Further Explorations - 3D Printing: Build your Own 3D Printer and Print your own 3D Objects - page 177

mentary school and asking them if they'd like to have a 3D printer demonstration.
Don't be surprised if you get a couple dozen requests from teachers in every grade!
And if you're looking for some good ideas for items to print that won't take too
long, point your web browser to Thingiverse and search using the keyword kids .
You'll have to spend some time sifting through all the models, but keep in mind
you probably want to print something small. You can always resize an object in
your CAD application, but here's a list of some fun little models that I've found
that would be perfect as demonstrations of a 3D printer:
• Gekko— http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:28998
• Mr. Jaws— http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:14702
• Mr. Piggy— http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:24669
• Croc Charms— http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:9831
• Space Ships— http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:32141
• Catapult— http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:11910
• Sea Creatures— http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:25276
It's always a good idea to ask a teacher how many minutes you have for your
presentation. Find an object and print it in advance so you can make certain it will
print in the time allotted. Start your print job the minute you get set up and then
begin your discussion. Let the kids ask questions. And take along your test print
just in case the object being printed doesn't finish in time. You'll be able to show
what the final object looks like. Finally, let the group know at the beginning that
the object being printed is going to be given to the teacher or principal—you don't
want a large group of kids fighting over who gets the final printed object!
Around the House
After you've gotten comfortable with your 3D printer, it's time to consider putting
it to work to make your life a little easier. For example, all kinds of 3D models
can provide something useful for your home or apartment. Here's a list of some
items you could print with the Simple, but there are plenty more models available
on Thingiverse that you can print if you have a 3D printer with a larger print area.
• Cord Pull— www.thingiverse.com/thing:13118
• Tube Squeezer— www.thingiverse.com/thing:1009
• Bag Holder— www.thingiverse.com/thing:26767