Getting started with your Creator/Maker journey is now much easier than before. If you are new to the browser-based 3D modeling program “TinkerCAD” from Autodesk, then this article will guide you through the basics and will help you make your own custom monogram or nametag by the end of this post.
If you are already familiar with TinkerCad you can use the content table below to look for your desired content.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Tinker cad is browser based 3D modelling program, best for new CAD user to learn the basics before they jump into advanced CAD system. Let us start off by making a simple name tag which you can 3D print as a pendant, keychain or just monogram.
Getting started
Visit tinkercad.com and sign in or sign up if do not already have an account. you will be directed to dashboard to create new design. For new users there will be an overview and tutorials on learning the software.
Goto tinkercad.com and sign up if you are a new user or login if you already have a Autodesk account. Once you login you will be taken to dashboard with option to do tutorial for new user to learn about the tools.
Once you get into the workspace, on right side you will see a pane to drag and drop commands, shapes etc. and on left side you will see orientation cube and other options like switching from orthographic or perspective view and vice versa.
Basic Shapes
Click on Basic Shape drop-down and select text and numbers then, drag letters of Name Tag you would like to make. Next, hold RMB + drag to select all letters and click on align command from the top bar. click on horizontal like to align them. Once the letter are aligned you need to adjust the spacing between them bring it close to each other with at least 15-20% or overlap so that it comes off as single piece when you print. Lastly add and ring in the corner and select all the body and group them together to make it as one single body. Now your name tag is ready for production.
Using Text
If you want to skip the extra steps of aligning letters and and letter adjustment you can also use “Text” option from the menu. Using text will keep your letters separated and if you planning to print; it will print as individual letter separately. So you might have to add a base plate in the bottom or some other ways to keep your text attached. The simplest way to combine your text is by using Bevel size option to decrease the spacing between the letter and attaching them together and adding additional features like hook or ring later.
SVG Image for Font Styling
You can add a custom fonts to tinker CAD by uploading a SVG File and using the shape generator option. Goto Shape Generator > All Featured and select Custom font text from the panel. Create your own SVG img. file or use a web font generator like fontsquirrel.
To find more information related to custom font using SVG file visit this thread on tinkercad here.
What's Next? Print or Buy
Once you are done with your design, you can export the file to 3D printer and make one for yourself or for your friends. If you do not own a 3D printer and want to skip the design process, visit our Shop to buy from pre-made template design and we will 3D print and deliver it to you.
If do not find suitable template in the shop and want a custom design? reach out to us and our team will make some cool designs in advanced CAD software for you.
Ali Farhan
Blogging and Creating Youtube Videos Tutorial on Industrial Design, Manufacturing, and Gaming. Toolroom Machinist at Nahanni steel plant, learning and sharing knowledge.
