3D printing is fun to do, and luckily, you can make an impact while you’re at it!

I started learning how to 3D print from the Assistive Device Academy, which is a 3D Printing Lesson Plan from PrintLab on Vimeo. There are also other 3D printing tutorials on PrintLab.

What’s Included:

• Instructions on how to use TinkerCAD (online CAD software, no download needed). These tutorials are really detailed, and even include step by step videos. (Snazzy music included!)
• Pre-designed projects designed to help those with arthritis
• A template for coming up with ideas for those with disabilities

Register for Assistive Device Academy here.

After the course

I am lucky to live in an area with many 3D printers. My school has around 3, and my local Rotary Club donated one to my library recently, too. I sent the CAD file to the library via email, and after a few days, the library contacted me to tell me that it was printed!

It was pretty cheap to print the objects — they cost about 25 cents per gram. The most expensive thing — the gray bag holder — I printed cost about $7. I didn’t even have to pay for any misprints!

If you have access to a 3D printer and are interested in learning how to 3D print, Assistive Device Academy is the way to go! Not only do you learn a valuable skill, but you get to help others in the process

A few tips to keep in mind:

1. 3D printing isn’t always perfect! Sometimes 3D printed objects come out with rough edges. I would suggest sanding them down!
2. If you’re not interested in designing your own CAD designs, but still want to print, you can download free designs at Thingiverse and GrabCAD’s 3D Print Library
3. Do not use 3D printed objects for food — they could contain harmful chemicals!

This article was originally published on Medium.