Introduction to 3D Modeling and Printing: From Idea to Object
This course will take place Oct. 19-21, 4-6 p.m., at the Hurley High School Woods Classroom and Shop with instructor Tim Lutgen.
Limited enrollment–sign up soon to guarantee a spot!
Registration fee includes materials (except for required personal safety equipment).
Welcome to the Future of Making!
Have you ever looked at a broken piece of plastic, a missing part for a project, or a creative idea in your head and wished you could simply print the solution? Welcome to our “Introduction to 3D Modeling and Printing” course—the perfect place to turn those digital concepts into physical reality. Now that 3D printers have become affordable, you will be able to use your new skills and your own printer to make objects in your home using your own design or download thousands of free designs!
What is this course about?
This course is designed for adults who are curious about the “how-to” behind 3D printing. We will demystify the process by breaking it down into two core components:
1. Designing: Learning to use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to build digital models from scratch.
2. Printing: Understanding how to “slice” your model and operate a 3D printer to bring it to life.
Who is this for?
Whether you are a hobbyist looking to prototype inventions, an artist wanting to explore new mediums, or simply someone who loves learning new technology, you are in the right place. No prior engineering or design experience is required—just a willingness to
experiment and a bit of patience as we master these tools together.
What you will learn:
• The Fundamentals: An overview of how different 3D printing technologies (like FDM-Fused Deposition Modeling) work.
• Digital Design: We’ll guide you through intuitive software that allows you to draft, adjust, and refine 3D shapes.
• The Slicing Process: How to prepare your digital files so the printer understands exactly how to build them.
• Troubleshooting: Learning the “art of the print”—how to ensure your objects come out clean, strong, and accurate.
Our Approach:
We believe that the best way to learn is by doing. You won’t just be sitting through lectures; you’ll be hands-on with the software and the hardware from the start. We will focus on manageable projects so that by the end of the course, you’ll have your own custom-designed items to take home.
The course will be taught at Hurley High School (HHS), and we will use the same tools HHS students use. After a brief orientation tour, we will go to a computer lab where we will use iMac’s to learn 3D design software. After learning the fundamentals of the software, we will all work on designing our own Post-it note and phone holder, which you can personalize with extruded text.
Next, you will learn the fundamentals of the printing software to configure, slice, and print your design.
Finally, you will learn how to set up, configure, and operate a 3D printer to create your own project to take home.
This course will be taught in three two-hour classes, and you will have the opportunity to print your own design and, time permitting, one basic downloaded project.
A Note on the Learning Curve:
3D modeling is a unique skill that combines logic with creativity. Since this is the same software used by high school students, you can ask your children/grandchildren to exchange ideas or for help if needed. Some of the software tools may feel unfamiliar at first, and 3D printing itself is a blend of science and art that requires a bit of trial and error. Don’t worry—getting a print wrong is often the best way to learn how to get it right the next time! We are excited to help you start your journey into the world of additive manufacturing.
Let’s get designing!
Tips for your first day:
• Bring a curious mind: Questions are highly encouraged!
• Hardware: We will be using school iMacs for this class for both the 3D modeling and printing on the Bamboo 3D printers. Unfortunately, we will not have time to install the software on your own laptops during class hours. However, if you choose, you can sign up for the free web version and try it out on your own laptop. You can also install the free Bamboo printing software and configure it yourself. We will not be able to provide any installation assistance with either software package during this class.
• Software: We will be using SketchUp (modeling) and Bamboo (printing) software, which is industry-standard, and free versions are available.
• Project Ideas: Start thinking about a small, practical, or fun object you’d like to design—having a goal in mind makes the learning process much more engaging.
Materials Fee: The class registration fee includes a $10 materials fee, which includes all consumable supplies
This class is limited to 12 students.
Register by Oct. 4 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration (+ materials fee) price of $45!
Instructor: Tim Lutgen
Requirements: This is an introductory-level course, but students will require a solid knowledge of how to operate a computer. Students must know how to operate a mouse, how to copy and paste, and how to navigate through Windows.
Hurley High School policy requires wearing safety glasses at all times while in the shop. Students must supply their own safety glasses, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Students with long hair are required to use hair ties. Food and beverages are permitted in the classroom but not in the shop. Comfortable work clothing and shoes are recommended, but please avoid sandals. Knit fabrics are discouraged.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
Online Registration: Scroll down to our Registration form to register online!
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Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.