3D Printing for Kids: Projects, Safety, and Getting Started

Why 3D Printing Is Perfect for Kids

3D printing teaches kids skills they'll use for the rest of their lives — spatial reasoning, problem-solving, patience, design thinking, and basic engineering. It turns screen time into creation time. Instead of passively consuming content, kids design something on a computer and watch it materialize in the physical world. That feedback loop between digital design and physical result is powerful for learning.

At Forgely Roy, we see kids light up in our store every week. We host workshops, help families choose their first printers, and love watching the next generation of makers discover what's possible.

Age-Appropriate Projects

Ages 5–7: Download and Print

Young kids aren't ready to design their own models, but they can absolutely participate in choosing and printing them. Thingiverse, Printables, and MakerWorld have thousands of free models that kids love:

• Animal figures and dinosaurs
• Simple fidget toys and spinners
• Cookie cutters in fun shapes
• Name plates and door signs
• Building blocks and stackable toys

Let them pick the color, watch the printer work, and handle the finished product. Supervision is required at this age — hot nozzles and moving parts are real hazards.

Ages 8–11: Introduction to Design

This is the sweet spot for introducing CAD software. TinkerCAD (free, browser-based) is designed for kids and beginners. It uses drag-and-drop shapes that kids combine, subtract, and modify to create their own designs. Projects at this level include:

• Custom keychains with their name
• Phone stands and desk organizers
• Game pieces for board games they invent
• Simple enclosures for electronics projects
• Replacement parts for broken toys

Ages 12+: Advanced Projects

Older kids can handle more sophisticated tools and projects. Introduce Fusion 360 (free for education) or Onshape for parametric modeling. Projects grow in complexity:

• Functional mechanical parts (gears, hinges, snap fits)
• Raspberry Pi and Arduino cases for coding projects
• Drone parts and RC car upgrades
• Science fair display models
• Cosplay props and costume accessories

Safety Considerations

Hot End and Heated Bed

The nozzle reaches 200°C+ and the bed reaches 60–100°C. These cause burns on contact. Establish clear rules: never touch the printer while it's operating. Enclosed printers (like the Bambu Lab P1S) are safer because kids can't easily reach the hot components.

Fumes and Ventilation

PLA produces minimal fumes, making it the safest material for kids. Avoid ABS, ASA, and resin printing around children. Print in a ventilated room — not a closed bedroom. Even with PLA, good airflow is a smart precaution.

Supervision Levels

• Ages 5–9: Adult operates the printer; child participates in design selection and post-processing
• Ages 10–12: Child operates with adult supervision — adult handles filament changes and bed clearing
• Ages 13+: Most teens can operate independently with basic training and established safety rules

Recommended Printers for Families

The best kid-friendly printers are reliable, safe, and easy to use:

• Bambu Lab A1 Mini: Compact, auto-leveling, enclosed enough to be safe, excellent print quality out of the box
• Creality Ender 3 V3: Budget-friendly, great community for learning, open design teaches how printers work
• Bambu Lab P1S: Fully enclosed for safety, fast, reliable — the premium family option

Workshops at Forgely Roy

We offer periodic workshops for kids and families at our Roy, Utah store. These hands-on sessions cover basic 3D printing concepts, TinkerCAD design, and each participant prints something to take home. Check our website or call for upcoming workshop dates.

We also welcome families to visit the store anytime during business hours. We're happy to demo printers, show kids how they work, and help your family pick the right setup for your budget and goals.

Start the Journey

3D printing is one of the best STEM activities you can introduce to a child. It combines creativity with technology in a way that's immediately rewarding. And unlike many hobbies, the skills they develop — CAD design, engineering thinking, patience with iteration — directly translate to future careers.

📍 Forgely Roy — 5519 S 1900 W, Roy, UT 84067
📞 385-449-2694
⏰ Mon–Fri 11–6 • Sat 11–3