Session 9: “Printing and Evaluating Functional Designs”
Architect:
Syed Shayaan Haider - Markhor3D
Session Overview
In this session, Grade 6 students will see their functional designs become real objects through 3D printing. After printing, they will evaluate their models by checking both usability and aesthetics. They will discuss how well their design meets its purpose, look at details such as smooth surfaces and proper dimensions, and note any areas that could be improved for future projects.
Placeholder for printed model examples: [Google Image Search “3D printed functional design evaluation”]
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
- Print Their Designs: Set up and print their functional models using the 3D printer.
- Evaluate Usability: Test their designs to see if they work as intended (for example, does a phone holder hold a phone securely?).
- Assess Aesthetics: Observe the quality of the print, such as smooth surfaces, accurate dimensions, and overall appearance.
- Identify Improvements: Discuss and record any differences between the digital design and the printed object, and suggest ways to improve future designs.
Teaching Aids
Visual Aids:
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “3D printed functional design evaluation”] – examples of well-printed functional objects.
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “3D printing process layer view”] – to show the printing process.
Required Equipment:
- Computers or Tablets: With OnShape designs exported as STL files.
- 3D Printer: Set up and ready to print the models.
- Slicing Software (e.g., Cura): For preparing the STL files.
- Interactive Whiteboard or Projector: For live demonstrations.
- Measuring Tools: Rulers or digital calipers for checking dimensions.
- Notebooks and Pens: For students to take notes and record observations.
- Assistants or Volunteers: To help guide the printing and evaluation process.
Structure and Lesson Plan (Total Time: 60 minutes)
1. Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)
- Welcome:
- “Good morning, Grade 6! Today, we’re going to see our designs come to life and evaluate how well they work and look.”
- Recap:
- “Remember, you worked hard designing a functional object like a pen holder, desk organizer, or key holder. Now, we will print those designs and check their usability and appearance.”
- Session Overview:
- “We’ll start by printing your designs, then we’ll test them and talk about what you see. Write down your observations on how your model meets its purpose and how it looks.”
2. Printing the Designs (15 minutes)
- Export and Slice:
- “First, make sure your design is saved as an STL file using OnShape’s parts menu. Then, import your STL file into the slicing software and set basic printing settings.”
- Live Demonstration:
- “Watch as I load a design into our slicer, set the layer height, infill density, and supports, and then send it to the 3D printer.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “Cura slicing interface”]
- Hands-On Activity:
- “Now, work with your group to set up and start printing your model. Observe how the printer builds your object layer by layer.”
3. Evaluating the Printed Models (20 minutes)
- Usability Evaluation:
- “Once printed, examine your object. Ask yourself: Does it work as you intended? For example, if it’s a phone holder, does it securely hold a phone?”
- Aesthetic Evaluation:
- “Look at the surface finish. Are the layers smooth? Do the dimensions match your design? Is the overall look pleasing?”
- Measurement:
- “Use a ruler or caliper to check if the key dimensions match your original design.”
- Group Discussion:
- “Discuss in your group: What parts of your model work well? Where do you see differences between the design and the printed object? What changes would make it better?”
- Record Observations:
- “Write down your findings and suggestions for improvements.”
4. Sharing Observations and Feedback (10 minutes)
- Class Sharing:
- “Would anyone like to share what they observed about their model? Explain how your design worked and what you might change next time.”
- Peer Feedback:
- “Listen to your classmates’ experiences and offer one idea that you found interesting or helpful.”
- Teacher Feedback:
- “Great observations, everyone! Noting these details will help you create even better models in the future.”
5. Conclusion and Next Steps (5 minutes)
- Session Summary:
- “Today, you saw your designs printed and learned to evaluate them based on usability and aesthetics. Your notes on dimensions, smoothness, and functionality will guide your improvements.”
- Preview Next Session:
- “Next time, we will focus on post-processing techniques to clean up your prints and refine your designs even further.”
- Closing Encouragement:
- “Excellent work today! Your careful observations are key to making strong, successful designs. Keep up the great work!”
Glossary
- STL File: A file format used for 3D printing that contains the model’s geometry.
- Slicing Software: A program that converts 3D models into thin layers and generates instructions for the printer.
- Layer Height: The thickness of each layer in a 3D print.
- Infill Density: The amount of material used inside the model for strength.
- Supports: Temporary structures used to help print overhanging parts.
- Dimensional Accuracy: How closely the printed model matches the intended design dimensions.
- Usability: How well the printed model works for its intended purpose.
- Aesthetics: The visual quality or appearance of the printed model.
For suggestions, improvements, and corrections, feel free to reach out at shayaanhaider@gmail.com