Jerry’s Description:

Get ready to dive feet first into our Crocs Jibbitz 3D Printing Camp! Imagine your kids, decked out in Crocs, designing and 3D printing their own custom Jibbitz charms. It’s like giving their footwear a superpower, except the power is uber-cool personalization. With Tinkercad Code Blocks

How To Guide: Creating and Printing Croc Jibbitz with 3D Modeling

Day 1: Introduction to 3D Modeling with Tinkercad

Objective: Introduce students to the basics of 3D modeling using Tinkercad, with a focus on creating custom Croc Jibbitz.

Instructions:

  1. Welcome and Introduction:
    • Begin with a brief introduction to 3D modeling and its applications.
    • Explain the tools and software that will be used during the session, specifically Tinkercad for modeling and Polar3D for printing.
  2. Getting Started with Tinkercad:
    • Guide students to Tinkercad.
    • Help them sign up or log in using their school credentials.
    • Provide an overview of the Tinkercad interface, including the toolbar, workspace, and basic functions.
  3. Introduction to Tinkercad Block Coding:
    • Explain the concept of block coding within Tinkercad and how it can be used to create more complex models.
    • Demonstrate how to access the block coding feature by clicking on the “Code” button in Tinkercad.
  4. Hands-on Modeling Session:
    • Walk students through the creation of basic shapes and objects using the standard tools.
    • Show them how to use block coding to automate and enhance their designs. For example, use loops and functions to create repetitive patterns or symmetrical designs.
    • Encourage creativity by allowing them to model anything they can imagine, but within the size constraints suitable for Jibbitz.

Day 2: Designing Custom Croc Jibbitz

Objective: Focus on designing Croc Jibbitz, incorporating the skills learned on Day 1.

Instructions:

  1. Designing Croc Jibbitz:
    • Guide students in designing simple, small accessories that can be turned into Croc Jibbitz.
    • Ensure the designs include a secure attachment mechanism, such as a small peg or clip that fits snugly into the holes of the Crocs.
  2. Refining Designs:
    • Assist students in refining their designs to ensure they are suitable for Croc Jibbitz.
    • Provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
  3. Introduction to Advanced Features:
    • Introduce advanced features in Tinkercad, such as grouping objects, aligning, and using custom shapes.
    • Demonstrate how these features can be used to enhance their Jibbitz designs.

Day 3: Preparing Models for 3D Printing

Objective: Teach students how to prepare their 3D models for printing, specifically for creating Croc Jibbitz.

Instructions:

  1. Exporting Models from Tinkercad:
    • Guide students to export their models as STL files from Tinkercad.
  2. Uploading Models to Polar3D:
    • Open your web browser and go to Polar3D.
    • Click on the “Sign in with Google” option.
    • Enter the following credentials:
  3. Upload and Slice the Model:
    • Navigate to the “Objects” section on Polar3D.
    • Click on the “Upload” button and select your STL file.
    • Once uploaded, load the object to the build plate.
    • Use Polar3D’s slicing tool to prepare your model for printing. Adjust settings as needed (e.g., layer height, infill density, print speed).

Day 4: Printing the Jibbitz

Objective: Guide students through the process of printing their Jibbitz designs using the 3D printer.

Instructions:

  1. Printing the Jibbitz:
    • Press the “Export” button to finalize your model for printing.
    • Review the preview of the 3D printer on the middle of the page.
    • Click the “Start” button to begin the printing process.
  2. Printer Setup and Safety:
    • Ensure that the 3D printer is properly set up and calibrated before starting the print job.
    • Always follow safety guidelines when operating the printer.
  3. Monitoring the Print:
    • Supervise the printing process and assist students in monitoring their prints.
    • Address any issues that may arise during printing, such as filament jams or print errors.

Day 5: Post-Processing and Decoration

Objective: Teach students how to finish and decorate their printed Jibbitz.

Instructions:

Discuss what they have learned throughout the week and how they can apply these skills to future projects.

Post-Processing:

Guide students through the process of removing their prints from the build plate.

Demonstrate how to clean up any rough edges or imperfections using sandpaper or other tools.

Decoration:

Provide materials for decorating the Jibbitz, such as paint, markers, and stickers.

Encourage students to personalize their Jibbitz with their own creative touches.

Final Review:

Review each student’s finished Jibbitz and provide feedback.