Intro to 3D Modeling with Tinkercad.com

General Info

TinkerCAD.com is a browser based CAD/Drafting tool for creating 3D models suitable for 3D printing or importing into graphics engines in other programs like minecraft or animation programs.

• TinkerCAD uses modern browsers, so nothing needs to be installed on a user's computer. Everything runs in the cloud.

• TinkerCAD is super easy to learn and a great way to develop beginner CAD skills and 3D thinking.

• TinkerCAD is FREE, simply create an account and follow the intro lessons. http://www.tinkercad.com

Maker Station member Tanju Bayramoglu is a fan of tinkerCAD and has offered to host a class on it.

Feel free to reach out to him or the Board of Directors (info@themakerstation.com) to ask questions or request another class.

TinkerCAD's intro video https://youtu.be/MwjWT-EvKSU

Lesson: Maker Keychain

1.) Login/Create Account

1. In a new browser window, go to http://www.tinkercad.com and choose SIGN IN or SIGN UP as needed.
   
2. Enter your credentials.
   
3. The page will load with your dashboard. If you are an existing member, your existing designs will be displayed. Otherwise, you will see a generally blank screen.
   

2.) Create new design

1. Click the Create new design button
2. The page will refresh and the Tinkercad workspace will be displayed
3. Scroll down until the geometric shapes are displayed in the tool pane on the right side of the screen
4. Click the red box and drag it on to the workplane

3.) Edit shapes

1. Click on the red box to reveal the shape handles.
2. Select a corner handle and drag it to convert the square box into a rectangular box 40 mm long.
3. Select the top center handle down to reduce the box height to 2 mm tall.
4. In the tool pane, scroll to find the cylinder and drag it on to the workplane near the box.
5. Select the top center handle and reduce the cylinder's height to 2 mm tall.
6. Select and drag the cylinder so that its center lines up with the left edge of the box as shown in the screenshot.
7. Click the +/- button and the panning left/right/up/down arrows to position your view of the workplane as needed.

4.) Add Text [[File:Tinkercad letters.png|300px|right]

1. In the tool pane scroll down for individual letters.
2. You may need to expand the Letters section of the tool plane.
3. Select the letters "M" - "A" - "K" - "E" individually and drag them on to the box.
4. Position the letters as shown in the screenshot.

5.) Add hole for the key ring [[]]

1. In the tool pane scroll down back up for the Round Roof shape.
2. Drag the round roof anywhere on to the workplane
3. Click on the new shape and notice the arc'd rotation arrows
4. Rotate the round roof so that it is rotated 90 degrees onto it's side so that it looks like a half circle when viewed from the top