Register now To download lesson resources

Digital Lathe vs 3D Printing

In this lesson, students explore the different types of lathes and their applications before designing and printing an ornate leg for a piece of furniture. By the end of this lesson, students should be able to evaluate 3D printing as a process compared to a digital lathe.

Subjects: MathematicsDesign and Technology
Years | Grades: 7th Grade | 11-12 years8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years
Duration: Lesson 1: 60 minutes Print time: ~ 3 hours

Objectives

Understand what ‘Turning’ is as a manufacturing process
Realize 3D modelling skills against real world applications
Understand what a lathe is, the different types of lathes and their applications
Understand the term CNC and understand how it works
Evaluate 3D printing as a process compared to a digital lathe

Tools and equipment

Each student workgroup needs:

Internet-enabled laptop/computer and mouse
Set of example table legs .STL files
Pen or pencil
Digital lathe worksheet

Teacher needs:

3D printer and PLA filament
Internet-enabled laptop/computer and mouse and layering software for the 3D printer
Example table leg .STL file

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:

Develop their own idea for the cast
Use Fusion360 or similar CAD software at a beginner level
Enter the correct 3D print settings in the DeeControl layering software
Use the BE3D eDee 3D printer

3D models overview

Total print time 3 hours
Total filament 5.38 m
Additional non-printable components
Printed all at once

Miniature ornate table leg

3 hours
5.38 m

Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

Lesson plan
Worksheet
Walkthrough
Walkthrough video
Presentation
3D models
3D print instructions
Curriculum Alignment: ISTE standard compliant

Register now To download lesson resources

Back to lessons