The process of taking an idea and turning it into a 3D printed part begins with creating a 3D model. Typically, 3D models are made with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Other methods of generating 3D models exist, such as methods of 3D scanning. However, those processes tend to lack the ability to ensure dimensional integrity of your design and are difficult to modify.

There are numerous free CAD software tools, but not all are optimized to create parts for 3D printing. Further, CAD, and 3D design in general, is not the most approachable subject because it uses spatial reasoning skills that are not necessarily easily developed otherwise. Thankfully, there are options that recognize these issues and have been developed to make CAD and 3D design more accessible.

The CAD program we will be using in this work shop, TinkerCAD, is one such program. It is developed by Autodesk, the company that created AutoCAD, which was the industry standard in CAD prior to the introduction of 3D design programs. Autodesk makes many other design products, including less approachable CAD programs. Do not mistake the approach-ability of TinkerCAD with simplicity. The program is very robust and shares many things in common with Autodesk's industry oriented offerings, Fusion360 and Inventor. Below is a side by side image of the TinkerCAD user interface and the Fusion360 interface for reference.

These interfaces share some similarities and provide similar functionality when it comes to designing. 3D modeling and design is a skill that develops with practice. Being able to create 3D models, even simple ones, opens up a huge world of functionality for 3D printing. You will not be limited to designs and parts created by others since you can design the part you need yourself. Practice and experimentation with designing and modeling will allow you to approach more complicated designs with confidence.