CAD Design 101

Learn CAD Design | The Practical Guide for Beginners | Created by an Engineer

Are you interested in CAD design and the creation of three-dimensional objects for 3D printing or other applications (model making, prototypes, design elements,...)? You are looking for a practical and compact beginner course on CAD & Design and want to take a professional course from an engineer right away?

Then you have come to the right place and this course is best for you. Because, in this course you will learn all the basics you need to use a free CAD design software (DesignSpark Mechanical) to create your own 3D objects. Start now with a clearly presented, step-by-step guided and professional CAD tutorial.

The advantages at a glance:

Step by step basics and explanations on how to use CAD software.
Learn all the basics about CAD design through the guidance of an engineer and experienced user and get started easily & quickly.
Easy to follow explanations on the subject. Ideal for absolute beginners.
Learn everything important in no time. Compact and to the point: Total running time approx. 75 minutes.

FAQ's about the course:

What can I learn in the CAD course?

The course includes everything you need to know to design 3D components on your PC. From the creation of a 2D sketch to the handling of the features of the software (DesignSpark Mechanical) to the three-dimensional object, everything is included. The software is explained step by step using several design projects.

What do I need for the course and how long does it take?

The course on 3D modelling has a total running time of approx. 77 minutes (divided into several individual lessons). Of course, you are free to choose which chapters you would like to view at which time and you can also take breaks at any time. Apart from a PC and the CAD software DesignSpark Mechanical (available as a free download) you don't need anything else.

Is the tutorial only for CAD beginners?

This course is generally designed for beginners and absolute beginners with no prior knowledge. It doesn't matter if it is only for information purposes about the technique of CAD design or for the application and implementation of your own ideas and projects. All procedures are explained in detail and are easy to understand. This course is also ideal for tinkerers, inventors, artists, students, teenagers, etc.

Who will show me the CAD basics in this course?

The design course is taught by an engineer (M.Eng.).

Is learning CAD design difficult?

CAD design is definitely a complex subject, as the handling of the software (here: DesignSpark Mechanical) has to be learned and some kind of three-dimensional imagination is required. Without help you can lose the overview. With this CAD tutorial, however, you have all the information in one format and always keep track. Everything you need is explained step by step and taught as simple and straightforward as possible.

Will I also learn how to handle assemblies and create technical drawings?

No, only parts, but no assemblies are designed in the course. This is usually sufficient for beginner applications. The handling of assemblies and the creation of technical drawings would go beyond the scope of this beginner course and is often simply not necessary when you practice it as a hobby. Therefore, this course is limited to the essentials to remain compact and clearly understandable .

What can I do with 3D objects and CAD?

You have the opportunity to create numerous great objects, virtually from scratch, and implement your own ideas and projects. You could then print the objects usind a 3D printer, for example, or have them manufactured (by milling, turning,...). In this way, you could create prototypes of an invention, 3D objects for model making, spare parts that are no longer available or other great objects.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Create 3d objects using free cad software (for 3d printing, model making,...)
The basics of cad: from 2d sketches to complete three-dimensional objects
Master functions, features and handling of cad software
Implement your own projects & ideas in no time

Reproduce spare parts
Become a professional in using the free cad software: designspark mechanical
Alternative cad software (free & charged)

Create 3d objects using free cad software (for 3d printing, model making,...)
The basics of cad: from 2d sketches to complete three-dimensional objects
Master functions, features and handling of cad software
Implement your own projects & ideas in no time
Reproduce spare parts
Become a professional in using the free cad software: designspark mechanical
Alternative cad software (free & charged)

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction & Motivation

Design methodology & tips for using the course

Familiarize yourself with the CAD software and make general settings

Career center

Learners who complete CAD Design 101 | 3D modelling for beginners (by an engineer) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Aided Design Operator

A Computer Aided Design Operator is a specialist in using CAD software to develop, modify, and manage digital designs. This role provides crucial support to engineering, architectural, or manufacturing teams by transforming conceptual ideas into precise, detailed 3D models. This course is a perfect fit for aspiring Computer Aided Design Operators because its core objective is to teach you the basics of CAD design and how to master the functions, features, and handling of CAD software. Created by an engineer and designed for beginners, the practical, step-by-step approach ensures you become proficient in creating three-dimensional objects, which is the everyday task of this profession.

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Mechanical Designer

As a Mechanical Designer, you are instrumental in developing and refining the physical components that make up complex systems and machines. This role involves extensive use of CAD software to create precise 3D models, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and adherence to specifications, often working in collaboration with engineers. This course is exceptionally well-suited for an aspiring Mechanical Designer, as it teaches the fundamental process of creating three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional sketches. Practical projects, such as designing a mounting component or a square nut, directly mirror the tasks in this profession, helping you master CAD software features and the core principles of object creation under the guidance of an engineer.

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Prototyping Technician

A Prototyping Technician brings design concepts to life by creating physical models and functional prototypes of products. This hands-on role involves using a variety of fabrication methods, including 3D printing and machining, based on digital design specifications. This course is highly relevant for a Prototyping Technician because it focuses on teaching you to create three-dimensional objects for model making and prototypes. You will learn the essential skills to design digital models that can be directly fabricated into physical prototypes. The practical application of CAD software under the guidance of an engineer provides you with the ability to quickly implement your ideas into reproducible objects, a core function of this career.

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Model Maker

A Model Maker constructs scaled physical models for a wide range of purposes, including architectural visualization, engineering validation, artistic displays, or educational tools. This role often involves interpreting drawings or digital files to create precise, tangible representations. This course is highly relevant for a Model Maker because it precisely teaches the creation of three-dimensional objects for "model making." Learning to design digital models that can be subsequently 3D printed or used as detailed references for traditional fabrication methods is a core skill. The step-by-step guidance from an engineer helps you quickly and easily create accurate digital blueprints for your physical models.

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Product Designer

A Product Designer shapes the items we use daily, focusing on user experience, aesthetics, and functionality to bring new concepts to life. This role involves everything from initial sketching and ideation to detailed 3D modeling and prototyping. This course helps build a foundation in creating three-dimensional objects and implementing your own project ideas, which is central to product design. By learning to create digital models of items like a smartphone stand or a cup, you gain practical experience directly applicable to developing novel products. The structured approach to CAD design, guided by an engineer, provides a solid understanding of how to translate concepts into tangible digital forms, a crucial skill for any aspiring Product Designer.

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Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer focuses on the form, usability, and manufacturability of products, creating concepts and detailed designs that balance aesthetic appeal with practical function for mass production. This often involves extensive sketching, 3D modeling, and creating prototypes. This course helps build a foundation in creating three-dimensional objects and implementing your own project ideas using CAD software, which is a core skill for an Industrial Designer. The practical, step-by-step guidance from an engineer on designing various objects, from a simple hook to a smartphone stand, directly applies to the creative and technical demands of developing consumer products, allowing you to quickly translate design concepts into digital models.

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Additive Manufacturing Specialist

An Additive Manufacturing Specialist is at the forefront of 3D printing technology, responsible for preparing digital models for printing, operating various 3D printers, and ensuring the quality and precision of the final physical objects. This role requires a strong understanding of how digital designs translate into physical forms. This course, specifically mentioning the creation of three-dimensional objects for 3D printing, provides essential foundational knowledge. You will learn to create 3D objects from scratch using CAD software, which is the exact starting point for preparing files for additive manufacturing. Mastering the functions and features of CAD software through this practical guide directly equips you with the skills needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

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Reverse Engineer

A Reverse Engineer systematically deconstructs existing products or systems to understand their design, components, and functionality, often with the goal of improving, reproducing, or analyzing them. This process frequently involves meticulous measurement and re-modeling of parts using CAD software. This course is very beneficial for an aspiring Reverse Engineer as it teaches you the essential skills to "reproduce spare parts" and create three-dimensional objects from scratch. Understanding how to precisely model components from 2D sketches to 3D forms is fundamental to accurately digitally capturing and reconstructing existing designs, a primary task in reverse engineering. This role typically requires an advanced degree in an engineering field.

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Jewelry Designer

A Jewelry Designer crafts original pieces of jewelry, ranging from intricate bespoke items to collections for mass production. Modern jewelry design increasingly relies on CAD software to create precise 3D models that can then be 3D printed for casting or directly machined. This course helps build a foundation in creating three-dimensional objects and implementing your own ideas, skills particularly valuable for a Jewelry Designer. Learning to navigate CAD software and develop detailed 3D forms, such as a bowl or a cup, provides a strong basis for designing complex jewelry pieces, especially when preparing designs for additive manufacturing techniques common in the industry.

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Footwear Designer

A Footwear Designer combines creativity, ergonomics, and material science to conceptualize and develop new shoe designs. CAD software is increasingly used in this field for everything from pattern making and sole design to creating molds for manufacturing processes. This course may be useful for an aspiring Footwear Designer as it teaches the fundamentals of creating three-dimensional objects using CAD software. While not specific to footwear, the ability to translate design ideas into precise digital models, and to understand the properties of 3D forms, provides a relevant skill set. This foundation helps in designing specific components of a shoe or visualizing overall forms within a modern design workflow.

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Drafting Technician

A Drafting Technician translates the concepts of engineers and architects into detailed technical drawings and plans using CAD software. This role produces precise 2D and 3D representations of designs for construction, manufacturing, or assembly. While this course does not cover technical drawings or assemblies, it helps build a foundation in creating three-dimensional objects from 2D sketches, a prerequisite skill. The ability to master the functions and features of CAD software, as taught by an engineer, is highly relevant for visualizing and manipulating components digitally. Acquiring these fundamental CAD modeling skills ensures you can effectively interpret and create the digital forms that drafting relies upon.

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Technical Illustrator

A Technical Illustrator creates precise and informative visual representations of technical subjects, such as product manuals, assembly guides, or scientific diagrams. While some work is 2D, increasingly, 3D models are used to generate exploded views or complex visualizations. This course helps build a foundation in creating three-dimensional objects, which is highly applicable for a Technical Illustrator. The ability to design and manipulate 3D components using CAD software provides the source material for generating accurate and clear illustrations, especially for isometric views or step-by-step assembly guides. Learning from an engineer ensures a practical understanding of object geometry and construction.

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Game Asset Designer

A Game Asset Designer creates the 3D models for characters, environments, props, and other visual elements that populate virtual worlds in video games. This role demands strong proficiency in 3D modeling software and an understanding of game engine requirements. This course may be useful for an aspiring Game Asset Designer, as it helps build a foundation in the core principles of creating three-dimensional objects from 2D sketches. While game design often uses specialized polygon modeling software, the abstract understanding of form, space, and object construction gained from this practical CAD guide can provide a valuable conceptual basis for visualizing and constructing game assets.

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Exhibit Designer

An Exhibit Designer plans and creates engaging physical spaces and displays for museums, trade shows, and public installations. This profession requires a blend of creative vision and practical knowledge to bring interactive and educational experiences to life. This course may be useful for an aspiring Exhibit Designer, as it helps build a foundation in creating three-dimensional objects. The ability to model specific components, fixtures, or interactive elements within an exhibit using CAD software can be a valuable skill for visualization and planning, allowing you to accurately represent your design concepts for reviews and fabrication. The practical approach to digital modeling aids in translating spatial ideas into concrete forms.

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Set Designer

A Set Designer conceives and creates the visual environment for theatrical productions, films, or television shows. This involves developing sketches, building physical models, and increasingly using 3D visualization tools to design every element of the scene. This course may be useful for an aspiring Set Designer, as it helps build a foundation in creating three-dimensional objects. The skills gained from learning to create 3D models of everyday items, such as a cup or a hook, can be applied to designing props, furniture, or architectural elements for a set, aiding in visualization and communication of design ideas before physical construction.

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