Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing from Coursera

This course introduces you to one of the more common applications of generative design: Additive Manufacturing or 3D printing as it’s also known. In this course, we explore the basics of geometry creation and the mindset shift needed to build a generative design—a deeper understanding of generative design, its parameters, and how to work with the results specifically aimed at making a 3D printed metal part. We develop insightful understanding of the generative workflow by exploring Autodesk® Fusion 360™ tools and combining them with the creative process of taking an idea to a 3D model. We'll learn how to focus on where a design is and isn’t and apply the generative design thinking process to define a study as we take a deeper dive into Fusion 360.

You’ll need a paid subscription to Fusion 360 to complete the assignments in this course. Be sure to review your access or payment options before enrolling: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360

Want to take your learning to the next level? Complete the Autodesk Generative Design for Manufacturing Specialization, and you’ll unlock an additional Autodesk Credential as further recognition of your success! The Autodesk Credential comes with a digital badge and certificate, which you can add to your resume and share on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Sharing your Autodesk Credential can signal to hiring managers that you’ve got the right skills for the job and you’re up on the latest industry trends like generative design.

Enroll in the Specialization here: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/autodesk-generative-design-manufacturing

Looking for Autodesk Fusion 360 certification prep courses? Check out additional learning resources to help you uplevel your skills: https://www.autodesk.com/learning

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Generative Design?

In Week 1, we’ll overview generative design and cover the fundamentals of creating preserve and obstacle geometry for setting up a generative design study. With generative design, it’s important to understand the mindset needed to set up a generative design study and control the areas where it can and can’t explore. Through obstacles to avoid and preserves to keep, we’ll appropriately create the basis of a generative shelf bracket.

Defining a Generative Setup

In Week 2, we'll expand into a generative design study utilizing the preserve and obstacle regions created in the prior week. We'll explore the various options and settings which will drive our generative outcomes and completely set up and solve a generative design study.

Working with Generative Design Outcomes

In Week 3, we’ll explore the process of viewing outcomes, selecting an appropriate iteration, and creating a design that can be further manipulated in Fusion 360.

Post Process a Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing

In Week 4, we’ll explore how to work with a generative design outcome in Fusion 360. Generative design outcomes can produce different results based on the complexity of the part. In these lessons, we’ll explore form tools and how to work with form geometry to finalize our shelf bracket for additive manufacturing.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an in-depth look at generative design through the lens of additive manufacturing

Focuses on practical application and immediate implementation of generative design workflows for additive manufacturing

Taught by Autodesk, a leader in generative design and additive manufacturing software

Requires paid subscription to Fusion 360, which may be a cost barrier for some learners

Designed for learners with prior knowledge of Fusion 360 and generative design principles

Balances theoretical understanding with practical application exercises

Reviews summary

Well received generative design

learners say this well received generative design course was excellent and very good. The course is easy to follow, explicative, and very basic. It's a great starting point for beginners in generative design, but it also covers cutting edge technologies. The interesting and challenging final assignment was a highlight.

Assignments are challenging and engaging

"great course"

"Easy to follow and very explicative notes, I like the rhythm and i would recommend it"

"Peer graded assignment is great learning experience"

Covers important topics in generative design

"Very basic and detailed course. Easy to grasp and implement."

"Great Course on generative Desing through Autodesk and Coursera. Happpy to complete course one in this specialization. "

"very easy way to learn product designing and force analysis, one of the best and very handy software of autodesk to use"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing with these activities:

Practice creating geometry

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Use software to practice creating different geometric objects. This will prepare you for the generative design workflow.

Browse courses on Geometric Modeling

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Choose a geometry creation tool.
Create a simple object, such as a cube or a sphere.
Experiment with different geometric features, such as extrusions, fillets, and chamfers.
Create a more complex object, such as a bracket or a housing.

Follow guided tutorials on generative design

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Following guided tutorials will help you understand the basics of generative design and how to use it in your own work.

Browse courses on Generative Design

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Find online tutorials or courses on generative design.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
Experiment with different generative design parameters.
Apply generative design to your own projects.

Join a generative design study group

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Joining a generative design study group will help you learn from others and get feedback on your work.

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Find a generative design study group in your area or online.
Attend the study group meetings.
Participate in the discussions.
Share your work with the group.
Get feedback from the group.

One other activity

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Solve generative design challenges

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Solving generative design challenges will help you develop your problem-solving skills and your understanding of generative design.

Browse courses on Design Optimization

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Find a generative design challenge online or in a book.
Define the design problem and the constraints.
Set up a generative design study.
Solve the generative design challenge.
Evaluate the results.

Career center

Learners who complete Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers work with engineers to develop the look and feel of products, ensuring that they are both functional and visually appealing. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Industrial Designers create innovative and efficient designs that are optimized for 3D printing. By understanding the principles of generative design, Industrial Designers can create products that are lighter, stronger, and more sustainable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical systems. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Mechanical Engineers create more efficient and innovative designs that are optimized for 3D printing. By understanding the principles of generative design, Mechanical Engineers can create products that are lighter, stronger, and more durable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Product Designer

Product Designers work with engineers and marketers to develop new products. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Product Designers create innovative and efficient designs that are optimized for 3D printing. By understanding the principles of generative design, Product Designers can create products that are more attractive, functional, and sustainable.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers oversee the production of products. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Manufacturing Engineers create more efficient and innovative manufacturing processes that are optimized for 3D printing. By understanding the principles of generative design, Manufacturing Engineers can create products that are more efficient to produce and less expensive.

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Design Engineer

Design Engineers work with engineers and designers to develop new products. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Design Engineers create innovative and efficient designs. By understanding the principles of generative design, Design Engineers can create products that are more attractive, functional, and sustainable.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design and build complex systems, such as aircraft, satellites, and medical devices. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Systems Engineers create more efficient and innovative designs that are optimized for 3D printing. By understanding the principles of generative design, Systems Engineers can create systems that are lighter, stronger, and more durable.

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Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers develop and test new materials for use in a variety of applications. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Materials Engineers create new materials that are optimized for 3D printing. By understanding the principles of generative design, Materials Engineers can create materials that are stronger, lighter, and more sustainable.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data to identify patterns and trends. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Data Scientists create more efficient and innovative data analysis tools. By understanding the principles of generative design, Data Scientists can create tools that are more user-friendly, efficient, and accurate.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design and develop software applications. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Software Engineers create more efficient and innovative software applications. By understanding the principles of generative design, Software Engineers can create applications that are more user-friendly, efficient, and reliable.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Business Analysts create more efficient and innovative business processes. By understanding the principles of generative design, Business Analysts can create processes that are more streamlined, efficient, and effective.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Project Managers plan more efficient and effective projects. By understanding the principles of generative design, Project Managers can create plans that are more flexible, adaptive, and resilient.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Technical Writers create more efficient and effective documentation. By understanding the principles of generative design, Technical Writers can create documentation that is more clear, concise, and useful.

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Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of products and services. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing can help Technical Support Specialists provide more efficient and effective support. By understanding the principles of generative design, Technical Support Specialists can create solutions that are more effective, efficient, and helpful.

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Sales Representative

Sales Representatives sell products and services to customers. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing may be useful to Sales Representatives by providing them with a better understanding of the products they are selling. By understanding the principles of generative design, Sales Representatives can more effectively explain the benefits of these products to their customers.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns. This course in Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing may be useful to Marketing Managers by providing them with a better understanding of the products they are marketing. By understanding the principles of generative design, Marketing Managers can more effectively develop and execute campaigns that promote these products.

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