1. I can sketch, but I cannot model in 3D (yet)

Designing a more articulate 3D printable object, with more complex components than Tinkercad’s basic objects, may seem like a difficult task, especially if you have never used a 3D CAD program before. In this module, we will follow a design process of transforming hand-drawn sketches to 3D prints, through simple steps.

The sketch

First of all, we need to find a sketch to turn 3D. If you decide to draw it yourself, it is better if it is drawn clearly with a dark pen or a marker on white paper. You would then need to scan it or take a photo with good light and white balance settings, so that there is enough contrast between the sketch and the paper.