Summary

This project aimed to engage 6th-grade students (aged 11-12) in the creative world of 3D printing by tasking them with designing customized medals for 9th-grade graduates. Through this project, students gained hands-on experience with 3D modeling, printing, and design, while also fostering teamwork and creative thinking.

The focus of the target group

The target group for this project was 6th-grade students, aged 11-12. The focus was to introduce them to the fundamentals of 3D modeling and printing while fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills.

Necessary knowledge and skills

Students participating in this project were expected to possess:

• Basic knowledge of 3D modeling using TinkerCad.
• Basic proficiency in PrusaSlicer for setting parameters and generating .gcode files.
• Basic understanding of 3D printer operation.
• Desirable skills included the ability to work with vector graphics using software like Inkscape.

Project objectives

The primary objective of this project was for students to design 3D printed medals to be presented to 9th-grade graduates. This objective aimed to:

1. Introduce students to 3D modeling and printing.
2. Foster creativity and design skills.
3. Encourage teamwork and collaboration.
4. Provide a hands-on learning experience.

Required equipment

The following equipment was required for this project:

• Prusa 3D Printer (e.g., Prusa MINI or equivalent).
• PLA filament for printing.
• Additional material: Satin ribbon – width 2.5 cm, length: cca 1 m / 1 student

Project time schedule

The project was divided into the following timeframes:

• 1-2 hours for 3D modeling using TinkerCad.
• 30 minutes for exporting the design to .stl format and generating .gcode files.
• 5 hours and 20 minutes for printing four medals on a smooth print sheet / 4 medals
• (in total 40 medals were printed, hence total print time equaled 52 hours of print work.)
• Sewing ribbon (2 hours)

Workflow

The project workflow included the following steps:

1. Design Medal Shape (TinkerCad): Students designed the basic medal shape with a diameter of 7 cm and a depth of 5 mm, including a slot for a ribbon.
2. Design Text and Decorative Elements: In TinkerCad /OR a vector program, students added textual and decorative elements to personalise the medals.
3. Optional:Inkscape was used to add text on a circular path and to export the school's logo into an .svg file.
4. Export to .stl format: The medal design was exported from TinkerCad to .stl format, ensuring compatibility with 3D printing software.
5. PrusaSlicer Configuration: In PrusaSlicer, students configured settings for printing, including selecting PLA filament, setting 0.20 mm quality, a 15% infill, and specifying no supports or brim.
6. Generate .gcode: The .stl file was imported into PrusaSlicer.
7. Printing: The .gcode files were saved to a USB drive, which was then inserted into the Prusa 3D printer (e.g., Prusa MINI). Students initiated the 3D printing process.
8. Adding Ribbon: After printing, students threaded a 90-cm long ribbon through the slot in each medal. They passed one end of the ribbon through the slot from the front to the back and then brought it back to the front, creating a loop. The two ends of the ribbon were then sewn together securely to form a loop for hanging the medal. This additional step ensures that the medals are ready for presentation with a ribbon attached, allowing them to be easily worn or displayed by the 9th-grade graduates.

Authors

Základní škola Velké Přílepy, Project Manager: Martina Janderová

Tags

3D Printing, TinkerCad, PrusaSlicer, Inkscape, 6th Grade, 9th Grade, Medals, Creativity, Design, Project-Based Learning, Educational Technology, Hands-On Learning.