3D Modeling and Printing with Tinkercad®: Create and Print Your Own 3D Models

3D Modeling and Printing with Tinkercad®: Create and Print Your Own 3D Models

Released June 2014
Publisher(s): Que
ISBN: 9780133798135

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Book description

The First Complete Guide to Tinkercad: 3D Modeling That’s Powerful, Friendly, & Free!

Want to master 3D modeling and printing? Tinkercad is the perfect software for you: It’s friendly, web-based, and free. Even better, you don’t have to rely on Tinkercad’s technical documentation to use it. This easy, full-color guide is packed with photos and projects that bring 3D modeling to life!

No 3D or CAD experience? No problem: Best-selling author James Floyd Kelly teaches you step-by-step through simple examples and hands-on activities.

You’ll learn all the concepts and techniques you need...build your skills, comfort, and confidence...and create exciting projects that show off Tinkercad’s full power. Learning 3D with your kids? You’ll even find projects you can work on together!

  • Quickly master the basic 3D concepts you need to understand

  • Navigate Tinkercad’s Dashboard and tool set

  • Create your first 3D model and control its properties

  • Save time by incorporating publicly available elements

  • Import hand sketches or SVG graphics into your models

  • Use the Shape Generator to create custom shapes

  • Add raised text and other embellishments

  • Assemble multiple pieces into a more sophisticated model

  • Make realistic prototypes

  • Output molds for creating items from soft materials

  • Transform models into STL files for printing

  • Get great results from an online 3D printing service

  • Move your 3D objects into the Minecraft virtual world

  • Find answers to your most important Tinkercad questions

  • Discover tools for tasks Tinkercad can’t handle

  • Learn from others! Explore projects at Thingiverse and the Gallery

    •

    Table of contents

    1. About This eBook
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright Page
    4. Table of Contents
    5. About the Author
    6. Dedication
    7. Acknowledgments
    8. We Want to Hear from You!
    9. Reader Services
    10. Introduction
      1. Welcome to Tinkercad!
    11. 1. 3D Modeling Is Cool!
      1. What Is 3D Modeling?
      2. Where Have You Seen 3D Modeling?
      3. Why Is 3D Modeling Useful?
      4. What Can You Do with 3D Modeling?
    12. 2. 3D Modeling Basics
      1. What Are Axes?
      2. What Is a Plane?
      3. Understanding Rotation
    13. 3. Say Hello to Tinkercad
      1. Finding and Opening Tinkercad
      2. Navigating Tinkercad
      3. Changing a 3D Model’s Properties
      4. Looking at Lessons
    14. 4. Learn Some Modeling Basics
      1. The Launchpad
      2. The Rocket’s Main Body
      3. The Rocket’s Fins
    15. 5. Putting Together a Model
      1. Assembling the Launchpad
      2. Assembling the Rocket
    16. 6. A Tinkercad Special Project
      1. Brainstorming Ideas
      2. Creating the Basic Tag Shape
      3. Adding Embellishments
      4. Adding Raised Text
      5. Suggestions for Improvements
    17. 7. Another Tinkercad Special Project
      1. Developing an Idea
      2. Creating a Mold for the Object
      3. Creating the Elements for the Mold
      4. Finishing Up the Mold-Making Project
    18. 8. Printing Your 3D Models
      1. What Is a 3D Printer?
      2. Creating an STL File
      3. Melting That Plastic
      4. Moving the Nozzle
      5. Using Software to Control a 3D Printer
      6. Summary of 3D Printing
    19. 9. More Useful Tricks with Tinkercad
      1. Using the Mirror Feature
      2. Importing Your Own Sketch
      3. Experimenting with the Shape Generators Tool
      4. Where to Next?
    20. 10. Where Can You Find Existing Models?
      1. Welcome to Thingiverse
      2. Additional 3D Model Sources
    21. 11. Expanding Tinkercad’s Usefulness
      1. Finding a 3D Printing Service
      2. Taking Your Object into Minecraft
    22. 12. Special App for Turning Real-World Objects into 3D Models
      1. Converting Real Objects to Digital Models
      2. Improving Your 3D Modeling Skills
    23. A. More Free CAD Applications to Explore
      1. 123D Design
      2. SketchUp
      3. FreeCAD
    24. B. A Bonus Project
      1. The Pinewood Derby
      2. Creating Digital Body Shapes
      3. “Carving” the Block
    25. C. A Closer Look at 123D Design
      1. 123D Design Interface
      2. The Main Toolbar
      3. The Navigation Bar
      4. What’s Left?
    26. Index

    Product information

    • Title: 3D Modeling and Printing with Tinkercad®: Create and Print Your Own 3D Models
    • Author(s):
    • Release date: June 2014
    • Publisher(s): Que
    • ISBN: 9780133798135