Basics of TinkerCAD - Introduction

Type of course:

Digital learning, Lesson

Language:

Duration:

20 minutes

Workload:

0.5 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 introduces students to 3D solid modeling using TinkerCAD, a standard CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. Learners will begin by navigating the TinkerCAD interface, gaining familiarity with its tools and layout to effectively view and manipulate models within a 3D space. They will learn to zoom in, zoom out, and rotate the view, allowing them to explore and interact with 3D objects from different angles. As they progress, learners will design basic solid shapes and practice combining them to create more complex assemblies. Finally, by grouping and assembling multiple 3D objects, they will apply their skills to design complete models.

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 concepts of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and explain the purpose and key features of the TinkerCAD interface.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to demonstrate the ability to navigate the TinkerCAD workspace by using tools to manipulate objects in 3D space, including rotating, scaling, and positioning models.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to use TinkerCAD to design and combine basic geometric shapes to form simple 3D models, showing an understanding of object alignment, grouping, and basic design composition.