The Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing for Kids
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3D printing has revolutionized how we create and interact with the world, and now kids can dive into this exciting technology too! Here’s a simple guide to help your kids design and print in 3D, making the process easy and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Guide to 3D Printing with Kids
Let’s break down the steps – we will go into more detail for each step below.
- Brainstorm Ideas: Explore Thingiverse for inspiration or start with a simple project like a keychain or bookmark.
- Design in TinkerCad: Use TinkerCad to create your first 3D model, then export it as a .stl file.
- Slice the Design: Open the file in your printer’s software, check the settings, and slice it into layers.
- Print the Design: Transfer the sliced file to your 3D printer and hit print!
1. Getting Started with 3D Design for Kids
To begin 3D printing, your child will need a basic understanding of 3D design. This is where Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software comes into play. But don’t worry, you don’t need anything overly complex. Start with something kid-friendly!
Explore Thingiverse:
Thingiverse is a treasure trove of 3D designs that your child can browse and download. This online library offers models of almost anything your child might be interested in, from toys to simple gadgets. Exploring these designs gives kids a sense of what 3D models look like and sparks their creativity.
Learn with TinkerCad:
TinkerCad is an ideal starting point for kids learning 3D design. It’s simple, intuitive, and offers step-by-step lessons that guide kids through moving, placing, and editing objects in a 3D space. Once they’ve mastered the basics, they can dive into more complex projects, even customizing designs they’ve downloaded from Thingiverse!
2. Slicing: Preparing the Design for Printing
Before your child’s design can be printed, it needs to be “sliced” into layers that the 3D printer can understand. Each printer has its own slicing software, so make sure you have the right one for your model.
Exporting the Design:
After your child finishes their design, you’ll export it as a .stl file—this is the most common format for 3D designs. Then, open this file in your printer’s slicing software.
Slicing the Model:
The slicing software will prepare the design by converting it into layers. This process might include adding a “raft” (a base layer that helps with printing) or checking for any potential issues. Once sliced, the file will be saved in a format specific to your printer, ready to be printed.
3. 3D Printing for Kids (Adult Assistance Needed)
With the sliced file ready, it’s time to print! Think of a 3D printer as a precise, robotic hot glue gun that builds the design layer by layer.
Explaining the Process to Kids:
A great way to explain 3D printing to kids is by using a deck of cards. Lay out the cards one by one, explaining that the printer stacks layers in a similar way to create the final 3D model. This visual helps them understand how their digital design turns into a physical object.
Safety First:
Remember, the printer’s nozzle gets very hot. Encourage your child to watch the printing process but keep their hands off the machine. Many printers are enclosed for this reason, providing a safe environment for curious little hands.
Choosing the Best 3D Printer for Kids
We use the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro. We love this printer as it’s easy to use, comes with a flexible print bed (so helpful for getting the models off the plate!), and prints well. There are a lot of other options on the Market. You can check out our full review of the best 3D printers for kids.
- OVERVIEW OF NEPTUNE 3 PRO: 225x225x280mm/8.85×8.85×11 inch printing size can meet the needs of most users. With an STM32 motherboard, all axes of ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro are driven by silent stepper motors for quieter and more precise movement during printing, which reduces the noise as low as 47-48dB. The easy-to-setup printer comes with the main components pre-assembled, as well as a complete tool kit for quick installation
- DUAL-GEAR DIRECT EXTRUDER: The new direct drive extruder is made of SUS303 high-quality stainless steel with a 3:1 reduction ratio and stronger extrusion force for smoother filament feeding and more stable & accurate printing, which greatly reduces nozzle clogging and under-extrusion issues, printing effect is better than Bowden extruder. Compatible with multiple filaments such as PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS
- NOZZLE KIT FOR BETTER PRINTING: The nozzle kit contains a TC4 titanium alloy throat pipe, an aluminum alloy flat heat sink structure, and a brass nozzle.The widened aluminum heat sink paired with the front close-fitting efficient cooling fan for a better heat dissipation effect and lower the temperature of the throat pipe, thereby reducing the possibility of nozzle clogging
Where to find a 3D printer
There are now so many 3D printers on the market, and there are quite a few affordable 3D printer options. You also might try contacting your school librarian – They may be able to tell you where in the community you can find a public-use printer. If you can’t find anything
Review: Step By Step Guide to 3D Printing With Kids
Ok let’s review again the exact steps needed to get started 3D printing with kids.
- Brainstorm ideas for 3D print designs. Look on Thingiverse for inspiration. Or consider our 3D printer tutorial for a ready to go project.
- Get started designing your first 3D print on TinkerCad. Keychains, bookmarks, and name tags are a great starter project. We have specific tutorials below that take you step by step through TinkerCad.
- Once your design is complete click ‘export’ and save as an .stl file.
- Open the software that came with your specific 3D printer. This will be different according to your printer model. Import the .stl file into this software and confirm the settings on your printer. Export this file to a usb stick and plug it into your 3D printer. Get ready to press print!
3D Printing for Kids Tutorials
Check out our collection of step-by-step guides to 3D printing with kids. These guides are designed to be used in a classroom setting and come with a Google Slides presentation and a set of worksheets for students.
- 3D Printing Tutorial: Design Your Own Custom Name Tag
- 3D Print and Code Tutorial: Code Your Own Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Ring
- 3D Printing Tutorial: Create your Own Custom Ornament
Final Thoughts
If 3D printing is something you never considered for your kids, you should start thinking about it!
Not yet ready for a 3D Printer? Why not try a 3D pen! 3D pens have become very popular for kids and will get your kids started with basic 3D design. Read our guide to the best 3D pens for kids.
3D design and printing is a great way to get artistic kids into coding and computational thinking. What experience do you have with 3D design and printing? Have you heard of the medical breakthroughs that are becoming possible thanks to this technology and dedicated designers? Did you know Your Kids Can Design and Print in 3D?
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printers for Kids
We recommend 3D printing for kids 8 and older. There are a variety of options of 3D printers perfect for this age group.
Of course! 3D printing teaches kids about problem solving, spatial skills and critical thinking.
3D printers can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. We have a range of affordable options reviewed above.
Check out Thingiverse to see all the great designs you can create with your 3D printer. From figurines to practical home accessories, the sky is the limit!
Kate is mom of two rambunctious boys and a self-proclaimed super nerd. With a background in neuroscience, she is passionate about sharing her love of all things STEM with her kids. She loves to find creative ways to teach kids computer science and geek out about coding and math. She has authored several books on coding for kids which can be found at Hachette UK.
