3D+Modeling

TinkerCad &SketchUp are 3d modeling software applications.
Models created in TinkerCad or Sketchup can be later "printed" using a 3D printer. The files may need to be converted to the required 3D printer file format. Tinkercad has linked 3D Printing services found on the web for a price. SketchUp allows for varous plugins to create models to printed on paper and glued into a 3D model. We will be using a standard printer to print a flattened versions of our models to be later cut and glued back into their 3D form.

TinkerCad
TinkerCad is a small scale web based service. All programs and files are web based and is ideas for chromebooks. This program is simple to use and has intuitive controls for for small 3D model creation and printing. There are online tutorials with instructional activities on the TinkerCad website available through the "Learn" tab. media type="custom" key="29391295" ==

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SketchUp
SketchUp is a downloadable program with a free and paid subscribtion for a year. All programs and files are stored on your computer making Chromebook use impossible with this application. This program is quite advanced and requires training to use effectively.

Create your 3D Model
SketchUp Introduction media type="custom" key="24515056" The Free and Paid Application for SketchUp is found at [] We will only need the free version.

Getting Started Videos []

NOTE: The Flattery plugin will allow you to flatten any model, but if the model dimensions are person size or larger then the plugin will not create the SVG file for printout. You need to have your model dimensions be much smaller or about the size of the "model persons feet" in the SketchupUp world view. Any larger and the plugin will not create the SVG file. Re-sizing your model from large to small will not work. Just zoom in to make your model. NOTE 2:Don't use color in SketchUp. Better to color the flattened file in an SVG editor later.

Flatten your 3D Model
This is the site for the Flattery plugin to install in SketchUp. It provides the directions on how to install and use the plug in. It is freeware. You can donate, but I have already done so.

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Printout your 3D Model
Once you have named your flattened SketchUp file, you can open the file and print it out using an SVG editor. SVG is a file format that records drawings as mathematical models. This allows for re-sizing without the image becoming blurry. You have all seen what happens to a photo when you enlarge it to much. SVG files can be enlarged to any size without loss to the image quality.

If you don't have an SVG editor, you can download OfficeLibre. []

It is a freeware software packet similar to Microsoft Office. It has the advantage of including an SVG editor called Draw. The program is easy to use and will allow you to re-size your image to fit on letter size paper.

You can color your file if you want to. I will be providing card stock for students. You provide me the uncolored paper printout, and I will copy it onto card stock (colored or plain). If you make a mistake, we will still have the original available to copy onto more card stock if needed.

To open the file Start OfficeLibre Choose Draw Click-Open file Select-All Files (Not just SVG) Choose the file you created

Your file may be larger than a standard letter size page. To modify the size: Select-Format Choose-Page Select Format-Letter (for letter size printouts)

To re-size your image to fit the Letter size paper: Edit-Select All While holding the Shift Key, drag a corner marker of your image to re-size your image. The Shift Key makes the re-sizing proportional. You will be able to resize your image to fit on to the letter size paper. Any mistakes click Edit-Undo.