Intro to Digital Manufacturing with Autodesk Fusion 360 from Coursera

The manufacturing industry is making a digital transformation, allowing companies to customize production through advances in machine learning, sustainable design, generative design, and collaboration, with integrated design and manufacturing processes. This course introduces innovations in CAD and digital manufacturing, speaking to the rapid changes taking place that are forever transforming the future of making.

This course will also explore foundational concepts behind Autodesk® Fusion 360™ CAD/CAM. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based CAD/CAM tool for collaborative product development that combines industrial design, mechanical engineering, and machine tool programming into one software solution. Through a series of lectures and hands-on exercises, this course provides the core philosophy behind the software. By understanding how designs are both made and assembled, you'll learn to create better designs from the start.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Summarize an understanding of digital manufacturing, principles of sustainable design, and manufacturing processes.

• Explain and discuss how trends such as generative design and machine learning are influencing innovation, and how things are made.

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in foundational concepts of Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software.

• Practice design collaboration and file management best practices using Fusion 360 cloud-based features

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

The future of manufacturing and innovation

The manufacturing industry is changing rapidly with the development of new manufacturing processes and the use of computer algorithms to drive innovation. This week explores trends such as generative design, machine learning and additive manufacturing. Industry experts introduce these trends and provide you with insight and enterprise examples of how they are being used today.

Design Innovation Practices

Whether you are looking to improve an existing design or preparing for a sustainable design challenge for the first time, this course prepares product designers and engineers to take a quick step forward to integrating the principles of sustainability into their design process. If you are new to design or an experienced designer, this week prepares you with knowledge of sustainable design practices and how they can be applied across the digital manufacturing process help you look at things in a new way.

Foundational Concepts

Build a foundational understanding of how Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can be used to design differently before starting your first model. This week introduces foundational concepts behind Fusion 360 and offers insight into how it compares with other technologies. You will also be guided on how to install the software and develop new software skills so you get started with a solid understanding of how designs are made and assembled in Fusion 360.

CAD Admininstration

Cloud collaboration has made working together simultaneous and immediate. With Autodesk® Fusion 360™, you can take advantage of the cloud features make project sharing and review easier than ever before regardless of where you are or your role in the design process. This course guides you through how to manage personal and team hubs, calendars and more to best manage your project’s design process and assets.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores industry trends like generative design and additive manufacturing, which are changing the manufacturing industry

Involves experts providing examples of how innovative trends are being used in the industry today

Provides knowledge of sustainable design practices and their applications in digital manufacturing, helping learners incorporate sustainability principles into their designs

Develops foundational understanding of Autodesk® Fusion 360™ before learners start modeling, ensuring a solid understanding of design and assembly in Fusion 360

Guides learners through personal and team hubs, calendars and more, enabling efficient management of project design processes and assets

Taught by Autodesk, who are recognized for their work in design and manufacturing software

Reviews summary

Manufacturing with autodesk fusion 360

Learners say this specialization is largely positive and provides a brief overview of Autodesk Fusion 360, digital manufacturing, generative design, sustainability, and collaboration tools. Many students feel the course materials are engaging and informative, especially for beginners. However, the course was criticized for being outdated and using an older version of Fusion 360, which can lead to some confusion while following along with the lessons.

Students enjoy the engaging assignments and appreciate the focus on sustainability, product life cycle, and the environmental impact of design choices.

"thoughtful considerations and lectures about product lifecycle"

"the environmental impact of material choices in a project"

"I learned a large amount of what uses Fusion 360 provides, and in how to use it"

Students find this course to be well received, especially for those new to digital manufacturing and Fusion 360.

"great for introduction"

"I recommend this course"

"Highly knowledgable course with appropriate practice and explanation."

Some learners found the assessment of the last assignment in each course to take at least a week. This was seen as a significant financial loss for the student.

"If the assessment of the last assignment of each course takes at least one week, then this also means a significant financial loss for the student"

"Apparently the tutors from Autodesk don't take the evaluation of the course assignments very seriously"

Several learners remarked that the course is outdated and uses an older version of Fusion 360. This can lead to confusion when following along with the lessons.

"outdated and sales pitch"

"disappointing"

"much of the course content relating to the Fusion interface is apparently out of date"

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 Intro to Digital Manufacturing with Autodesk Fusion 360 with these activities:

Brush up on CAD fundamentals

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Reviewing CAD fundamentals will provide a strong foundation for the course's advanced topics.

Browse courses on CAD

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Review basic CAD concepts and terminology.
Explore different types of CAD software and their applications.

Follow Fusion 360 tutorials for beginners

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Guided tutorials provide hands-on experience and help familiarize with Fusion 360's interface and tools.

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Find official Autodesk or third-party Fusion 360 tutorials.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, creating models and exploring features.

Complete Fusion 360 practice exercises

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Practice exercises reinforce concepts and develop proficiency in using Fusion 360 for design and modeling.

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Find practice exercises from online resources or textbooks.
Complete the exercises, troubleshooting any issues encountered.
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Five other activities

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Mentor or assist other students with Fusion 360

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Mentoring or assisting others reinforces understanding and develops leadership skills.

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Identify opportunities to assist classmates or students.
Share knowledge, answer questions, and provide constructive feedback.
Organize study groups or workshops to facilitate collaborative learning.

Design and model a simple product using Fusion 360

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Creating a product design project applies Fusion 360 skills and encourages creative problem-solving.

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Identify a simple product to design.
Sketch and brainstorm design ideas.
Use Fusion 360 to create a 3D model of the product.
Generate technical drawings and documentation.

Create a blog, article, or video tutorial on Fusion 360

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Creating content helps solidify understanding, contribute to the Fusion 360 community, and share knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Choose a topic related to Fusion 360 that you are knowledgeable about.
Write a well-structured and informative blog post, article, or create a video tutorial.
Share your content on relevant platforms or communities.

Participate in Fusion 360 design competitions or hackathons

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Competitions provide a challenging environment to showcase skills, learn from others, and stay updated on industry trends.

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Find and register for relevant Fusion 360 competitions.
Collaborate with others or work independently on design submissions.
Attend competition events and present designs.

Contribute to open-source Fusion 360 projects or communities

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Contributing to open-source projects enhances collaboration and knowledge-sharing, while deepening understanding of Fusion 360.

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Explore open-source Fusion 360 projects and communities.
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills or knowledge.
Submit bug reports, code contributions, or documentation improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Digital Manufacturing with Autodesk Fusion 360 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician

A Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician uses software to create 2D and 3D models and technical drawings. These models help other professionals, such as engineers and architects, visualize and design new products or structures. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ is one type of CAD software, and this course provides foundational concepts as well as real-world skills to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician

Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer combines creativity with an understanding of production methods and materials to design and develop products that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ is cloud-based software that can be used for both design and prototyping, helping Industrial Designers bring products to life more efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, builds, and tests mechanical systems and components. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ is software that helps Mechanical Engineers turn concepts into designs, and then into prototypes and finished products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer plans and oversees the production of goods. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Manufacturing Engineers develop and optimize production processes, as well as create instructions for manufacturing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Production Manager

A Production Manager plans, organizes, and directs the production of goods. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can be used by Production Managers to plan and optimize production schedules, as well as track progress and identify areas for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Manager

Quality Control Inspector

A Quality Control Inspector ensures that products meet quality standards. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can be used to create inspection plans and checklists, as well as track and analyze inspection results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Inspector

Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer provides technical support to customers and helps them choose the right products and services. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ is a versatile software that can be used for a variety of applications, and Sales Engineers with knowledge of this software can better assist customers with their needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals and training materials. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ is a complex software, and Technical Writers with knowledge of this software can create more accurate and helpful documentation.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and directs projects. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Project Managers track project progress, identify risks, and communicate with stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Product Designer

A Product Designer creates new products, from concept to production. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Product Designers develop and refine their designs, and create prototypes for testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Materials Engineer

A Materials Engineer researches and develops new materials, and tests and analyzes the properties of materials. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Materials Engineers simulate the behavior of materials under different conditions, and optimize the design of products based on material properties.

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Ergonomist

An Ergonomist designs and evaluates workplaces, products, and systems to ensure that they are safe and comfortable for people to use. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Ergonomists create 3D models of workplaces and products, and simulate how people will interact with them.

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Safety Engineer

A Safety Engineer identifies and assesses hazards, and develops and implements safety programs. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Safety Engineers create 3D models of workplaces and products, and simulate potential hazards.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst develops and implements quality assurance plans, and monitors and evaluates the quality of products and services. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Quality Assurance Analysts create inspection plans and checklists, and track and analyze inspection results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. Autodesk® Fusion 360™ can help Environmental Engineers create 3D models of environmental systems, and simulate the impact of different design decisions on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer