3D Printing Graphs with Desmos

3D print a graph using this workflow that utilizes Desmos.com and other online tools to generate a STL file. Pictured here is the Lists: Falling Ladder example from Desmos.

Graph to 3D Print
-Create graph at Desmos.com or use one of the provided examples
-Set graph color to black
–Graph Settings: Click Projector Mode
–Graph Settings: Turn off grid and axis
-Take a screenshot of the graph area
OR -Login to Desmos and save the image.  Share Graph –> Image
-Convert image to SVG using Online-Convert http://image.online-convert.com/convert-to-svg
-Download SVG
-Import SVG into Tinkercad (Try 10% scale and 2mm height)
-Scale model and download STL
-3D Print

Advanced – graph manipulation
-Import screenshot or graph image to Inkscape
-Path > Trace Bitmap
-Select graph and Edit Paths by Node
-Modify stroke style to create thicker lines for printing

This is a fast and dirty tutorial for a couple folks on Twitter asking how I created this model. I will be presenting this workflow at a math conference in a few weeks. Please leave questions, problems or ideas in the comments or contact me on Twitter @DesignMakeTeach. Please share if you are able to use this workflow to create a 3D print of a graph.

Want more 3D Printing in the Math Classroom resources? Check out DesignMakeTeach.com/3dmath/