A short presentation

3D Printing

How a digital model becomes a real, physical object — one layer at a time.

Press → to begin

Slide 1 · The Idea

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing — also called additive manufacturing — builds a physical object by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital model.

Traditional

Subtractive — cut, drill, or carve material away from a solid block.

3D Printing

Additive — deposit material only where it's needed, layer upon layer.

Slide 2 · The Workflow

From Idea to Object

Every 3D print follows the same three steps.

  1. 1

    Design

    Create a 3D model in CAD software, or download one online.

  2. 2

    Slice

    Software cuts the model into thin horizontal layers and generates printer instructions.

  3. 3

    Print

    The printer builds the object one layer at a time, from bottom to top.

Slide 3 · Step One

Designing the Model

Everything starts with a 3D digital file — usually an .stl or .obj file.

  • Made in CAD software like Tinkercad, Fusion 360, or Blender.
  • Or downloaded from communities like Thingiverse or Printables.
  • The model describes the object's exact shape in 3D space.

Slide 4 · Step Two

Slicing

A slicer program turns the 3D model into hundreds of thin horizontal layers.

The slicer outputs G-code — a list of instructions telling the printer exactly where to move, how fast, and how much material to extrude.

Slide 5 · Step Three

Printing, Layer by Layer

The printer follows the G-code, depositing material to form each layer in sequence.

Each layer fuses to the one below it, gradually building up the full 3D shape.

Slide 6 · Technology

Common Printing Methods

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling

Melts plastic filament and extrudes it through a hot nozzle. Most common at home.

SLA

Stereolithography

Uses UV light to cure liquid resin into solid layers. Very high detail.

SLS

Selective Laser Sintering

A laser fuses powder (plastic or metal) one layer at a time. Industrial use.

Slide 7 · Materials

What Can You Print With?

  • PLA — easy, biodegradable plastic. Great for beginners.
  • ABS — strong, heat-resistant plastic.
  • PETG — durable, slightly flexible.
  • Resin — high-detail liquid for SLA printers.
  • Nylon — tough and flexible.
  • Metal powders — for industrial parts.

Slide 8 · In the Real World

Where 3D Printing Is Used

Prototyping

Engineers test ideas before mass production.

Medicine

Custom prosthetics, dental models, even tissue scaffolds.

Aerospace

Lightweight, complex parts for jets and rockets.

Architecture

Detailed scale models of buildings and cities.

Education

Hands-on learning for design and engineering.

At Home

Toys, tools, replacement parts, art, and more.

Slide 9 · Why It Matters

The Big Picture

3D printing turns digital ideas into real objects — fast, affordable, and on demand.

  • Anyone can prototype and manufacture.
  • Complex shapes that were once impossible are now easy.
  • Less waste than traditional manufacturing.
  • Production can happen anywhere in the world.

Slide 10 · Try It Yourself

Find a Model on Thingiverse

You don't need to design from scratch — thousands of free, ready-to-print models live on Thingiverse.

  1. 1

    Go to thingiverse.com

    Browse the homepage or use the search bar to find something you want — for example, "keychain", "phone stand", or "dragon".

  2. 2

    Pick a model you like

    Click on a result. Look at the photos and check that the design looks good and has positive reviews.

  3. 3

    Download the .stl file

    Open the Files tab, find a file ending in .stl, and click Download. Save it somewhere you'll remember.

Slide 11 · Submit Your Model

Upload It to the Form

Scan the QR code with your phone camera to open the upload form.

  1. 1

    Scan

    Point your phone camera at the QR code.

  2. 2

    Open the form

    Tap the link that appears on your screen.

  3. 3

    Upload your .stl

    Choose the file you downloaded and submit.

QR code to upload form

Scan to submit

The End

Thank You

Questions?