3D Printing
with Tinkercad.
Tinkercad is a free, browser-based 3D modelling tool. You can design objects on a workplane using basic shapes, measure them precisely with the Ruler tool, slice them with software and finally print them layer by layer on a 3D printer.
Tinkercad workflow
1. Model → build with shapes
2. Ruler → measure precisely
3. Slice → convert to G-code
4. Print → layer by layer
What you will learn.
This lesson explains the 3D printing process using Tinkercad — from the parts of a 3D printer and the Ruler tool, to converting 2D images into 3D objects, changing workplane settings and using slicer software.
Identify the filament, extruder, print bed, nozzle, layer cooling fan and SD card reader.
Use the Ruler tool, change workplane settings, move objects accurately and convert SVG images into 3D objects.
Understand slicing, G-code, printing and create a fidget spinner using precise measurements.
3D printing & Tinkercad, step by step.
Study each module slowly. Each one builds on the previous one, so go in order.
1. What is inside a 3D printer?
A 3D printer builds objects by melting a plastic material called filament and depositing it layer by layer. While printing, the filament is heated above 200 degrees Celsius and deposited on an enclosed, heated plate.
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Extruder | The place where the filament is drawn in, melted and pushed out. It has a hot end and a cold end. The cold end draws the filament in and pushes it through; the hot end melts the filament before it is forced through the print nozzle onto the print bed. It is also called the print head of the 3D printer. |
| Print bed | The surface on which the extruder deposits filament to print a 3D object. |
| Nozzle | A small hollow steel rod. It is used by the extruder to push the melted filament onto the print bed. |
| Layer cooling fan | Used to cool the plastic immediately after it is deposited by the nozzle. It helps the object hold its shape. |
| SD card reader | Helps to load the sliced file to the 3D printer. |
| Filament | The plastic material that is melted and deposited to form the object. It is sometimes called the ink of the 3D printer. |
2. Measuring with the Ruler tool
The Ruler tool is used to measure the exact length, width, height and position of an object on the workplane. It helps us place and resize objects accurately.
What the Ruler tool measures
- Distance between two objects.
- Thickness of hollow objects.
- Exact dimensions (length, breadth, height) of a shape.
- The distance of an object from the X-axis and Y-axis of the workplane.
3. Changing the workplane
The workplane is the flat grid on which you place and arrange your shapes in Tinkercad. You can change its size and units to suit your design.
Steps to change the default size of the workplane
Other workplane settings
- Moving objects accurately.
- Changing the units of measurement.
- Changing the size of the workplane.
The default unit of measurement in Tinkercad is millimetres (mm). The default distance by which a selected object moves each time you press an arrow key is 1 mm.
4. Converting a 2D image into a 3D object
To turn a flat picture into a 3D object in Tinkercad, you first need to save it in SVG format. SVG is a vector format that Tinkercad can read and extrude (stretch) into three dimensions.
Steps to convert a 2D image into a 3D object
5. Slicing and the 3D printing process
Before a 3D model can be printed, it must be sliced. Slicer software changes the 3D model into many thin layers and creates instructions, called G-code, that the 3D printer follows while printing the object.
The 3D printing process
6. Everything at a glance
The whole chapter can be revised with the table below. Read each row and recall the key idea.
| Topic | Key points to remember |
|---|---|
| Parts of a 3D printer | Filament · Extruder · Print bed · Nozzle · Layer cooling fan · SD card reader |
| 3D printing process | Modelling (using Cura or Tinkercad) → Slicing → Printing |
| Converting 2D into 3D | Convert the image to SVG format → import the SVG into Tinkercad → use it to create a design |
| The Ruler tool | Measuring distance between objects · Measuring thickness of hollow objects |
| Workplane settings | Moving objects accurately · Changing units · Changing the size of the workplane |
| Practice project | Creating a fidget spinner using precise measurements |
Textbook questions, answered.
Tap any question to reveal the model answer. These are the same questions given at the end of the chapter.
Q3 (a). Why do you need to use the Ruler tool while designing objects in Tinkercad?
The Ruler tool is used to measure the exact length, width, height and position of an object. It helps us place and resize objects accurately on the workplane.
Q3 (b). How will you change the default size of the workplane?
- Click Edit Grid at the bottom-right corner of the Tinkercad screen.
- Change the Width and Length of the workplane as required.
- Click Update Grid or Done to apply the changes.
Q3 (c). List the steps required to convert a 2D image into a 3D object in Tinkercad.
- Prepare or select a 2D image in SVG format.
- Open a new design in Tinkercad.
- Click Import.
- Select the SVG image from the computer.
- Set the required scale and height (extrusion).
- Click Import. The 2D image will appear as a 3D object, which can be resized and edited.
Q3 (d). Describe the role of the extruder in a 3D printer.
The extruder pushes the printing material (usually plastic filament) towards the nozzle. The nozzle melts the filament and places it layer by layer to create the 3D object.
Q3 (e). Explain the purpose of slicer software.
Slicer software changes a 3D model into many thin layers. It then creates instructions, called G-code, for the 3D printer to follow while printing the object.
Q4. Observe the image on the workplane and answer the questions below.
The image shows a roof and a box placed on a workplane with a ruler visible along the axes. Use the measurements shown to answer parts (a) to (e).
Q4 (a). What is the length, breadth and height of the roof?
Length: 32 units · Breadth: 12 units · Height: 40 units.
Q4 (b). What is the distance of the roof from the X-axis of the ruler?
The roof is 10 units away from the X-axis.
Q4 (c). What is the distance of the roof from the Y-axis of the ruler?
The roof is 12 units away from the Y-axis.
Q4 (d). What is the distance of the box from the X-axis of the ruler?
The box is 13 units away from the X-axis.
Q4 (e). Calculate the distance between the roof and the box object placed on the workplane.
The positions along the ruler are:
67 − 12 = 55
Therefore, the distance between the roof and the box is 55 units.
Test what you have learnt.
Attempt each question first, then reveal the answer to check yourself.
Choose the correct option.
(a) The default unit of measurement in Tinkercad is ____________.
- millimetres
- centimetres
- inches
- bricks
Show answer
(b) To convert a 2D image to a 3D object, you need to convert the image file into the ____________ format.
- JPEG
- PNG
- SVG
- STL
Show answer
(c) In Tinkercad, the default distance by which a selected object moves each time you press the arrow key is ____________.
- 1 mm
- 3 mm
- 5 mm
- 7 mm
Show answer
(d) The ____________ is called the ink of the 3D printer.
- Fan
- Extruder
- Nozzle
- Filament
Show answer
(e) The surface on which 3D objects are printed in a 3D printer is called the ____________.
- Extruder
- Print bed
- Nozzle
- Filament
Show answer
Identify the following parts of a 3D printer and explain its use.
The image below shows a 3D printer with four numbered parts. Identify each part and write one line about its use.
Part 1
Filament spool / source. Holds the plastic filament — the raw material that will be melted and deposited to form the object.
Part 2
Print bed. The heated flat surface on which the extruder deposits melted filament, layer by layer, to build the 3D object.
Part 3
Extruder (print head). Draws in the filament, melts it and pushes it out through the nozzle. It has a hot end and a cold end.
Part 4
Nozzle. A small hollow steel rod attached below the extruder. It pushes the melted filament onto the print bed.
Workbook questions.
These questions appear in the Workbook (AS_WB). Attempt each one first, then reveal the answer to check yourself.
Choose the right answer.
(a) Which tool in Tinkercad allows you to create a hollow space shown in Image 2 from the objects shown in Image 1?
Image 1: a red cylinder overlapping a solid red cube. Image 2: the same cube with a circular hollow cut into it.
- Align
- Mirror
- Group
- Ungroup
Show answer
(iii) Group. To make a hollow space, first change the overlapping shape (the cylinder) into a Hole, then select both objects and click Group. The hole shape cuts the hollow space out of the solid cube.
(b) Which term refers to the conversion of a 3D file into a format that a 3D printer can print?
- Laser cutting
- Slicing
- Extruding
- Sanding
Show answer
(ii) Slicing. Slicer software breaks the 3D model into thin layers and converts it into G-code — the instructions a 3D printer can read and print.
(c) The material used to print objects in a 3D printer is in the form of a ____________.
- extruder
- nozzle
- modelling
- filament
Show answer
(iv) filament. Filament is the plastic material (usually supplied as a spool of thread-like plastic) that is melted and deposited layer by layer to build the object.
(d) Ishaan has created a 3D design using Tinkercad. He now wants to print the design using a 3D printer. In which format should he export the design file to the 3D printer?
- SVG
- TXT
- STL
- PNG
Show answer
(iii) STL. STL is the standard 3D file format used by slicer software and 3D printers. (SVG is for 2D vector images, not finished 3D models.)
(e) Which of the following is used as a unit of measurement in Tinkercad?
- Millimeters
- Inches
- Bricks
- All of the above
Show answer
(i) Millimeters. Tinkercad uses millimetres (mm) as its unit of measurement. The default distance an object moves on pressing an arrow key is 1 mm.
Identify the following parts of a 3D printer.
Read the clue and name the part.
(a) It is a part where the plastic gets drawn in, melted and pushed out.
Extruder. The extruder is the print head of the 3D printer. It has a cold end that draws the filament in and pushes it, and a hot end that melts the filament before it is forced through the nozzle onto the print bed.
(b) It is used to cool the plastic immediately after it is deposited by the nozzle.
Layer cooling fan. It cools each freshly deposited layer of plastic so it hardens quickly and the object holds its shape.
(c) It helps to load the sliced file to the 3D printer.
SD card reader. The sliced file (G-code) is saved on an SD card, which is inserted into the printer's SD card reader so the printer can read and print it.
Write short, exam-style answers.
(a) What is the importance of the 'support' option while printing an object?
- It creates structural strength and ensures the model does not collapse during printing.
- Supportive structures are printed according to the object's features — for example, below overhanging parts, bridges or steep angles.
- After printing is complete, the supports are removed and the final object keeps its intended shape.
(b) Identify and describe the highlighted options of the Cura window.
A. Move — Allows you to move the 3D design to a different position on the print area.
B. Scale — Allows you to scale the 3D object along its X, Y or Z directions. It is used to resize an object if required.
C. Rotate — Rotates the 3D object along the X, Y and Z axes.
(c) Nilesh has downloaded a 2D image of a bird in JPEG format from the internet. What should he do to include the image in his Tinkercad design?
- Convert the JPEG image into .svg format using a free online SVG converter tool.
- Open Tinkercad and click the Import option.
- Choose the converted SVG file. The file gets imported and appears as a 3D object in Tinkercad.
- Adjust the scale and height of the imported object as required.
Try these hands-on tasks.
1. Design a spanner in Tinkercad with the given dimensions.
Use the dimensions shown in the textbook image:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Total length | 94.36 units |
| Head diameter (each end) | 20.00 units |
| Distance from left edge to handle start | 5.00 units |
| Handle height / opening | 4.82 units |
| Gap / offset | 6.74 units |
2. Design a 3D stamp in Tinkercad as shown below.
Use any Pikachu image to create the stamp. Follow the given guidelines:
- Convert the image file into SVG format using an online SVG converter. (For example: https://image.online-convert.com/convert-to-svg)
- Import the converted file into Tinkercad and scale it to a smaller size proportionately.
- Create a rectangular plate bigger than the Pikachu.
- Align the Pikachu so that it fits inside the rectangular plate. Raise it slightly above the workplane and increase its height.
- Group both objects to create the stamp.
- Export the finished object as an STL file for printing.