Keyboard shortcuts

Press or to navigate between chapters

Press S or / to search in the book

Press ? to show this help

Press Esc to hide this help

Your Second Print - Teacher Template (Extension Project)

Briefing

Building on the first successful print, students now adapt an existing model to meet a specific constraint or improvement goal. This project emphasizes design iteration, parametric thinking, and the ability to modify existing designs for new contexts.

Key Learning: Design iteration; constraint-based modification; documentation of changes.

Real-world Connection: Adaptation and iteration are core engineering practices. Most real products are refinements of earlier versions.

Constraints

  • Must be a modification or adaptation of an existing 3D model
  • Modifications must be parametric (variables or commented code showing what changed)
  • Student must document the modification rationale and testing process
  • Iteration should be evidence through multiple print attempts or variant comparisons

Functional Requirements

  • Modification is clearly documented with before/after code comparison
  • Adapted print functions as intended in the modified context
  • Student provides evidence of testing the adaptation
  • Design shows intentional thought about materials, fit, or functionality

Deliverables

  • Completed documentation template with:
    • Original model identification and link
    • Modifications made (with code comments or diff)
    • Design iteration cycle (print, test, adapt, repeat)
    • User testing results (if applicable)
    • Reflection on design decisions
    • Comparison of original vs. adapted version
  • Modified .scad or .stl files showing changes
  • Photos of both original and adapted prints (if possible)
  • Test results or user feedback documentation

Rubric

All projects are scored on a 0-9 scale across three equally weighted categories (3 points each):

CategoryPointsWhat We Measure
Problem & Solution0-3Is the adapted design functional? Does it solve the stated adaptation goal?
Design & Code Quality0-3Are modifications clear and well-documented? Is iteration evident? Does the part work well?
Documentation0-3Is the iteration cycle documented? Are design decisions explained? Is reflection thorough?

Category 1: Problem & Solution (0-3 points)

ScoreDescription
3Adaptation successfully addresses design goal. Print is functional and performs as intended in modified context.
2Adaptation mostly addresses goal. Print is functional with minor limitations.
1Adaptation partially addresses goal. Print has functional limitations.
0Adaptation does not work or is not attempted.

Category 2: Design & Code Quality (0-3 points)

ScoreDescription
3Modifications clearly documented with before/after comparison. Iteration cycle evident (multiple prints/tests). Print quality excellent.
2Modifications documented adequately. Some iteration evident. Print quality acceptable.
1Minimal modification documentation. Little iteration. Print quality acceptable but lacks refinement.
0Modifications not documented or design not functional.

Category 3: Documentation (0-3 points)

ScoreDescription
3All sections complete. Design iteration documented with measurements and testing results. Reflection is specific. Photos included.
2Most sections present. Iteration documented but could be more detailed. Reflection adequate.
1Incomplete sections. Minimal iteration documentation. Reflection brief.
0No documentation submitted.

Score Interpretation

Total ScoreInterpretationNext Step
8-9Excellent adaptationStudent demonstrates design maturity
6-7Good iteration and adaptationEncourage further design work
4-5Meets basics; improve iterationResubmit iteration documentation
2-3Does not meet expectationsResubmission or coaching
0-1Missing componentsMeet with instructor

Resubmission Policy

Students may resubmit to improve their score. Resubmissions must include:

  1. A one-paragraph explanation of what was changed and why

The resubmission score replaces the original.


Assessment Notes

  • Strong submissions show clear modification intent, multiple iteration cycles with documented changes, and user feedback integration
  • Watch for: Minimal modifications, no iteration, or generic reflections
  • Reinforce: Why iteration matters; how to document design decisions
  • Extension: Portfolio development; design for manufacturability