Imagine a robot that can build a real toy, a cup, or even a tiny model of the Merlion — right in front of your eyes!
That robot is called a 3D printer. A normal printer puts ink on flat paper. A 3D printer builds solid objects you can hold in your hand.
Tap Next to see the printer's big secret… 🤫
A 3D printer cannot make a whole object in one go. Instead, it draws one thin, flat layer, then another on top, then another — just like the layers in kueh lapis!
Stack enough thin layers and… ta-da! A whole 3D object appears.
Your turn: be the printer! Tap the button to squeeze out each layer and print a cup.
Every 3D printer has three important parts. Tap each glowing dot on the picture to find out what it does.
Before a printer can print, people follow three steps. Tap the cards in the correct order — which happens first, second, and last?
Hint: the printer is a good builder, but it has no imagination — a person must give it the plan!
The computer slices the design like slicing a loaf of bread. Drag the slider to change how many layers this little dome is sliced into. Watch what happens!
Quick check: to make a print look smooth (not bumpy), the layers should be…
Show what you know: how does a 3D printer build an object?
Today you learnt how 3D printers build real objects:
Next time you see a plastic toy, look closely — maybe you can spot its tiny layer lines. Great job, printing expert! 🎉