TinkerCAD

Description

TinkerCAD is an easy to use, browser-based 3D design and modelling tool. Models are created by grouping together shapes and the final design can be output in File-Types suitable for use with 3D Printers, Colour Printers and Laser Cutters (i.e. STL, VRML, SVG).

Features and Applications

TinkerCAD is very well supported with tutorials and videos in the Getting Started with TinkerCAD section. There are also resources to assist the use of TinkerCAD in the classroom in the Project Ignite section which aims to help teaching about Internet of Things, 3D Printing and other emerging technologies.

DT Online Buyers' Guide

• Single Core processors are hardly ever available these days and Dual Core quite adequate (unless required for gaming and video editing etc.) but Quad Core would be better especially in view of the high graphics content likely to be needed for Design and Technology use.
• Generally, the more expensive and newer processors and faster and more power efficient (although faster will almost always mean shorter battery life). Intel Core i5 and AMD Series-A8 processors or better are first choice but older Pentium or less expensive Celeron may be OK if only basic use is envisaged and speed is not a critical factor but cost is an issue.
• Laptops for Design and Technology should have at least 4Gb of RAM (preferably 8Gb), 500Gb (preferably 1Tb) Hard Drive (but SSD is better), screen resolution of no less than 1600 × 900 pixels and Dedicated Graphics Card in addition to the usual network connections.

Laptops	Tablets	Wireless Mouse and Keyboard	Laptop Monitors	Web Cam	USB Endoscope	USB Microscope