How To Make a 3D Printed Stamp

Do you want to learn how to bring digital files to life with 3D printing? You don’t need any prior experience to get started. You don’t even need to have your own 3D printer!

Watch this teaser to see a close up of the finished product.

Video Tutorial

Step 1: Use Canva to design your stamp

Create a 2D visual of your stamp using Canva, a free and beginner-friendly graphic design platform. You can include text and image in your stamp.

Pro Tip: If you’re making a round stamp, click on Effects and use the Curve function to curve the text.

Note: You can use the digital stamp for online student work.

Step 2: Save Canva file as an SVG

If you have access to Canva Pro features, you can download images with a transparent background and files in a SVG format. Otherwise, you can follow the steps below to save the file as a SVG:

1. Download the Canva file as a PNG.
2. Use Removebg to create an image with a transparent background.
3. Download image with transparent background.
4. Use Convertio to change the PNG to an SVG.
5. Download SVG file.

Step 3: Upload SVG to Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free 3D modeling platform that allows you to create models for 3D printing. Begin by importing the SVG file into the workspace. Here is where you will design the 3D appearance of the stamp. Watch the tutorial to learn how to create a 3D model of the stamp.

Finally, download the 3D print file using the .STL extension.

Step 4: 3D printing your stamp!

If you don’t have a 3D printer, you can use a 3D printing company such as as Craft Cloud – https://craftcloud3d.com/. You just need to upload your Tinkercad file and they will give you a quote to print and ship your 3D print to you.

If you have a 3D printer, you can use Ultimaker Cura, a free slicing software for 3D printing, to prepare your file. Simply import your SVG file, add support and slice! The file can then be loaded onto a micro SSD for the 3D printer.

3D Printer: https://amzn.to/3fs4kFX

Printer Filament – https://amzn.to/2VhbrtU

Final words

This was my first 3D printing project where I designed the print file. Usually I use Thingiverse to find pre-made files that can be loaded straight onto the 3D printer. Overall, the stamp came out as expected and the stamp works as intended, if enough pressure is used on the stamp pad. As it isn’t a rubber stamp, the ink doesn’t transfer easily.

If you have suggestions on improvements e.g. different filament or coating that can be used with the stamp, please let me know in the comments! I would love to hear from you.

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