Basics of TinkerCAD – Another Step in the Journey (Pilot)

Type of course:

Digital learning, Lesson

Language:

Duration:

20 minutes

Workload:

35 hours

Proficiency:

Beginner

Target:

Professionals

This lesson has been developed as part of the ‘Manufacturing a Healthy Future’ programme, which focuses on strengthening the engagement of primary schools with STEM and manufacturing. The programme utilises 3D printing as an exemplar technology to promote the exciting career opportunities in manufacturing, while also focusing on sustainability and diversity in STEM.

SUMMARY

This unit is an introduction to 3D solid modeling using TinkerCAD, a standard CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. The key learning objectives are to build upon foundational knowledge of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD), with a specific focus on TinkerCAD, and to deepen understanding of its core functionalities such as the use of toolbars, group and ungroup features, align tools, the ruler, workplanes, and the duplicate and repeat functions. Learners will be empowered to apply this knowledge to confidently navigate the software, make effective use of its various commands, and enhance their design capabilities by skillfully manipulating shapes, aligning objects, and utilizing repeated actions within the TinkerCAD environment.

All screenshots in the lesson are taken from TinkerCAD.

About The Authors

Panagiotis Stavropoulos: Owns a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sussex-UK, a PhD in Engineering from the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras-GREECE and a MBA from the HoU-GREECE. He worked among others, as a Design Engineer (2000 – 2001) in Flowtronic Pumps Ltd – UK, a Research Engineer (2001-2007) & Research Project Manager (2007 – 2010) in Laboratory of Manufacturing Systems & Automation and as a WCP & Production Manager (2010-2014) at Crown Holdings Inc., Bevcan – Europe and Middle East Division. From 2014 – 2018 he was a Lecturer in Hellenic Air Force Academy, Dept. of Aeronautical Studies. He is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics, University of Patras since September 2018. His main research interests are focused in the field of conventional/non-conventional/micro manufacturing processes, sustainable manufacturing, CAD/RP/RM/AM systems and machine tool design and circular economy. He speaks fluently English and German. He has more than 200 publications (fifty (50) publications in international refereed scientific journals, nine (9) publications in Greek refereed scientific journals, eight (8) chapters in books, one hundred thirty (130) publications in conference proceedings with review in the full paper. His scientific work has been acknowledged by the international scientific community as the total number of unique citations of his research publications is 4300 (based on Scopus and Google Scholar citation indices).

Panagis Foteinopoulos: Panagis Foteinopoulos is a highly motivated mechanical engineer following a career in research and development. Expert in process simulation, and very experienced in European research projects. Able to perform under strict deadlines, with excellent technical writing and communication skills. He owns a Diploma (BEng with an Incorporated MSc) in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics from the University of Patras-Greece (grade 8.44/10), and a PhD in Computational and Empirical Modeling of Additive Manufacturing Processes from the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras-Greece (Grade: Excellent). He worked as an undergraduate (2010-2014) and postgraduate (2014-2019) research mechanical engineer in the Laboratory of Manufacturing Systems & Automation of the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras. During his military service (2019-2020), he undertook several engineering projects for the Greek Army. Between 2020-2022 he worked in procurement/supply chain optimization for tanker vessels. From 2022 to the present he has been working as a postdoctoral research engineer in the Laboratory of Manufacturing Systems & Automation of the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras. He got two scholarships during his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering as the best and second-best student of his academic year by the State Scholarships Foundation of Greece (I.K.Y.). Since 2010 he has been involved in ten (11) RTD projects funded by the EC, acting as a Research Engineer, Technical and/or Project Manager, in the field of Advanced Manufacturing Processes and Education. He has (20) publications, eleven (11) publications in international refereed scientific journals and nine (9) publications in conference proceedings with a review in the full paper. His scientific work has been acknowledged by the international scientific community since the total number of unique citations of his research publications is 882 (based on the Google Scholar citation index), with an h-index of 15, and an i10-index of 17.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to describe the basic principles of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and identify key features of TinkerCAD, including toolbars, grouping/ungrouping, alignment, ruler, workplanes, and duplication tools.
Learners will demonstrate the ability to navigate the TinkerCAD interface and apply core functionalities by creating simple 3D models that incorporate alignment, duplication, and effective use of workplanes and toolbars.
Through guided practice and tasks completed within the unit timeframe, learners will build confidence in using TinkerCAD tools independently, showing measurable improvement in their design capabilities.