Computer Aided Design and 3D Printing for Kids

Tweet

Numerous Computer-aided design (CAD) tools have been specifically designed for kids. These CAD programs have a user-friendly interface as well as fun features which help to keep the interest of the kids. Various CAD programs are there which help to encourage kids to learn about CAD. The friendly access to CAD programs is important for kids to create their designs and print their ideas.

Advantages of using CAD programs for kids

The introduction of CAD programs at a young age is beneficial for kids as it helps to increase their spatial reasoning skills of kids, helps to foster their creativity as well as helps to prepare kids for their future technology-related careers. It also helps to make a great bond between the kids and parents when the parents come to join these programs.

Downloading CAD programs for kids

There are numerous websites which help to offer free download options for the kid's CAD programs. As an example, the platform including Coohom helps to provide a wide range of CAD design tools that are suitable for the kids. Users can also check out the educational institutions which help to offer free licenses for kids to access CAD programs.

Best CAD programs for kids

There are several CAD programs for kids which help kids to navigate with their 3D modelling skills which are as follows:

SelfCAD

This is one of the popular CAD programs for professional users as well as for kids. This CAD program helps to provide a user-friendly interface along with several sophisticated tools including 3D modelling, 3D sculpting and 3D rendering features. Kids can start their designs with this CAD tool without having previous experience in 3D modelling. There are many interactive tutorials in this CAD program which can be used by kids to learn and design 3D models.

3D Slash

This is a colourful 3D CAD program which helps to enable the kids to create a wide range of different types of CAD designs along with the help of specialized features. The icons of this CAD program are very bright which enables the kids to learn and create designs with the help of its texturing features. Kids are able to add textured walls to their design projects. The tools of this CAD program including hammer, drill, trowel and others enable the users to make intuitive design models.

TinkerCAD

This CAD program has been designed by Autodesk for kids and its different features enable kids to make 3D designs. The tutorial about using this CAD program is available on the TinkerCAD website. Kids are also able to explore the template gallery of this CAD tool which has several pre-drilled cutouts in various types of sizes.

Solidworks app

Solidworks app is another CAD tool for kids which helps to teach the basics of cutting and 3D designs. Several features including drag, high-resolution image drawers, and drop-like features enable kids to explore 3D skills. Cloud computing technology has been used by this CAD program which helps to store and design 3D models. The infinite clipping path and unlimited background colors are other effective features of this CAD program which improves the 3D design process.

Blockify

This CAD software is mainly used by kids to create toys. This CAD tool is very easy to use and there is no need for any steep learning curve. Through this CAD program, kids are able to export their designs directly to the 3D printers which helps to enhance their fun.

Leopoly

This 3D-designed web browser has plenty of templates on its website. Thus, users can design their objects on those bases. Users are also able to redesign and customize their designs by using the different tools of this CAD program. Kids can make their designs in three different modes which are form shifting, digital sculpting, and cube craft. In addition, kids can also design their models from scratch as well as upload their designs.

123D design

This CAD program is part of the Autodesk family whose interface is similar to the TinkerCAD. The modelling skills of this CAD program are versatile and easily adaptable to any format. Users are also able to 3D print their designs with their own 3D printer with the help of this CAD program.

Onshape

This is full-cloud CAD software for kids. This CAD program helps to offer a platform for kids to work as a team and can also edit their design models. Kids are also able to save their design models and re-edit those designs.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: ATG

Morphi

This is a mobile-based CAD program for kids which has a simple and user-friendly interface. Kids are able to choose functional 3D models with the help of this CAD program to edit from the library.