What is 3D modelling and CAD – According to Wikipedia, “In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any surface of an object (either inanimate or living) in three dimensions via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model. Someone who works with 3D models may be referred to as a 3D artist. The created model can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices. Models may be created automatically or manually. The manual modeling process of preparing geometric data for 3D computer graphics is similar to plastic arts such as sculpting. 3D modeling software is a class of 3D computer graphics software used to produce 3D models. Individual programs of this class are called modeling applications or modelers.”

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a computer technology that designs a product and documents the design’s process. CAD may facilitate the manufacturing process by transferring detailed diagrams of a product’s materials, processes, tolerances and dimensions with specific conventions for the product in question. 3D modeling is a technique in computer graphics for producing a 3D digital representation of any object or surface. An artist uses special software to manipulate points in virtual space(called vertices) to form a mesh: a collection of vertices that form an object. These 3D objects can be generated automatically or created manually by deforming the mesh, or otherwise manipulating vertices. 3D models are used for a variety of mediums including video games, movies, architecture, illustration, engineering, and commercial advertising.

What is TinkerCAD– Autodesk’s Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It’s used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything! Tinkercad could be used in numerous ways, from creating designs based on a scientific concept to being featured in a unit or class on 3D design and printing.

Autodesk’s Tinkercad is one of the most popular classroom tools for creating simple designs from scratch, quickly modifying existing designs. It’s a free online 3D design program that you can use in your web browser without downloading any software. Tinkercad is extremely intuitive and easy to use, and has built-in Lessons to help you learn the ropes, making it perfect for beginners both young and old.

Basic models such as name tags, furniture, houses, snowmen, vases, keychains, and cups are easy to create quickly with Tinkercad. Design by selecting, dragging, and placing basic shapes and then combining and manipulating them to create 3D models of whatever you like. Custom Shape Scripts add more flexible tools like text, shape generators, and parametrized forms. If you make your designs public then other people can open their own copies of your models and Tinker with them; likewise, you can Search through thousands of public models to find desings to Tinker with and modify.

Tinkercad was founded by Kai Backman and Mikko Mononen in 2011. It brought the first browser-based 3D design platform to the masses.

As part of this development track you will learn the basics 3D modelling using Autodesk’s Tinkercad.