This 8-week, 80-hour course immerses you in the world of 3D printing, guiding you through foundational concepts, advanced techniques, and real-world applications. As you advance through 19 structured stages, you’ll earn POAP badges that mark milestones in your journey. Between select stages, you’ll participate in special events that bring learners, mentors, and industry experts together — fostering a vibrant community of creators.
How the POAP Structure Works
1. Progressive Skill Building
Move from basic industry knowledge to expert-level design and engineering methods.
The course is structured to gradually build your skills, ensuring you understand and apply each concept before moving on.
2. POAP Badges for Every Stage
Each stage completion grants you a unique badge, celebrating your accomplishments.
These badges act as digital certificates, showcasing your progress and expertise.
3. Community Events
After key learning segments, join events that let you test new skills, receive feedback, and build relationships.
These events bring learners, mentors, and industry experts together, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Stages, Badges and Events
Stage 0: Join iForge Community
(Badge: Explorer POAP)
Learn how to navigate the iForge platform, form your own team, and collaborate effectively on projects,events and competitions.
Stage 1: The 3D Printing Industry
(Badge: Pioneer POAP)
Gain a broad understanding of the industry’s key players, market trends, and opportunities.
Stage 2: 3D Printing Technologies
(Badge: TechMaster POAP)
Explore a variety of additive manufacturing methods, materials, and use cases.
(Event 1: Industry Networking Meetup)
Connect with professionals and peers, discuss the evolving market, and share early insights.
Stage 3: Slicing for 3D Printing
(Badge: Precision POAP)
Learn the art of turning 3D models into precise, printer-ready instructions.
Stage 4: Intro to 3D CAD with Tinkercad
(Badge: TinkerAce POAP)
Get hands-on with a beginner-friendly CAD tool, building simple yet functional models.
(Event 2: Beginners’ CAD Workshop)
Collaborate in a guided workshop, receive live feedback, and improve your slicing and basic CAD skills.
Stage 5: Mechanism Cubes
(Badge: MechaMecha POAP)
Design and print moving, mechanical cubes that teach engineering fundamentals.
Stage 6: Tinkercad to Fusion
(Badge: Fusioneer POAP)
Upgrade your design prowess by transitioning from Tinkercad to Fusion 360.
(Event 3: Design Hackathon)
Form teams to solve design challenges under time pressure, reinforcing your cross-platform modeling skills.
Stage 7: Intro to 3D CAD with Fusion
(Badge: Craftsman POAP)
Dive deeper into professional-grade software, creating more complex and refined models.
Stage 8: Designing for 3D Printing
(Badge: Optimizer POAP)
Master advanced techniques to optimize designs for quality, speed, and material efficiency.
(Event 4: Materials & Methods Expo)
Showcase your Fusion designs, explore cutting-edge materials, and learn from material experts.
Stage 9: Design Methods
(Badge: MethodMaker POAP)
Apply structured design approaches and problem-solving frameworks to enhance your workflow.
Stage 10: Assistive Bottle Openers
(Badge: Assistive POAP)
Create functional objects that improve everyday accessibility and help those with limited dexterity.
(Event 5: Assistive Technology Showcase)
Present assistive device prototypes, gather feedback, and understand the social impact of design.
Stage 11: Micro:bit Switch Access
(Badge: SwitchHero POAP)
Incorporate microcontrollers for interactive, user-responsive printed solutions.
Stage 12: Assistive Clips
(Badge: ClipCrafter POAP)
Refine your assistive designs, focusing on reliability and ease-of-use.
(Event 6: Interactive Gadget Fair)
Test your interactive devices, exchange tips with fellow learners, and solve coding or mechanical puzzles together.
Stage 13: Personalized Links
(Badge: Linksmith POAP)
Craft custom connectors and personalized gifts that show off your design versatility.
Stage 14: 3D Printed Typography
(Badge: TypoCrafter POAP)
Merge art and engineering, experimenting with fonts, letters, and branding elements.
(Event 7: Artistic Expression Meetup)
Show off your personalized creations and 3D-printed typography. Celebrate creativity, design aesthetics, and collaborative art-making.
Stage 15: Rethinking Plastics
(Badge: RePlast POAP)
Explore sustainable materials, recycling, and eco-friendly design principles.
Stage 16: Functional Wrenches
(Badge: ToolCrafter POAP)
Design working tools that demonstrate precision, durability, and engineering skill.
Stage 17: Self Watering Planters
(Badge: GrowSmart POAP)
Combine biology and engineering to create autonomous, sustainable growing systems.
Stage 18: Suspension Bridge
(Badge: SpanMaster POAP)
Engineer complex architectural models that highlight structural integrity and innovation..
(Event 8: Sustainability & Engineering Summit)
Present your final projects, focusing on sustainability, advanced design, and functional innovation. Network with experts, reflect on your journey, and celebrate your achievements.
Post-Course Benefits
Practical Expertise: Graduate with the ability to design, print, and optimize complex 3D models.
Professional Portfolio: Showcase a range of projects — assistive devices, artistic prints, engineering marvels — that reflect your growth and capabilities.
Vibrant Community: Remain part of the iForge network, accessing continuous support, future competitions, and advanced workshops.
Recognized Achievements: Your collection of 19 POAP badges stands as a permanent testament to your skill development and dedication.
Ready to Forge Ahead?
Join iForge and embark on a transformative learning experience. Gain technical mastery, nurture creativity, and become part of a thriving community of innovators — one that values skill, sustainability, and collaboration. Start your journey now and earn badges that tell the story of your evolution as a maker, designer, and problem-solver!
