Using Tinkercad as an AR/VR Design Tool

 

At the start of this year we published a post on this blog about the purchase of a pair of end of line backdrops that were brought from a major chain and marked as line discontinued.   They featured a 'tropical island/volcano backdrop and a second design as shown left.

The cost for these items was NZD $2.00.    The measure 2.5m by 1.8m.

The first instance led itself to animals and some of the pre-made Tinkercad designs.  In this instance we wanted to push the design skills of the students but the intention was not for a 3D Printed model it the end, the intention was for Tinkercad to be used to design the figure and for it to be projected into place as part of the design but not to be physically printed.

We have previously published entire slideshows along this theme, accessed by clicking here.

Students needed to consider their ability to design something that would potentially seem authentic within the scene.

We tasked students with not trying to 'hide' something but think about scale and think about setting.

Once this had been designed in Tinkercad students then used the Tinkercad App and its AR/VR button to project their original image onto the scene.   There were a number of aspects to this design the students had to consider.

An example is shown left where the student has created a cloud that is designed to fit into the scene.  The brightness of the cloud makes it stand out relative to the other objects in the background.

The student wanted to then edit the photo to change the brightness of photo and in particular find a way of reducing the brightness of the cloud.

In the second example shown left the student wanted to introduce something that was implied to be there by the shape of the scene.   They created a cable and a hook by using the basic Tinkercad shapes and had it 

Again there is a subtle difference between the colour of the yellow from the cable connector to the hook to the other yellow present in the scene which the student was going to undertake to alter.

Scale was an important consideration for this task as well as the colour and shade of the additions created by the students.   In the further example shown left the student added a figure who is sitting on the crane which needed to be manipulated by the student so that it appeared to be the correct size - when you compare this image to the photo above you can clearly see the figure that has been added.

We completed this task in an afternoon session with a whole class of students who were working individually (as we are luckily a 1:1 iPad School) however it could also be completed as a group activity.   As it was completed without the need for any physical object that came as a result the results could be completed and it was instantly available, instead of having to wait for a 3D Printing process to be completed.   Completed independently by eight year old students.

3D Printed Basic Trophy

 

Challenge: To utilise Tinkercad to create something that would have a purpose moving forward.

Background: This project was 'green lighted' by the teacher because there is the clear potential for this to lead to other prints, designs and creations in the future.   This was located online and had a small amount of student input - but the potential is there for considerably more.

Resources to complete this print: iPad, Tinkercad App, Bambu P1S, Orange PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Low - the design was sourced by the student with minimum adaption although there was a clear path to modify this moving forward.

Size: The print measures 125mm across and was 95mm long.   The handles and some of the design aspects of the print varied however the base was 20mm thick and the handles were 10mm wide.   This was based around the design being 140mm high.

Cost/Price: The unit used 146g of PLA to complete the print.  This had a price point of $3.62.  The print produced 47g of PLA to complete the print and support the print.

Timeframe: The print took three hours and fifty one minutes to complete on the regular default settings.  As per usual this included six minutes of warm up time for the printer.

What we would do differently/next steps for the students: This trophy was not personalised to a high degree (such as last years example which was original which you can view by clicking on the link here) however there is clear potential from this design to do exactly that - by having the name plate at the front changed for that of a person or an organisation or even a team.   The colour could of course be altered as could the dimensions of the print - at the moment its used for holding a set of keys however there would be multiple purposes for it depending on the way that you wanted to approach the object (for instance a smaller size would lead to a easier print run and even going the other way a larger trophy would have more importance).

3D Printed Novelty Tiger - SVG File

 

Challenge; To locate and select a SVG file that could be used for a specific purpose.

Background: As detailed and potentially searched for using the 'search' box on this blog on the top right hand corner and use the 'SVG' tag for the purpose.   In this instance a student found this file (on a publicly available SVG website) as a cartoon figure.  The student noted that there was already multiple holes introduced into the design so if it was going to be tied to a object perhaps as a badge or other figure.  Therefore it would technically have a purpose as it was straight from the file.    As noted previously Tinkercad has the ability for files to be imported directly into it in several formats one of which is the .svg format.  There are a number of sites that have files made available in the public domain.

Resources used to complete this project: iPad, Tinkercad App, .SVG File from freesvg.org, Bambu P1S, Orange PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Low.  This file has very little modification from the students perspective - it is essentially the file that the student located and felt would make a excellent 3D Print.   

Size: The print measures 130mm across and is 190mm from the base of the feet to the tip of the tail.  The print has a width of 10mm.

Cost/Price: This used 62g of PLA to complete the print.  This gave the print a price point of $1.57.

Timeframe: This print took two hours and three minutes to complete which included six minutes of warm up time.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: Nil this was intended as a gift for a younger family member and the project is considered completed by the student.

3D Printed Minecraft Enderman Figure

 

Challenge: For a student to produce an original figure that had recognition factor from the game Minecraft.

Background: As a reference if you click on this link you can see a summary of previous works on this topic (from April 2026) and included is a significant slideshow.  This was also one of the topics covered by our 'best of review' for the end of school year last year.

This figure is a key figure known as the Enderman - the figure is essentially a solid black figure who is sometimes depicted holding a Minecraft brick and sometimes without.   There are also variation with the lengths of the arms of the character.  When you use a search engine to find the character (as was done to check its accuracy) there are some versions where the arms are as shown in the design but other where the arms are clearly much longer.

The figure shown left is an example of the shorter armed figure located in the game (as the longer armed figure is nearly touching the ground).   In essence this was one of the most straight forward of the Minecraft figures to design - the students only issue with the figure was making sure that it was completed/printed in jet black and they considered some way to highlight or have the eyes coloured red.

The box that the figure was holding was also a discussion the students felt that if they made the brick interchangeable then there was potential for several different designs.   The idea was for the figure to potential hold a TNT block. 

Resources used to complete this print: Minecraft (game), iPad, Tinkercad App, PLA, Bambu P1S.

Level of Difficulty: Low - if you compare this figure to others in the range this had the simplistic design.

Size: The print measures 30mm across and is 70mm high.  The figure has a width of 20mm.

Cost/Price:  The print used 22g of PLA to complete (as is shown the 'eSun Silk multi colour was used'.   This had a price point of $0.51 to complete the print.   Of note this included the cube which in the photo left has been removed so it has a clear potential to reduce both (to 18g and $0.40)

Timeframe: This print was completed on the Bambu H2D and took one hour to complete and that was represented by 54 minutes of printing time and six minutes of machine warming up.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students:  Obviously in the test print shown left the figure is not all black and does not have the eyes of red which means that it has reduced the recognition factor.  This print also has the ability for further development as a range of blocks could be placed in its hands or arms - which could also be adjusted.  Finally there is lots of scope for the AR/VR aspect of this figure and how that might be incorporated into different settings and scenes.

Non-Lego: Lego Figure

Challenge: To create an authentic and unique "Lego' inspired figure.

Background: We've discussed the enjoyment that a lot of students get from designing and using official Lego products.  This is of course not that - it is a lego inspired figure that was created (relatively) oversized that is more of a homage to the original than making an actual figure.  As the student concerned who was eight years old was designing it they were able to be creative and add features that would not be necessarily be associated with an actual 'real' figures.

The student was able to create the figure themselves using the main interface.   The additional features that can be seen on the print including the hands, the hat, the facial features and the symbol were all added from the main design interface.

As always you are able to search the entire blog for creations and designs from students using this theme - the search bar top right will direct you to a number of prints that have the label 'lego' and 'non-lego' including such designs as using AR/VR tools to enhance the students designs.

Resources used to complete this print: Tinkercad App, iPad, Bambu P1S, Orange regular PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Medium - there is some adaption to be made to the print but the main design features are in place.  The student was able to develop this design themselves (as an eight year old) without any assistance from the teacher.

Size: The print presently measures 40mm across and was 80mm high.  It was 10mm wide.   As noted above this is oversized for a traditional Lego figure but the student has intended this more as 'lego inspired' rather than a 'lego' figure.

Cost/Price: The unit used 15g of PLA to complete the print and there was 5g of PLA that was needed to act as 'rafting' or support.   This was mainly created by the need to support the overhang of the hat.  It had a price point of $0.40c to produce the print.

Timeframe: The total print time for this was one hour.  This included a six minute warm up time which is included in this time.   If this was to be produced to a scale of actual lego this would be reduced.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the student: The hat is a little oversized and could be reduced in size.   The hands of the figure are currently probably too big and also face backwards.  Finally the student could have looked at refining the figure with the design on the front of the chest.

3D Printed Furniture: Dolls House

 

Challenge: To produce an item suitable for a dolls house (large scale).  In this case an internal fireplace.

Background: One of the most successful activities from last year was our Dolls House project which ended up stretching out for an entire year - if you would like to view a recap of that project you can do so by clicking on the link here.

Since that time we have always been aware that the making of scale models or furniture items gives the students opportunities to design 'real' items which they experience with or are familiar with.  At times that biggest challenge can come from the scale of the objects that the students are designing.  In this instance the student wanted to design something to fit with a 'barbie' scale that is a design that could work in conjunction with the toy.

Resources used to complete this print: iPad, Tinkercad App, Bambu P1S, Orange PLA, Barbie Doll (for sizing).

Level of Difficulty: Medium - this task was really all about the scale.  The basic design shape for the fireplace came from the main Tinkercad interface.  Further details were added by having the logs introduced inside the fire.  Finally a discussion was held about what else could be done - which was the potential spray painting or the applying of a sticker.

This task was completed by an eight year old student without any assistance in their own time.   

Size:  The fireplace measures 100mm wide at the front and 100mm deep.  The main body of the print was 60mm high and the print was on four legs that were 30mm high.  

Cost/Price: The unit to produce (note the smaller flue0 used 200g of filament.   This has a price point for the unit of $4.50 to produce.   

Timeframe:  To complete this print the printer was active for four hours.   Again as noted the funnel for the flue was relatively short (60mm) and realistically needs to be extended further to be realistic.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: From here the students would need to consider decoration of the fireplace - either by spray painting or using the Roland Versa Signmaker.

3D Printed Pencil Sharpener: Duck

 

Challenge: To produce something unique and functional that could house a pencil sharpener.

Background: We have posted about this project in the past, and there are a number of posts relating to the process in the past and also from earlier this year.    The concept or idea is for a print to be combined to work in conjunction with a physical object.  This ensures that the students measure, check and design something different using the physical object as the key element.

We also have been encouraging the students to consider the detail that can be produced with both the P1S and H2D Bambu printers as it allows clear details and shapes to be produced with a minimal amount of rafting.  

You can see the design top left and the photographs of the physical object in the following images.   The only rafting that came with the print was contained in the insert where the pencil sharpener was located.  This project was created by two students working in unison using the ability of Tinkercad to have two students working together collaboratively.  

Resources used to complete this print: Tinkercad App, iPad, Bambu P1S, Orange PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Medium.  This print required a number of elements to work in conjunction with each other.  The students concerned did not create the duck that was placed on top of the box as this was available and located via the main Tinkercad design page.

Size: The print measured 40mm at the front was 50mm long and was 30mm high.  The duck was 30mm high and 40mm long to sit on the top of the box.   This related specifically to the size of the pencil sharpener which the print and the project was based around.   If this was converted into a storage box or something with another purpose then the project would need to be upsized as a consequence of it.

Cost/Price: The print used 24g of PLA to complete the print and had 4g of PLA support for the inside area.  This gave the print the price point of $0.62c to produce the unit.

Timeframe: The print took one hour and six minutes to complete and had an additional six minutes of time for the printer to warm up for a combined time of seventy two minutes.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: The print works as a design however the pencil sharpener itself is not held in place by a shelf or by some form of addition to the print.  The print also could have featured a draw or another insert which could have been removed or adjusted.

3D Printed Miniature Storage

 

Challenge: For an eight year old student with limited Tinkercad ability to produce something personalised and unique.

Background: As per the description this student has had some experience in using Tinkercad, in the class this year as part of the new cohort of classroom students.  The students prior to the School Holidays were given the option of producing something personalised and unique which they were tasked with designing in their own time.

This student wanted to make something as a gift for another member of their family.  They used their iPad and the Tinkercad app to project the image onto their desk in the classroom to check its viability.   Following this process the design was then submitted to the classroom teacher for printing.  The teacher responsibility was to insert the file for printing.

When it was printed the decision was made to use the silk eSun multi-coloured PLA to create something of an affect with the printing process.

Resources used to complete this print: iPad, Tinkercad App,, eSun Silk Multicoloured, Bambu H2D.

Level of Difficulty: Low - this is a basic design that the student was able to produce confidently by themselves.  This is a variation of a basic design that the student was able to manipulate to expand the design.  Design basics like making the name inserting it into the back of the design as a hole instead of extending out are design features that really add depth and finish to the students 3D designs.

Size: The print measures 80mm across and was 40mm wide and the print extends a further 30mm at the back.  The print in general has a width of 5mm.

Cost/Price: The print is miniature in scale.  It used 28g of PLA to complete the print.  This gave the print a price point of $0.70c to produce the item.

Timeframe: The print had a total completion time of 53 minutes in total.  This included 47 minutes of printing time for the project and six minutes of warm up time for the machine.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students:   This unit was produced in miniature and could be potentially expanded larger to scale.  The front of the design currently is essentially blank but could have had another picture, image or writing included (as per the top picture0.   At this stage the student felt that this would be an excellent jewellery box.   We have a range of previous designs - an exemplar of note from 2017.  In addition you can search the blog with our eleven years of examples by using some keywords in the top right hand corner of this blog.  We have tried to tag prints as accurately as possible.

3D Printed SVG Figure

Challenge: For a student (eight year old) to identify and convert an SVG file into a 3D Print.

Background: As noted previously we had students who were challenged to locate a free SVG file, import it into Tinkercad and then convert it to a 3D Print.   Further challenge for the students was to ensure that the SVG file was selected had a purpose other than as a print.

The SVG  file was sourced from a prominent online free online source.   

Resources used to complete this print: SVG file, iPad, Tinkercad App, Bambu P1S, PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Low - as the rest of the prints that followed this format this was a straight forward process that the students were able to master quickly.   The challenge itself was the selection of a file that would translate to a physical print.

Size: The print measures 170mm across.   The print was 130mm high and had a width/depth of 10mm.  The student intended for it to be converted into a keyring although there were queries regarding the suitability of the print for this purpose.

Cost/Price: The print used 25g of PLA to complete the print.   This had a price point for the print of $0.68.

Timeframe: The print took one hour and three minutes to complete - as per the regular printing schedule this print included a six minute time to allow the printer time to warm up.

What we would do differently/Next Steps for the students: This print would lead itself to something related to heraldry based on its design - as a keyring it is potentially limited given that the connection between the snake and the leg of the bird is only a few mm wide.   If this was the intended purpose the student would need to reinforce this part of the print.

Using 3D Printer to Repair

 

A range of purchases have been made from our students during the course of the year.   Some are purchased locally at markets and events where there are typically someone selling 3D Prints.

We also have a number of students who have come to us with examples that they have purchased online.   In both cases we are really careful to ensure that we are respectful about the purchase but we typically see if we can locate the source of the original file and in particular a cost or price point of comparison.

We have also started to realise that we need to consider from time to time repairing prints that might end up worse for wear as not every print is a suitable toy or at times can be damaged by an accident or play.

Such was the case with this character from Roblox Cappuccino Assassin.   This figure had been purchased locally but as can be seen from the photo the legs and the arms do not have the strongest points of connection.  

While we couldn't repair the original foot (which had snapped at the connection point) we were able to have students source from the Bambu Labs online design forum the original print (in fact there were multiple versions of this character).

Included on this forum were the step by step printable parts for the character.   While we didn't have a point of origin with the shoes and were unsure of the printer that was used (other than the fact it was most likely a multi coloured Bambu) we were able to use our Bambu H2D machine with its colour matching to produce a copy of the shoes which in this case were two different colours, which just happened to be the filament that was available in the machine.  The student is now going to remove the other leg and then replace both of them with the new variation that we have printed.   The blue new shoes took twenty minutes to complete on the regular default settings.

Market Day 2027

 

There is no Market Day for 2026 - this is an event that we hold at Auroa Primary School every two years with the next event being scheduled in 2027.

In the meantime you can view our extensive highlights page here - which includes links to Mr Bloors amazing summary videos of the past two years.   

In the meantime we are still recording items that we find from time to time that are potential to turn into projects for next year.  This example shown left is a laser cut map of New Zealand.  It has been cut into different layers, which show in the background of the weather patterns and then the entire picture has been wood glued.

It was recently located as an art piece - although we could potentially make our own version and use 3D lettering around the base.  It would require us locating a template map of our country (or area which are easy to locate and should not take too long to print.  Obviously the colour scheme of the picture would require some painting, with either spray painting or different colour combinations and this is something that we would want to produce early, as the students could also modify this and produce their own versions.

School Holidays New Zealand: July 2026

 

Thanks you for your visit.  It is currently the first week of the school holidays in New Zealand between the second and third terms.   This coming term we have lots of exciting learning planned using a range of technology.

The view shown left is taken by our teacher outside of our school in South Taranaki.   It is the Mountain (Maunga) that dominates our landscape.  We are extremely respectful of such an iconic and important local landmark that has huge significance to our area.  Earlier this year we started the year with our 3D Printed copy of a map that we located online from Thingiverse.

We wanted our students to be able to increase their knowledge of this landmark and also make sure that they recognised details about its importance and dimensions.

By bringing this 3D Model and importing the file into Tinkercad it allowed us to rotate the model look at some of the physical spaces - such as the smaller peak that is primarily visible only from our side of the mountain.

We also had discussions about the source of rivers for the area, its height and the fact it has such a unique peak.   The 3D modelling aspect also meant that we have a physical copy in the classroom so when we are experimenting or looking into views of the mountain and where they are taken from.  An example was when we were recently using AR/VR prompts with our Puanga and Matariki work the view of the maunga typically was not viewed from our direction so our images of the mountain 'didn't look right'.

The AR/VR tool aspect of Tinkercad is in our opinion vastly underrated and it is surprising the number of educators who are not familiar with it.

As an app on the iPad Tinkercads AR/VR ability allows any design in Tinkercad to be projected without the need for green screening etc with a single push of a button.   Rotation and manipulation of the design either a premade design or a student created design can then be projected onto nearly any surface of any size.

If you want to see a huge range of the ways this app is used by our students with their iPad then please use the search bar in the top right hand corner of this blog.  We have been regularly using the feature for several years now and tend to use it more in some ways than actual 3D Printing.  We use it with our class of seven and eight year olds but have also used it as mentors in a Y1 (five year old class).

3D Printed Novelty Stationary Holder

Challenge: To produce a unique item for stationary

Background: This design was completed independently by an eight year old student who is part of cohort one.   The student was able to work independently to complete the project and presented it to the teacher for printing.

The central figure of the design is the elephant.  This figure has appeared in posts on this blog before - notably in 2024.  It is available from the main Tinkercad interface search bar.  While this is an original design (in that the student didn't see the 2024 version) when the two are compared there are clear similarities between the print.

In this design the student worked with the elephant shape and then started to look for additional features that they could add.  They made the decision to modify the design in a number of ways.

Firstly they added the top hat to the head of the elephant (again this has been used before in various projects as the hat or top hat is easily located and work with a variety of prints0.   Secondly they wanted to modify the print by creating something additional with the feet.  In this instance they decided to add flippers from a wetsuit.

Finally at the back of the design the student opted to insert a hole, to shift the purpose of the design to storage.

Once this has been completed the student took their iPad accessed the Tinkercad App and then started the (simple) process of AR/VR the design in a number of locations around the school as shown in the photo.  This allowed the print to be checked for any obvious flaws prior to the printing process.

Resources to complete this project: Tinkercad, Tinkercad App, iPad, PLA, Bambu H2D,.

Level of Difficulty: Low/Medium.  The student didn't design this print they modified an existing print and added to it and put their own spin on it.  The print was still viable however the basis for the design came from the Tinkecad interface.

Size  The print as it stands measures 120mm across and is 80mm wide.  The print was 80mm high.  As it stands these dimensions work fine but additional storage requirements would need to an upscale in the model.

Cost/Price:   The print completed used 73g of PLA plastic to complete the print.  This has a price point of $1.72 using a regular PLA to complete the print.  

Timeframe: This print two hours and fifty minutes to complete on the regular default settings.  This print although larger in 2024 took twenty hours with dimensions of 150mm and 100mm which is a reflection of the improving of the printers in the meantime.   The 2024 version also had a considerable amount of rafting under the legs and body in particular.  In 2026 this was minimal as the printer didn't print any under the legs or the body of the elephant but instead printed from the base up.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: The student has indicated that they want to look at the spray painting possibilities for the design.  Reshaping and remaking the design would lead to a revision in its dimensions.

Laser Cut Talent Quest Props: Bus

 

Recently Auroa Primary School held it school Talent Quest.   You can visit Mr Bloors Youtube page for the links and media from our school here.

We had a special event and part of it was presented to our local community Mr Bloor our amazing AV technician, creator and broadcaster and decided to use the same technology that we used to livestream our recent 2026 Virtual Pinball Competition.

Words cannot express how important to our school - if you haven't seen his amazing page you should and visit it or look at some of his creative highlights including the full movie productions that he has been involved in.

This bus shown here in profile and side view was created by one of our amazing teachers, Mr Spice.  This bus was used for one of our acts for the talent quest. 

It was created by using our large scale laser cutter.   The bus outline was cut from a silhouette that was found online.   It was then cut out from corrugated cardboard, the kind used for real estate signs.

You can view the video of the school talent quest live streaming below.  If you have any questions regarding any of Mr Bloor's amazing work ranging from his Pinball, his full scale movies his dance machine amazing spectacular events and the list goes on.

As we speak Mr Bloor is preparing for his next amazing school event - more details of which are to come at a later point, but it is a sequel to his amazing 'Fast and the Furious' movie.

3D Printed Minecraft Fox Storage

 

Challenge: To produce an original design that would have a purpose - in this case a Minecraft themed Fox that would be used for storage as shown in the photograph.

Background: We have shown over a considerable amount of time on this blog that the students using Tinkercad as a design tool.   You can see a summary of some of our projects here.  We also complied a slideshow of Minecraft and Tinkercad activities which you can view by clicking here.

This student who is responsible for this design while they are an eight year old student has consistently shown that the are aware of a range of concepts and ideas and they have a particular interest in Minecraft and Minecraft themed designs.  If you want to see further examples of their work you can click on the link on the top right hand corner of this blog.

The student designed this independently and presented it to the teacher in its completed form.  There was no additional reworking or direction required.

The student also ensured that it was going to be a viable print by using the AR/VR feature of Tinkercad on the iPad to project it into various locations around our school.  In this example shown left the student deliberately oversized it and projected it onto our school courts.  He was then able to rotate it around to inspect it from different angles.

Resources used to complete this project: Tinkercad, iPad, Tinkercad App, Bambu H2D, regular black PLA.  We switched back to using the Bambu H2D for this project after a number of projects using the Bambu P1S.

Level of Difficulty: Medium/High.  This print, its design and concept works extremely well however it is something of an art to have the recognition factor the purpose etc.   The student also used the colour coding adapting to change the colour of the fox to match with the colour of the original Minecraft.

Size: The prints dimensions at the moment are 130mm wide 90mm deep and 40mm high.  As the purpose of the print is stationary storage the student has considered that these will need to be increased to realistically hold more material such as pens and pencils.  However as it stands at presents each of the six holes is able to do this with stability.

Cost/Price: The unit as it stands at the moment.  The print currently uses 75g of PLA to complete.  There was minimal rafting with this project, only a small amount under of the face.  This had a price point of $1.75 to produce.

Timeframe: To complete using the Bambu H2D print the print took one hour and forty one minutes.  There was a six minute standard warm up time for the printer.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: This project needs potentially to be resized otherwise the elements of it are completed.

3D Printed Hair Clip

 

Challenge: To unpack the principles of design behind a simple object (in this case a hair-clip).

Background: Students experimenting with practical task of finding something that they could modify, replicate and adapt.  The students found from  Thingiverse a hair clip that they felt would meet this criteria.

The print was completed in halves.  The students were able to print the piece as shown, without modification.   When the two of them were joined (as the print was completed twice) students realised that they were missing the spring.   This has led to a discussion from the students about the engineering principal of the spring - the crucial piece to join the two 3D Printed pieces together.  

While the instance of the print has yet to be modified by the students the obvious next step for this is to create a personalised element to the design.   Students adapting it to include their name for instance is a very simple step to take for the junior students.   Also given the dimensions and the print time it would be possible to print a large number of these clips (so potentially once the spring is located a business or a Market Day item - potentially with glow-in-the-dark filament.

Resources used to complete this project: Tinkercad App, 3D Printer, PLA, Thingiverse (file) (there are other examples available from this site such as the one shown left which has similar dimensions to this print.

Level of Difficulty: Low.  The student is using a pre-made and designed filed and modifying it.  The intention is to use the file with a small level of modification to lead onto different or more challenging projects.

Size: The print measured 100mm across and was 70mm high.  The back part of our clip is 30mm high.   These dimensions could of course be modified by changing the dimensions of the print via Tinkercad.

Cost/Price: The print used 7.5g of PLA and had 2g of PLA for support for this print.  This was to produce one half of the clip - the pair would obviously need to have two of these printed.   The price point to print a single half of the clip was $0.23c - a full clip would cost $0.46c.

Timeframe: To produce one clip using the P1S Bambu machine the complete print time was thirty six minutes which included the standard six minute warm up time for the machine.

What we would do differently/Next Steps for the students: As described the students need to personalise the design so that they could be seen to modifying it (as opposed to printing something generic which they have just found online) and explore the possibility that this might be a Market Day 2027 option.

Matariki and Puanga Art Activity

Recently our students have been completing an art activity based around the celebration of Matariki and Puanga in New Zealand.   We have recorded the process for this in the slideshow shown below.  At this point in time it is the holidays in New Zealand - we will be printing during this break and adding to this slideshow as a result.

This was created by our seven and eight year old students in New Zealand using Tinkercad and a selection of art materials.

Goodbye from 3D Print School

 

Term Two has now concluded and we are on a two week break.    Our students will be completing work and adding posts during this break time.

Some of our staff, from Auroa Primary School,  will be present in Australia for the Apple Education Summit.   If you are a visitor to this site and you will be attending this event please say hello if you meet them.

In the meantime as always thank you for your visit it is very much appreciated and we will see you all later for some additional work.  Exitus acta probat.

Puanga - 3D Printed Art/Mixed Media

 

We have now completed the final version of the Punga/Matariki themed art that our students have been working on as part of our artwork theme this term.

We have detailed this over a series of posts on this blog featuring the different aspects of this process.

It started with the use of Tinkercad to create the constellation, AR/VR and projecting it onto a range of backgrounds.

We have also discussed how we have then used Pic Collage filters to create art work that can stand alone or in this instance progress through to a 3D Printed mixed media version of the print featured below.

In the example left we have combined all of the elements of the artwork together with the 3D Printing.   The base is black paper combined with pastel work (for the 'Southern Lights') and white paint to represent the stars.   The 3D Printing in this example shown is the 'cotton candy' that has been featured in a number of prints on this blog.   

In the example shown left the lettering used 32g of filament which has a price point of $0.80c.   The print took one hour and eleven minutes to complete.   

The challenge moving forward is for the entire class to complete the 3D Printing - there is a balance required between printing something that can look effective on the artwork and not printing anything too small that does not print due to its size.

3D Printed Personalised Birthday Gift

 

Challenge: To produce a unique and personalised present from a student to another person.

Background: This was presented to the teacher as a completed project that had been designed, created and actioned at home by the student.   They wanted to combine a small stand, a name and row of hearts as well as a personalised message on the back of the design and give this as a gift.   The student concerned is eight years old.  There were two versions of this printed both on the P1S Bambu machines.   The first version is shown top left.

In this version the lettering was very narrow and subsequently the printer had difficulty in producing the desired affect, which was produced in the adjusted version.   The different between both versions size wise was only 30mm or so however it made the difference between a successful and non successful print.

In the initial print the lettering on the reverse of the design was too small and had difficulty being read, the revised version had 4mm high lettering that was sunk into the design and was as thin as 1mm in places but held its form.   

Resources used to complete this project: Tinkercad App, iPad, Bambu P1S, Cotton Candy PLA.

Level of Difficulty: Medium.  This student has shown creativity and flair when completing designs and had a very definite idea and process in mind when completing this print - also was very keen to make use of the exisiting 'cotton candy' as they felt that the colour would work in conjunction with the gift.

Size: The revised version of the print, as shown left, measured 110mm across was 30mm long and 40mm high.

Cost/Price: The print used 15g of PLA for rafting and 45g of PLA to complete the print.  This had a price point of $1.17 to complete the print.

Timeframe: This print took one and half hours to complete on the regular default, infill settings that are set up with the printing software.

What we would do differently/Next steps for the students: Nil - completed and done in a way that the student was very happy with.  There was a limited discussion about mounting it somewhere - or the fact that it does have a hole in the top left hand corner when facing forward, but the student did not want to change it.