Introduction to 3D Modeling

In this lesson, you will discover what you will learn in this course and download the software and resources you need.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Download the software and resources for the course.

In this lesson, you will learn the main differences between 2D and 3D models in Fusion 360. You will create a new project, upload and save files, and use the Fusion user interface to survey a 3D model of a reciprocating saw.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Create new projects, and open and save models in Fusion 360.
• Use the Viewcube, navigation, display, and orbit tools to survey and edit CAD models in Fusion 360.
• Use the browser in Fusion 360 to view and edit 2D and 3D elements such as Sketches and Bodies.

In this lesson, we'll sketch 2D shapes and use them to create a simple 3D CAD model in Fusion 360™. We'll then produce technical drawings and other documentation for your 3D model. Finally, we'll create modeling features such as Chamfers, Revolve, and Holes, and we'll access properties data for CAD models.

After completing this lesson, you'll be able to:

• Use Fusion 360 to sketch a 2D CAD Model using simple parametric tools, such as lines, rectangles, and constraints.
• Create a simple 3D CAD model in Fusion 360 using simple tools such as extrude and Fillet.
• Use the timeline to edit model features and dimensions.
• Use the Documentation Environment in Fusion 360 to create technical drawings and output in various formats.
• Use the Inspect > Measure tools in Fusion 360.
• Use 3D Parametric modeling techniques to create and Pattern features such as Chamfers, Holes, and Shell bodies.
• Use 3D Parametric modeling techniques to split and combine bodies.
• Create sketches on work planes.
• Create a Loft between sketch profiles on offset planes.
• Access the properties data for CAD models, such as Mass, Volume, and Physical Materials.
• Use 3D Parametric modeling techniques to create Revolve features, Boundary Fill, and Apply Physical Materials.

In this lesson, you will learn how Fusion 360 workspaces, environments, and tools can be used to create professional 3D models in a number of ways.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify modeling workspaces and environments in Fusion 360.
• Understand how Fusion 360 workspaces, environments and tools can be used to create professional 3D models.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use parametric sketching in Fusion 360 by drafting a trigger for the reciprocating saw, using sketch tools, constraints, and an attached canvas image for reference.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Import and calibrate reference images in Fusion 360.
• Sketch the main shape of the saw trigger using splines and lines in Fusion 360.
• Edit splines, add dimensions, and apply constraints to sketches in Fusion 360.
• Use the attached canvas image for reference.

In this lesson, you will begin by first learning some foundational sketch creation techniques, such as sketching lines, arcs, circles and rectangles. You will also be introduced to more advanced sketching techniques, where you will create patterns, project sketches and define sketch dimensions and constraints, as well as create work planes and sketch on faces. You will then carry out a short practical exercise.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Create sketches using lines, rectangles, circles and arcs.
• Create sketches using Splines and Slots in Fusion 360.
• Define sketch dimensions in Fusion 360.
• Apply constraints to sketches in Fusion 360.
• Construct work planes and sketch on faces in Fusion 360. 
• Create advanced Circular and Rectangular Pattern Sketches in Fusion 360. 
• Create advanced sketches using Projections and Intersections. 
• Create sketch projections onto a surface.
• Create sketches including 3D geometry. 
• Import and calibrate reference images in Fusion 360. 
• Extrude the trigger sketch to create two bodies. 
• Add fillets, combine and organize bodies in the Browser. 
• Use the attached canvas image for reference.

In this lesson, you will learn how to import a photograph of the reciprocating saw which you will use as reference to Freeform model & sculpt the saw handle casing. You will also create a basic face and cylinder form, which you will Freeform model in the Fusion 360 Sculpt workspace using the edit tools to gradually manipulate the form to match the photograph of the saw handle.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Import and calibrate reference images in Fusion 360.
• Create, move, and edit a T-Spline face using the Fusion 360 Sculpt workspace.
• Create, move, and edit a T-Spline cylinder using the Fusion 360 Sculpt workspace.
• Insert edges of T-Spline forms using the Fusion 360 Sculpt workspace.
• Add material and bridge freeform bodies using the Fusion 360 Sculpt workspace.
• Weld and join freeform bodies using Fusion 360’s Sculpt Workspace.
• Flatten and mirror - duplicate freeform saw casing using a defined plane in Fusion 360.
• Make additional copies of sculpted bodies using Fusion 360.
• Bevel, Crease, and Thicken sculpted bodies using Fusion 360.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use direct-editing tools in Fusion 360 to Press-Pull, Move, Copy, and Delete geometry on existing models of a reciprocating saw casing in order to rapidly modify the design of existing and imported 3D CAD models.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Use the browser to organize the visibility of the reciprocating saw 3D model elements for direct modeling.
• Use parametric modeling to edit the 3D model geometry in Fusion 360.
• Locate and upload a 3D model to the Introduction to 3D modeling project on the Fusion cloud.
• Use Press Pull, Move/Copy, and delete to modify and edit 3D model geometry in Fusion 360.

In this lesson, we'll learn how to use Fusion 360™ assembly modeling tools and features to create and drive Joints for parts in the saw assembly. We'll create components, new Joints, As-built joints, Rigid Groups, as well as drive and edit Joints. 

After completing this lesson, you'll be able to:

• Use Fusion 360 to create a component from a body for assembly modeling.
• Use Fusion 360 to ground new components for assembly modeling.
• Use Fusion 360 to create a new Joint for assembly modeling.
• Use Fusion 360 to set Joint Limits and drive joints.
• Use Fusion 360 to identify interference in a design.
• Use Fusion 360 to create and edit a Section Analysis.
• Use Fusion 360 to create a Motion Study.
• Use Fusion 360 to create a Rigid Group for assembly modeling.
• Use Fusion 360 to create As-built Joint for assembly modeling.
• Use Fusion 360 to specify Joint types for assembly modeling.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create technical drawings and other Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T) documentation for manufacturing.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Generate technical drawings from your CAD models using ISO or ASME.
• Create exploded views using the Animation Workspace.
• Place multiple drawing views and styles on a drawing sheet.
• Modify and change drawing views and styles.
• Add Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T), annotations, and tables to your drawings.
• Create custom title blocks for your drawings.
• Save and output drawing documentation in PDF, DWG, or CSV formats.

Congratulations, you have completed the Introduction to 3D Modeling course. Take the course assessment to showcase your knowledge by demonstrating your expertise, and seeing where you need more practice.

Now that you have completed the learning material in the Foundational Concepts course, complete the challenge assignments to put the skills learned into practice. Make sure to download the datasets to complete each challenge.

Now that you've completed the course, learn about opportunities to share your work with the world by creating a portfolio in Design Academy and getting certified in Autodesk Fusion 360.