3D Printing 101

Explore the world of 3D printing at 3D Printing 101, a hands-on beginner workshop happening on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 pm at Make at Rosie – Community Makerspace in Austin, TX.

This three-hour class is designed for curious creators ages 8 and up who want to see how digital ideas become real, hold-in-your-hand objects. Whether you’re a total newbie, a parent-kid duo, an educator, or a hobbyist, you’ll get a guided tour through the full 3D printing process.

What you’ll learn

• How 3D printers work: Get a clear, friendly overview of 3D printing technology, using real printers (like the Ultimaker 3) you can see in action.
• Preparing and sending files: Learn what makes a file “printable,” what an STL file is, how it’s processed, and how to send it to the printer without breaking anything.
• Monitoring your prints: Discover how to keep a print on track, spot problems early, and troubleshoot the most common “why does my print look like spaghetti?” issues.
• Choosing the right materials: Get an introduction to common filament types, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to pick the best one for your project.

Design your own 3D creations

• CAD for beginners: Dip your toes into beginner-friendly design tools and learn how Computer Aided Design turns ideas into printable models.
• Sketching and planning: Turn an idea in your head into a simple design plan before you start building.
• Working with shapes: Practice adding, stretching, combining, and cutting shapes to build your own 3D object.
• Creating your first print file: Export your design into a ready-to-print format and understand what settings actually matter.

Bring your own laptop if you’d like to follow along and build your design step by step during the workshop. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Printing options after class

• Print your classroom creations: Learn how your newly designed file can be turned into a real object you can take home.
• Local printing resources: Get tips on where to get things printed around town so you can keep creating after the workshop.
• Come back to Rosie: Return with a day pass or membership to keep using the makerspace tools and printers on your own schedule.

Why you’ll love this workshop

• Perfect for absolute beginners—no tech background needed.
• Kid-friendly (ages 8 and up) and great for families learning together.
• Small group size so you can actually ask questions and get personal help.
• Awesome way to explore design, engineering, art, and creativity all at once.

Reserve your spot

Space is limited to keep things hands-on and engaging, so grab your spot for June 13, 2026, and kickstart your 3D printing journey. Come ready to learn, tinker, and leave with the skills to turn your ideas into real-world objects. Questions? The organizers are happy to help at hello@makeatrosie.com.