Learn 3D, one step at a time
Choose primary, secondary or higher education. Explore a concept and try a short activity.
See the world in three dimensions
Start with shapes, measurement and how objects fit together. Observe and experiment with a teacher’s guidance.
01What makes something 3D?3 min
A 3D object has width, depth and height. X, Y and Z axes help describe its position and size.
Pick up an eraser or a small box. Identify its width, depth and height.
02Small shapes make bigger ideas3 min
Many everyday objects start with simple shapes such as blocks, cylinders and rings. Changing dimensions can give the same shape a new purpose.
Find three objects around you. Which Playground shapes do they resemble?
03Building one layer at a time3 min
A 3D printer builds an object from thin layers, like stacking paper into a thicker object. Different printing processes form those layers in different ways.
Draw the same outline on several sheets. Imagine the shape they make when stacked.
04Real dimensions and guided making3 min
Always check real dimensions and units before printing. A teacher or supervisor should oversee printer use, hot parts and resin handling according to the equipment and material instructions.
Set a block width to 40 mm. Use a ruler to see how large that is.
From a shape to a production process
Explore printing processes, materials, slicing and scaling before creating a model of your own.
01How FDM, SLA and SLS differ3 min
FDM melts and deposits filament. SLA cures photosensitive resin with light. SLS uses a laser to fuse powder. Each process has its own preparation and finishing workflow.
Choose an object. Which matters most: detail, size or function?
02A model is not yet a print job3 min
STL describes a model’s surface with triangles. A slicer turns the model into layers and prepares printing instructions for the selected printer, material and orientation.
Turn on triangle edges in the Playground. Compare a block with a cylinder.
03Dimensions and layers3 min
For the same object height, reducing layer height requires more layers. Doubling all three dimensions makes a solid’s geometric volume eight times larger.
Compare the volume of a 20 × 20 × 10 mm block with a 40 × 40 × 20 mm block.
04Orientation and supports3 min
FDM overhangs may need supports. Reorienting or splitting a model can reduce unsupported regions. Check the result in a slicer each time.
Rotate the preview and discuss which face could be a print base. Rotating the camera does not change the exported model’s orientation.
Design with a purpose, then test it
Explore manufacturing constraints, fit, mesh quality and evidence-based prototype testing.
01Design around function3 min
Start with loads, temperature, environment, surface requirements and assembly. Use manufacturer data to choose a material and process. A material name alone does not establish suitability.
Write three requirements for an equipment bracket before modelling it.
02Fit needs a test3 min
Matching nominal hole and pin dimensions do not guarantee a fit. Printer, material, orientation and settings affect the result. Print a clearance test before committing to production.
Plan three samples with different clearances, keeping other variables unchanged. Decide how to evaluate them.
03Check the mesh and units3 min
A printable model should have a closed surface without unintended self-intersections. One closed-manifold condition is two triangles sharing each edge. STL does not store units, so verify imported dimensions in the slicer.
Export a Playground STL and compare its X, Y and Z dimensions with the website values.
04Make each prototype teach you something3 min
FDM parts can have direction-dependent properties. Consider layer orientation for the intended use, and record variables and test results before the next iteration.
Choose one success measure and design a test that changes one variable at a time.
See what you know
Keep exploring
Further reading from technology developers, for learners and teachers.