QR Code

Since their invention in 1994, QR codes have revolutionized the worlds of production, shipping, social media and marketing. And yet, they declined in popularity after 2010. The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, however, has initiated a huge revival. QR codes are no longer just used for tracking products or directing people to URL’s. They can now be used to log into WIFI networks, connect to social media accounts, make contactless selections from menus or surveys, to facilitate self-service shopping, or to log in to secure workstations. Anywhere contact between individuals is to be discouraged is an opportunity to use QR codes and their alternatives such as Data Matrix, Aztec Code or the newly released Microsoft Code. In this lesson you will be challenged to create your own QR code before modelling it in 3D and 3D printing it. You will then need to test it to make sure that your code scans accurately and performs the correct function! 
Subjects
Design and TechnologyMathematicsScienceComputingGeography
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: 90 minutes Print Time: 5-6 hours

QR code trailer
Play 0:57

Objectives

  • Design and measure with precision 

  • Produce a QR code for your chosen target 

  • Create a 3D model of your QR code  

  • Demonstrate how to align objects 

  • Employ tolerances and offsets 

  • Understand and execute Boolean operations in CAD 

  • Learn about the effect of design choices on the printability and readability of your QR code 

 

Tools and equipment

  • BE3D EDEE Printer 
  • Example flood plain models 
  • Access to a computer that can access the internet and TinkerCAD® 
  • Acrylic paint or permanent archival ink 
  • Example barcodes, QR codes and alternatives. 
  • Example 3D printed QR codes.
 

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:
  • Use TinkerCAD, Fusion 360 or Similar CAD software at a basic level 

  • Be comfortable using DeeControl2 software including adjusting print settings 

  • Use the BE3D EDEE 3D printer 

QR Code walkthrough
Locked Play 3:37

3D models overview

  • Total print time 12 hours
  • Total filament 27.81 m
  • Additional non-printable components
  • Printed all at once
BARCODE
  • 4 hours
  • 10.2 m
QR CODE
  • 4 hours
  • 8.74 m
QR CODE (1)
  • 4 hours
  • 8.87 m
Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

  • Lesson plan 

  • Example QR code models 

  • Worksheet 

  • Walkthrough 

  • Presentation 

  • 3D models 

  • 3D print instructions 

  • Curriculum alignment