Large 3D Prints with Tinkerplay

Airwolf 3D Uses AXIOM 3D Printer with Autodesk’s Tinkerplay App

Before apps like Tinkerplay, 3D printing software was once a hurdle that one had to conquer before moving on to creating physical models on a 3D printer. Creating a custom model meant spending hours, sometimes days modelling something that may not even print correctly on a 3D printer. Several versions may have to be made, adding even more time to something that still may not be what you want once it is done printing. Autodesk and the Tinkerplay app have changed the way 3D printers can be used in education, opening up this exciting technology to even elementary school students. They have taken the struggle out of creating 3D files, and Tinkerplay sets the new standard for fun 3D printer apps, making it easier than ever to create something unique, with no modelling involved whatsoever.

Get the Entire Family Involved…Tinkerplay is Easy for All Ages!

Tinkerplay works by creating a Lego-like set of parts that make up an articulating figure. From samurai’s to mermaids, Tinkerplay offers a huge selection of different compatible parts to create original characters, or you can use one of the pre-designed figures.

Assemble, Prepare and 3D Print!

The process starts by selecting the different body parts for your character. The app guides you through dragging and dropping parts on to the work space, then exporting the parts as stl files. You can then scale the parts up and apply print settings in 3D printing software such as Cura.

Tinkerplay is Versatile and Easy to Use

Autodesk’s Tinkerplay is compatible with Windows 8, Android, and IOS and is recommended for ages 3 and up. You can now create stunning articulating characters anywhere you have an Android or IOS device. Build anywhere and print later – the possibilities are endless.

3D Printing Your Tinkerplay Character

After the creation process is done, you can use Cura to layout your parts on the build plate, then export the entire plate of parts as an STL file. Using the default ABS configurations in Astroprint gives great results. Simply upload the plate to Astroprint and send the GCODE to your printer, or download it to an SD card for printing.

Remove Support Material, Clean Up and Acetone Vapor Polish

After printing, you will have to remove support material from most of the pieces. A small pair of needle nose pliers works great for this. Remove all of the material, clean up any unwanted blemishes, and then assemble. We decided to take the extra step with our in-house character and gave him the good ol’ acetone vapor treatment found here: Acetone Vapor Polishing Your 3D Printed Parts.

Get Your Kids Excited About 3D Printing With Tinkerplay

The great thing about Tinkerplay is that it will show a new side of the technology to children, and may even inspire them to create their own models. Just be warned if you have children…….once they create their first figure they are hooked, and you may lose quite a bit of time on your printer.