Cookie cutter design project

thingiverse

This introductory project is an ideal way for teachers and students to get familiar with 3D printing. It doesn't require specialized knowledge, making it a perfect gateway project to build confidence with 3D printers. One of the biggest challenges when introducing new technology in schools is getting busy teachers to take that first step. Many teachers from various subject areas are interested in 3D printing, but they're hesitant due to the time commitment involved in learning 3D modeling and operating the printer. This project was created to introduce teachers with no prior experience of 3D design or printing to using 3D printers. Recently, this project was successfully run at Wellington High School in New Zealand with two groups of Y10 students (approximately 15-year-olds) over two weeks by teachers who had no experience in 3D modeling and only a minimal introduction to the printers. By the end of the project, both teachers and students became much more confident about using 3D printers. They started seeing a reason to learn some 3D modeling skills and began looking for other projects they could use. Project: Custom Cookie Cutter Design Objectives ----------- The main goal of this project is that the 3D printer and design skills take a backseat, focusing instead on creating an original cookie cutter. Teachers: * Gain confidence in using 3D printers with simple prints. Students: * Depending on age group: + Younger: Create a cookie cutter, learn about drawing, cutting, and visualizing simplified images. + Older: Participate in product design cycles, modify and simplify designs for cookie cutters, and understand basics of using 3D printers. Audiences --------- This project can be adapted to work with any age group. I have successfully run this with students from year 0 (5-year-olds) to year 12 (16-year-olds). Preparation ------------ This project intentionally requires minimal prior knowledge. Recommended Resources: * Colored paper, scissors, pens, and a scanner or digital camera. OR: * A computer with a 2D drawing program and some experience using it. AND: * Internet access for the Cookie Caster website. The instructor should have previously gone through this process so they can assist students. For best results, let the students take the project all the way to baking and decorating the cookies. So you'll also need: Cookie ingredients Cookie decorations Access to an oven Steps! ------ 1. Research your cookie cutter. It could be a character from a book that the class recently read, or even just something new for a product. 2. Design your cutter. For younger students, they can draw and color in the shape of their chosen cookie. 3. Take a high-contrast photo or scan of the design. Dark card on a light background is best as it won't need extra processing in Cookie Caster. Ensure the entire frame captures the cutter. 4. Go to [www.cookiecaster.com](http://www.cookiecaster.com). Use the Trace tool, upload your image, and trace it with a pen or use the Magic Trace tool. 5. Set size, height, and thickness according to preferences (I find 1mm wall thickness to work well). 6. Print cutters, which usually print reliably with no issues. This is a great chance for students to learn about differences between printing with or without a raft. 7. Bake, decorate, and enjoy your tasty treats. Results ------- At the end of this project, students will have custom cookie cutters they can take home. They might even enjoy their yummy creations! You could base grading on design quality, baked result, or a written description of their process. Examples -------- Younger student example (5 years old): Their drawing required post-processing before automatic tracing worked. Older classroom example: 14-year-old Senior design project example: 16-year-old