TinkerCAD
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Location: San Diego Mesa College - 7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111
Time: 8am to 3:30pm
An introductory 3D design and fabrication course where students learn to model, iterate, and bring their ideas to life using beginner to intermediate-friendly CAD tools and real-world design workflows.
In this course, students are introduced to industry-standard design processes using Tinkercad, an introductory Computer-Aided Design (CAD) platform that mirrors the foundational tools used by engineers, product designers, and manufacturers. Students learn how professionals transition from concept to prototype by designing, testing, and refining 3D models that incorporate real-world constraints, such as size, function, and manufacturability. The course culminates in a Custom 3D Print Capstone Project, where students apply industry workflows—design iteration, digital fabrication preparation, and quality testing—to produce a finished product, simulating how ideas become real-world solutions in modern STEM careers.
Students Can Use These Skills For:
- Creating industry-style prototypes and product mockups
- Understanding how engineers and designers manufacture physical products
- Building portfolio-ready projects aligned to real careers
- Applying design thinking used in the engineering and manufacturing fields
- Preparing for advanced CAD, robotics, and engineering coursework
Tools Used:
- Tinkercad (Introductory CAD Software)
- Desktop 3D Printers
- Slicer Software
- Measurement & Scaling Tools
- Design Iteration Templates
Students Will:
- Follow an industry design workflow from concept to fabrication
- Create and refine 3D models using professional design constraints
- Analyze and improve designs through testing and iteration
- Prepare digital files for manufacturing using slicer software
- Complete a Custom 3D Print Capstone Project aligned to real-world engineering practices
Pathway:
- Engineering
- Product Design
- Digital Manufacturing
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