1. Overhangs
In this video, we take a look at the effects that overhangs have on 3D prints, together with design tips to achieve the best surface quality.
In this Make:able toolkit, you’ll be learning new and modern technical skills that you can apply to your own unique assistive device further into the project. Watch the overview video below before participating in one (or more) of the design tutorials available in the toolkit. Try and select tutorials that might teach you relevant skills for your own project. Finally, watch the short video series about ‘Designing for 3D Printing’. This will provide you with tips to ensure your 3D designs can be 3D printed without any issues.
Before you participate in tutorials, select an Autodesk 3D design software to use throughout the challenge and ensure your account is set up. We recommend Tinkercad for students in the under 14 category and Fusion 360 (see next section) for 14+ age groups.
Tinkercad is a free, browser-based 3D design, electronics and coding app made by Autodesk. When using Tinkercad’s 3D design workspace, you begin with what’s essentially this construction kit of shapes. Think of these shapes as digital lego that you can place and adjust, before combining them with other shapes.
Tinkercad is the perfect entry point for people getting started with 3D design, yet it’s got the versatility and complexity to design almost anything you can imagine. Get started with Tinkercad by clicking the button below.
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based, full product design platform used amongst innovative and creative industries. Its comprehensive set of tools enable you to design with precision, render realistic images, simulate loads, animate joints and much more. Check out the overview video below, created by Make:able partner, Kevin Kennedy from Product Design Online.
The amazing thing about Fusion 360 is that it’s intuitive and user-friendly enough for beginners to get to grips with – and it’s completely free for educators, students and hobbyists.
The profile section of this assistive bottle opener is placed over standard-sized drinks bottle caps (coke, fanta etc). The large handles, when squeezed, use a leverage system to make it easier to grip and unscrew the bottle cap. There are 2 versions of the tutorial below – one with text instructions and the other with voice over instructions.
This key turner allows users to use a M4x12 nut and bolt to fasten a key into position. Once fastened, the large handle utilises leverage to make the key turning process much easier.
This assistive bag carrier consists of a large ergonomic gripping handle, together with 2 hooks that allow users to hang multiple bags from. The device makes the task of carrying bags more comfortable and it evenly distributes weight to the handle.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to design a tactile tangram puzzle for people with visual impairments. Begin by watching the first video, which provides an overview of 3D printed tactile tangrams, before participating in the Tinkercad tutorial to design an example swan solution. There are 2 versions of the tutorial below – one with text instructions and the other with voice over instructions.
In this Tinkercad tutorial, you will learn how to design a custom name plate to help people with visual impairments to write their name. First of all, let’s take a deeper look into how the device helped a student to write his name again. Pay particular attention to how the device trains muscle memory using a stencil, before providing a template area where users can freehand their name.
Now that you understand the device, have a go at creating a name plate yourself by following and adapting the below Tinkercad tutorial! Please note that the tutorial uses inches rather than mm so remember to switch the units in Tinkercad before you begin. This can be done by clicking ‘Edit Grid’ at the bottom of the workspace.
The profile section of this assistive bottle opener is placed over standard-sized drinks bottle caps (coke, fanta etc). The large handles, when squeezed, use a leverage system to make it easier to grip and unscrew the bottle cap. There are 2 versions of the tutorial below – one with text instructions and the other with voice over instructions.
In this tutorial you’ll be designing an example tactile matching game that consists of a series of tiles with raised or embossed shapes and textures. The aim of the game is to match the tiles as quickly as possible using only your sense of touch with a single hand – promoting both tactile and memory skills. There are 2 versions of the tutorial below – one with text instructions and the other with voice over instructions.
This key turner allows users to use a M4x12 nut and bolt to fasten a key into position. Once fastened, the large handle utilises leverage to make the key turning process much easier.
This can opener works on a leverage system, making is possible to open drinks cans with very little force. The device is hooked under the ring-pull and the lever is pulled to open the can.
This section includes Fusion 360 tutorials on both topology optimisation and generative design to create an assistive bag carrier.
You may choose to participate in one or both but before you begin, follow the below tutorial to create a bag carrier template file, which is required for both the topology optimisation and generative design tutorials.
Topology Optimisation
Topology optimisation is an algorithmic process that reveals the most efficient design based on a set of constraints or characteristics, often by removing material from the design. In this tutorial, you will optimise the geometry of the template file you created in the previous tutorial.
Generative Design
Generative design is a design exploration process where you input design goals, along with parameters such as performance or spatial requirements, materials, manufacturing methods, and cost constraints. The software explores all the possible permutations of a solution, quickly generating design alternatives. In this tutorial, you will use generative design to create an assistive bag carrier using the template file you created previously.
In this section, you’ll learn how to build the MMC60 round flexure switch – a cost-effective, 3D printable accessibility switch. The switch is activated by applying pressure on the top surface. This switch can be connected to any standard AT interface, and can also be used with the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Building the Switch
Head over to the Makers Making Change website here for full details on the round flexure switch, together with the bill of materials and downloadable STL files. Once you have a good overview of the switch and gathered your supplies, follow the below tutorial to build the switch.
Customising the Switch
In addition to building the switch, check out some of these tutorials to customise the buttons on the device.
This section of the toolkit focuses on designing a multi-tool attachment to an open source prosthetic hand by e-NABLE. The e-NABLE Community is an amazing group of individuals from all over the world who are using their 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those in need of an upper limb assistive device. Check out their website to learn more about their work and impact.
Before making and adapting e-NABLE hands, it’s very important to understand that they are experimental devices, which aren’t safe for heavy operations. Their purpose is to support the use of light activities and working with qualified clinicians/medical professionals is highly recommended. You can read e-NABLE’s safety guidelines here.
Designing a Multi Tool Attachment
In this tutorial, you will learn how to use Autodesk software to design a multi-tool attachment for the open source e-NABLE Phoenix v3 hand. The device attaches to the side of the hand and has 3 additional elements including a door hook, bottle opener and stylus/pointer. Both Tinkercad and Fusion 360 tutorials are available to choose from. After designing the multi-tool, you can follow the instructions in the next section to 3D print and assemble the open source hand, together with the attachment.
Making the Multi Tool Attachment
With your multi-tool attachment designed, it’s now time to 3D print and assemble the device. The first step is to 3D print your components, which include the open source e-NABLE Phoenix Hand v3, together with your multi-tool attachment. Remember to print your modified version of the palm section, which allows your multi-tool to attach to the hand (the modified palm section will require supports when 3D printing). The STL files and printing instructions for the e-NABLE Phoenix Hand v3 can be found on Thingiverse here. Pay particular attention to the notes about scaling and print settings.
With your components 3D printed, follow the below video to assemble your hand. Please note that dental bands and fishing wire are required to assemble the device. We recommend watching the video first and then gathering your supplies.
For those of you opting to design a solution for the blind and visually impaired, or for anyone looking to make their products more accessible to all, we have an amazing treat for you! Our friend and multidisciplinary artist, Allie Katz, has kindly allowed us to share their amazing video about 3D printing braille. Throughout the tutorial, Allie guides you in preparing your text, creating the 3D model, calibrating your 3D printer, troubleshooting your 3D prints and much more. Check out the video below and head over to Allie’s website here to learn more about them.
2. Bridging
In this video, we look at bridging. A bridge is a horizontal overhang that will print across 2 points.
4. Orientation
In this video we look at how to best position your model on your 3D printer's print bed.
5. Tolerance
In this video we look at 3D printing tolerance and how to design parts that fit together.
6. Engrave + Emboss
In this video we look at how to design small engraved or embossed features.
7. Bed Adhesion
In this video we look at how to ensure models stick to the print bed without warping.
8. Fillets
In this video we look at how fillets can reduce stress, whilst enhancing aesthetics.
9. Sharp + Narrow Points
In this video we look at useful tips to print sharp and narrow points.
10. Respecting your 3D Printer
In this video we look at how to simply respect the limitations of your 3D printer.
Before moving on to the next toolkit, you should have achieved the below objectives.
- I can design an accurate and 3D printable assistive device in 3D design software.
- I understand the core principles of designing specifically for 3D printing.
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