Adult Learners go mad on 3D

My colleague Katie and I learnt something new this Adult Learners Week - how to make stuff and 3D print it! We visited the learning centre at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre. Thanks to excellent training from Danny McNeil, Learning Specialist (and 3D wiz), we went through the whole process of creating an object and printing it. We learned how to design stuff using 123D (software now on library computers) and Inkscape.

Words like extrude and chamfer are now in my vocabulary. I saw how a background in gaming - particularly Minecraft - can help kids (and adults) design. It gets you familiar with working in a three dimensional space -  orbiting, rotating, and viewing objects from all angles can be tricksy and new when you are not used to it.

3D printing
Designing a cat toy in 123D - involves some maths!

Danny took us through the process from woah to go - you can watch his how-to videos 3D modelling a step by step guide and have a try. People who've done his class have gone on to make all sorts of interesting things - new bits for their tools, flying vehicles, and more.

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Ready, set, 3D print!

I highly recommend getting out of your comfort zone and learning something new - this week or any time!

3D printing
3D printed cat toy

3D printing
3D printing

More photos from our training.

3D printing

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