Introduction to 3D Modeling

Good designers and engineers know how to explore and iterate their designs. Thankfully, computer aided design (CAD) allows you to do just that—explore and iterate your design—until the model suits your needs. However, this iteration process isn’t as easy as it sounds. It requires you to move quickly and seamlessly back and forth from 2D sketching to 3D modeling—and so, that’s the primary skill we’ll be practicing in this course.

This course covers 2D and 3D workflows, through a series of short lectures and hands-on exercises. In the first part of the course, we’ll start with 2D sketching in Fusion 360, and we’ll review the various Fusion 360 workspaces, including: sketching and parametric modeling, free-form modeling and sculpting, direct modeling and assembly modeling. You’ll learn the skills necessary to use CAD from the start, applying its full capabilities when exploring and changing your designs.

Then, in the second part of the course, we’ll transition from 2D to 3D modeling. And finally toward the end, we’ll explore and apply various 3D modeling techniques that can be used to create models that can be easily changed and experimented on.

By the end of the course, you will be able to 

• Create cloud projects, manage, open and save models in Fusion 360.
• Create and edit 2D Sketches and 3D models using Fusion 360 parametric tools to add constraints, dimensions, and control geometric relationships.
• Sculpt and freeform 3D models using Fusion 360 T-Splines technology and import a sketch or image to use for reference.
• Use direct editing tools in Fusion 360 and rapidly modify the design of existing and imported 3D CAD models.
• Use Fusion 360 assembly modeling tools and features, to create and drive working joints for parts in a product assembly.
• Apply physical materials and assign appearances to your 3D models.
• Use the Fusion 360 documentation environment to create technical drawings, parts lists, and other documentation for your 3D models.

This course was revised in April 2018 to include the following changes:

• Updated lesson in parametric modeling from 2D to 3D.
• Updated lesson in freeform modeling and sculpting.
• Updated lesson in direct modeling.
• Revised quiz questions to reflect updated lesson content.
• An instructor guide for educators and course facilitators. 
• Course challenge assignments to test your skills.