Practical Printing

Repository for all updated 3D printing resources (circa Spring 2026)

A six week course for learning to use 3D Printing in practical & efficient ways.

Week 1 : Intro to 3D Printing

Introduction to 3D Printing through a blend of hands-on & theoretical work. Set up our first print to discuss next week!

• What is 3D Printing (technical terminology, hardware, use cases)
• Different kinds of 3D printing machines, tools, and techniques
• What is a slicer, why do we need it, and how to use it

Week 2 : 5 Things to Know/Old Skool Modelling

Our first dive into CAD for 3D printing through FreeCAD. Learn to translate real-world use cases & dimensions into the digital environment. Discover the most common 3D printing problems and how to accommodate for them.

• 5 most common 3D printing issues (and how to fix them!)
• Intro to FreeCAD for 3D modelling
• Parametric Design
• Meshing & exporting a printable model
• Slicing (tbd)

Week 3 : Scanner-Assisted Modelling (Part 1: 2D Scans)

Explore how familiar tools can be used to streamline 3D modelling through the use of a 2D document scanner. Leverage existing tools to efficiently perform fit tests & print trials.

• 2D Scanning to 3D modelling workflow
• 3D Printing tolerances & fit tests
• Slicer tips & tricks

Week 4 : Scanner-Assisted Modelling (Part 2: 3D Scans)

Experiment with using a Creality Otter 3D Scanner to model a replacement part for a broken item. Learn to design 3D models based on existing 3D models.

• 3D Scanning - how-to + tips & tricks
• Point clouds, meshes, and tessellation
• Manipulation of existing 3D models

Week 5 : Scanner-Assisted Modelling (Part 3: 3D Scans)

TBA

Week 6 : Resin Printing

Personalize your own custom keycaps printed on the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra resin printer. Discover the difference between the classic, FDM printing and resin printing.

• SLA vs. FDM Printing - why & use cases
• Design & slicing differences
• Post-processing requirements & additional techniques