tinkercad version, but with editable parameters that let you customise the overall size and clearance. To make changes, simply open Fusion’s parameter table and adjust the listed values. Once 3D printed, align the two halves and slide them together.
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
Can you turn the dovetail cube into a jigsaw-style puzzle by splitting it into more interlocking parts?
Can you add a locking feature to prevent the halves from sliding apart?
Can you design an internal compartment or hidden space inside the cube?
The Tinkercad friction chamfer cube consists of two halves - one with a square peg and the other with a matching hole that tapers inward. As the peg is pressed in, the taper creates a tight, interference fit that binds the parts together. Once assembled, the cube will be very difficult to separate - this is intentional for creating a semi-permanent joint.
A step-by-step guide to designing a friction chamfer mechanism cube in Tinkercad. *If you prefer, you can turn on text subtitles using the 'CC' option in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
A step-by-step guide to designing a friction chamfer mechanism cube in Fusion. *If you prefer, you can turn on text subtitles using the 'CC' option in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
The Fusion friction chamfer cube uses the same tapered hole and square peg mechanism as the Tinkercad version, with editable parameters for adjusting cube size and clearance. Once assembled, the parts form a semi-permanent joint that’s intentionally difficult to separate.
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
Can you adjust the clearance and/or taper angle to make the joint easier or harder to separate?
Can you modify the peg shape—for example, try a circular or triangular version?
Can you download an existing STL that requires support material and redesign it by splitting the model and integrating this friction fit mechanism—so it prints support-free?
The Tinkercad clip connector cube consists of a shelled box split into two halves. One half features four flexible clips—one on each side—while the other has matching cutouts on the inside walls. When pressed together, the clips snap into place, holding the cube closed with a secure but reversible connection.
A step-by-step guide to designing a clip connector mechanism cube in Tinkercad. *If you prefer, you can turn on text subtitles using the 'CC' option in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
A step-by-step guide to designing a clip connector mechanism cube in Fusion. *If you prefer, you can turn on text subtitles using the 'CC' option in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
The Fusion version of the clip connector cube uses the same snap-fit mechanism as the Tinkercad model, with four clips and matching internal cutouts. It also includes editable parameters, allowing you to customise the cube size, wall thickness, and clearance values.
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
Can you change the number or placement of clips to suit a different shape or use case?
Can you modify the clip design to make the snap fit stronger or easier to open?
Can you adapt the mechanism to work on a non-cube object, like a rounded container or custom enclosure?
The Tinkercad hinge cube consists of 2 main components that are connected with a third axle component. Once 3D printed, simply place the 2 box halves together and slide the axle through the holes to complete the assembly.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a hinge mechanism cube in Tinkercad - with voice over instructions.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a parametric, print-in-place hinge mechanism cube in Fusion 360 - with voice over instructions.
The Fusion 360 hinge cube is made up of only 2 components as the bottom box half has an axle built into its form. The model also prints in place with no assembly required. During the 3D printing process, the axle ‘bridges’ through the hinge of the top box half.
If you prefer text based video tutorials to voice overs, check out the below links:
Tinkercad Tutorial with Text Instructions Fusion 360 Tutorial with Text Instructions
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
The Tinkercad screw cube consists of 2 box halves – 1 with a female thread and the other with a male thread. Depending on your 3D printer’s tolerances, you may feel some friction when screwing the 2 components together. However, after a few twists, the threads should run smoothly against each other.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a screw mechanism cube in Tinkercad - with voice over instructions.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a parametric, screw mechanism cube in Fusion 360 - with voice over instructions.
The Fusion 360 screw cube also consists of 2 box halves - 1 with a female thread and the other with a male thread. If you would like to edit the scale or clearances of the cube, you can open the ‘Parameters’ tool in Fusion 360 and change the values. For example, if the screw feels tight to turn, consider increasing the tolerance parameter. You’ll learn more about Fusion 360’s parameter settings in the tutorial so be sure to check that out.
If you prefer text based video tutorials to voice overs, check out the below links:
Tinkercad Tutorial with Text Instructions Fusion 360 Tutorial with Text Instructions
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
The Tinkercad ball and socket cube is made up of a ball component and a socket component. Once 3D printed, simply push the ball into the socket. Due to the thin form of the socket, it will flex slightly during assembly, before wrapping back around the ball.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a ball and socket mechanism cube in Tinkercad - with voice over instructions.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a parametric, ball and socket mechanism cube in Fusion 360 - with voice over instructions.
The Fusion 360 ball and socket cube is also made up of a ball component and a socket component. The STL files include a socket with no clearance (for a tighter fit) and another with a 0.1mm clearance (for a looser fit). You can also change the tolerance parameter in the Fusion 360 file to experiment further. You’ll learn more this in the tutorial so be sure to check that out.
If you prefer text based video tutorials to voice overs, check out the below links:
Tinkercad Tutorial with Text Instructions Fusion 360 Tutorial with Text Instructions
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
The Tinkercad rack and pinion cube consists of 4 components - the cube, rack, pinion and an axle that connects the gears. Once 3D printed, place the rack at the bottom of the cube. Then place the gear on top and slide the axle through from the outside of the cube.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a rack and pinion mechanism cube in Tinkercad - with voice over instructions.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a rack and pinion mechanism cube in Fusion 360 - with voice over instructions. *Please note that you will be required to install the GF Gear Generator plugin to Fusion. The download link can be found in the next section down on this page.
The Fusion rack and pinion cube works in the exact same way as the Tinkercad model and also consists of 4 components that need to be assembled. All components can be 3D printed without support material, as shown in the graphic above.
If you prefer text based video tutorials to voice overs, check out the below links:
Tinkercad Tutorial with Text Instructions Fusion 360 Tutorial with Text Instructions
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
The Tinkercad cam and follower cube consists of 4 components – the cube, cam, follower and an axle. Once assembled, the cam is rotated using the protruding axle, which in turn pushes the follower upwards in a vertical motion.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a cam and follower mechanism cube in Tinkercad - with voice over instructions.
A step-by-step tutorial to design a parametric cam and follower mechanism cube in Tinkercad - with voice over instructions.
The Fusion rack and pinion cube works in the exact same way as the Tinkercad model and also consists of 4 components that need to be assembled. However, the Fusion model comes with the added benefit of being parametric – allowing you to open the f3d file and edit the ‘boxsize’ parameter to change the entire cube’s size.
If you prefer text based video tutorials to voice overs, check out the below links:
Tinkercad Tutorial with Text Instructions Fusion 360 Tutorial with Text Instructions
Here are some activities you might want to try after completing the tutorial:
We hope you’ve enjoyed the Mechanism Cubes course, and we look forward to sharing more soon! In the meantime, we’d like to showcase an example of what can be done with 3D printed mechanisms. Introducing BoxBot B-01 – the first in a series of print-in-place robot figurines that fold up into cubes. The model features 10 3D printed hinges that operate 4 moveable legs and 2 cannons that fold out from the robot’s main body. Check out both the assembly and design process videos below!
In addition to being print-in-place with no support material, B-01 was designed parametrically in Autodesk Fusion, which means you can open up the f3d model file and change the ‘boxsize’ parameter to adjust its overall size to whatever you please. Download the files for free from our profiles on Makerworld and Printables.
Our Latch mechanism cube resources are in development and will be released soon.
