Slicing Software Challenges

A lesson that uses a series of scenarios where students must solve mathematical challenges using slicing software - available to subscribers of The PrintLab Classroom

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Lesson Overview

In this 1 hour lesson, students will be provided with a series of scenarios that involve using their school's 3D printing equipment to manufacture models for various clients. By uploading the provided STL files into their slicing software, students must adjust settings and calculate a range of factors, including print times, materials costs, operational strategies and more! 8 scenarios are included in the challenge workbook, including:


- 3D printing 100 spinning tops for a charity event (students must calculate the material cost)

- 3D printing a pen holder for a product design company who are interested in purchasing a 3D printer but have concerns about print times (students must adjust slicer settings to see if the pen holder can print in under 3 hours)

- 3D printing as many PrintLab branded phone stands in 2 weeks for a trade show giveaway (students must calculate the maximum amount of phone stands that can be 3D printed in the given timeframe)

+ 5 more challenges!

Subject Areas

The lesson can be incorporated into the study of maths, computing and design technology and can be adapted for ages 8-16. The curriculum is aligned to NGSS, CCSS and UK National Curriculum standards. A comprehensive list of standards met is included in the lesson platform.

In this project students will:

  • experiment with slicing software settings to achieve desired outcomes as specified in a project brief

  • use mathematical calculations to achieve desired outcomes as specified in a project brief

        • use entrepreneurial skills to devise solutions to a range of given problems

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