Intro to FDM 3D Printing

Ages 14-18

Live Group Class

This class is an intro to 3D printing with a filament driven machine, we cover basic topics of setup, slicer settings, and techniques to minimalize printing time while keeping good resolution and quality, with a bit of basic 3D modeling.

Preston Woolsey

Live video meetings

2x per week

1-10 learners per class

120 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

2 live meetings

4 in-class hours per week

Projects

2-4 hours per week. These projects will involve printing different various models that require certain settings to be changed in the slicer in order to print perfectly.

Assessment

These assessments will be done after each model is printed and shown in class.

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11

Beginner Level

multiple topics will be covered for a starter on FDM 3D Printing, I teach with a very hands on (working on their 3D printers while teaching). I teach at a slow pace that may seem too slow for people but makes sure that every student is not left behind, the more that is explained to a slower student helps the class understand 3D printing in its entirety. This class as I said is all hands on and therefore a passing grade is proficiently knowing how to use your printer.

Learning Goals

Printer setup and terminology. If students have not yet taken their printer out of the box, we will cover how to assemble it and learn the basic needs of the setup to get a perfect first 3D print.

Slicer Settings.  A slicer is what is used to cut a 3D model up into layers so that the printer knows where to start and end.

Other Details

Learning Needs

This class will be paced as everyone understands it, if too much time is taken up there will be links to videos that can help people stay at the level that the class is at

Parental Guidance

gloves and eyeglass wear is recommended to be worn when a print is taken off of the print bed for post processing cleanup (removal of supports)

Pre-Requisites

Basic Mathematics is required, as 3D printing is math/engineering based.

Supply List

Links to masters of 3D printing will be posted every session so that everyone can refer it with complete understanding.

Language of Instruction

English

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

A few youtube channels will be used as references in case some things were unclear in the class session.

Meet the teacher

Preston Woolsey

Joined December, 2024

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I taught 3D modeling in Solidworks for a year as a TA (it was the professors first year and we were tasked on teaching the class to make sure the professor had everything in order). 
I also have 6 years of personal training and experience in setting up FDM printers and making sure that they run perfectly.