Course Content
Module 2: 3D Printers & Materials
This section gives an overview of the various 3D Printer components, 3D Printer types and materials.
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Module 3: 3D Printing File Types
This lesson provides a comprehensive understanding of the myriads of file extensions in the 3D Printing.
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Module 4: Introduction to 3D Modeling
Start designing your own printable objects with easy-to-use modeling tools. This module introduces you to beginner-friendly 3D modeling software and teaches you how to create objects that are optimized for the printing process.
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Module 5: Slicing and G-Code
Before printing, models need to be sliced into printable layers. Learn how slicing software works, how to adjust print settings like layer height and infill, and how the slicer generates the G-code that your printer uses to build the object.
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Module 6: The Print Process
Now it’s time to bring your models to life. Learn how to set up your printer, load materials, calibrate settings, and start your first print. This module also covers how to identify and fix common printing issues like warping or layer shifting.
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Module 7: Post-Processing
After printing, your model might need some finishing work. Discover how to remove supports, sand rough edges, paint your models, and combine printed parts into assemblies. These techniques can take your prints from good to great.
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Module 8: Introduction to 3D Scanning
Learn how physical objects can be digitized using 3D scanning technology. This module introduces different scanning methods, software for cleaning and editing scan data, and how scanning is used in design, repair, and reverse engineering.
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Module 9: Real-World Applications
Explore how 3D printing is transforming industries like healthcare, automotive, education, and aerospace. See case studies and examples of how professionals use 3D printing to solve real problems and prototype new ideas.
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Module 10: The Business of 3D Printing
In this module, students explore how 3D printing extends beyond the workshop and into the world of business, sustainability, and emerging markets. From eco-conscious manufacturing to digital entrepreneurship, learners discover how additive manufacturing is reshaping supply chains, product development, and global commerce. The module begins by examining sustainability trends, showing how 3D printing reduces waste, supports local production, and enables environmentally friendly materials. Students then move into the future of additive technologies, including bioprinting, AI-driven design, and off-planet construction. The module also highlights how 3D printing enables new business models—from custom product startups and digital part libraries to contract printing services and hybrid manufacturing workflows. Students gain insight into market opportunities, value propositions, and the strategic use of 3D printing to create value across industries. Whether learners aim to start a business, join an innovative company, or simply understand the economics behind additive manufacturing, this module equips them with the tools and trends that define the future of 3D printing as a business.
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Private: 3D Printing Fundamentals.

🧩 Lesson: Getting Started with FreeCAD (Beginner Tutorials)

🎓 Software Focus: FreeCAD (Open-Source Parametric 3D CAD)

🧰 Use Case: Functional design, mechanical parts, parametric modeling


✅ Summary

FreeCAD is a free, open-source, parametric 3D modeler ideal for engineers, makers, and hobbyists. This lesson includes step-by-step beginner tutorials to help students get started with basic modeling tasks and prepare their designs for 3D printing.


🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Navigate the FreeCAD interface

  • Use basic tools in the Part Design and Sketcher workbenches

  • Create and modify parametric models

  • Export printable files in STL format

  • Design a basic mechanical part using constraints and extrusions


📘 Lesson Content


🧰 1. Installing and Setting Up FreeCAD

Step-by-Step:

  1. Go to https://www.freecad.org

  2. Download the latest stable release for your OS

  3. Install and open the software

  4. Set the Start Workbench to Part Design or Sketcher for faster modeling access


🖥️ 2. User Interface Overview

When FreeCAD launches:

  • Combo View (left): shows your project tree and tool panels

  • 3D View (center): where you model

  • Workbench Selector (top): switch between Sketcher, Part Design, Draft, etc.

  • Task Panel: for setting options when tools are selected

📌 Tip: Start with the Part Design and Sketcher workbenches only until you’re more advanced.


✍️ 3. Tutorial 1 – Creating a Basic Block

Goal: Create a simple box with a hole

Steps:

  1. Create a New Project (File > New)

  2. Switch to the Part Design workbench

  3. Click Create New Body > Create New Sketch

  4. Choose the XY plane

  5. Draw a rectangle using the rectangle tool

  6. Apply constraints:

    • Select a side, click Length to define it (e.g., 40 mm)

    • Do the same for the other side (e.g., 20 mm)

  7. Click Close to exit Sketch

  8. Use Pad to extrude the rectangle into a box (e.g., 10 mm height)

  9. Select the top face > Create Sketch > Draw a circle

  10. Add diameter constraint (e.g., 8 mm) > Pad with “Through All” to create a hole

Result: A printable block with a centered hole


🛠️ 4. Tutorial 2 – Parametric Phone Stand

Goal: Create a customizable phone stand using parametric values

Concepts Covered:

  • Constraints

  • Angled sketching

  • Mirror and symmetry

  • Chamfer/Fillet features

🧪 This project teaches how to update dimensions later by changing a parameter in the spreadsheet or constraint.

✅ Bonus: Encourage students to export this design for real-world testing.


📦 5. Exporting for 3D Printing

Once your part is ready:

  1. Click on the Body in the tree

  2. Go to File > Export

  3. Choose STL Mesh (*.stl)

  4. Save and open in your slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, etc.)

⚠️ Ensure you’re exporting the Body and not just the Sketch or Part container.


📂 Additional Resources

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