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Vladimir Mariano

The real magic in 3D printing happens when you are able to create your own designs. We will learn how to use Autodesk Fusion 360 to design ten practical and functional products that can be 3D printed. Each lesson will build on the prior to introduce design concepts and best practices when when designing for desktop 3D printers. Fusion 360 is free for students and hobbyists and is a very powerful designing tool. By the end of the course you will have the skills and confidence to begin creating your own designs and start turning your ideas into physical objects.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Learn the skills to design your own models for 3d printing using autodesk fusion 360, a very powerful and free software for 3d design.

Syllabus

Getting Started
Introduction
Download Fusion 360

How to download Fusion 360. 

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Description of the new user interface.

  1. Design a Thingamabob
    1. Intro to the User Interface
      1. File Menu
      2. Data Panel
      3. Toolbar
      4. Browser
      5. View Cube
    2. Intro to Sketching
      1. Line tool
      2. Circle tool
      3. Rectangle Tool
    3. Intro to Modeling
      1. Extrude New Body
      2. Extrude a Cut
    4. Navigation
      1. Orbit
      2. Pan
      3. Zoom

Change Units, grid settings, and scroll direction

How to leave a review and print your certificate of completion.

  1. Design a Pair of Tweezers
    1. Sketch Concepts
      1. Arc
      2. Trim
      3. Offset
      4. Normal/Constraint Lines
      5. Extend
      6. Center Rectangle
      7. Sketch Dimensions
      8. Angle Dimensions
      9. Parallel Constraints
    2. Modeling Concepts
      1. Extrude
      2. Fillet
  1. How to Export for 3D Printing
    1. Export Directly to Printing Software
    2. Export STL File
  1. Design a Coat Hook
    1. Sketch Concepts
      1. Mirror
      2. Slice
    2. Modeling Concepts
      1. Tapered Extrusions
  1. Design a Wrench
    1. Reinforce working with with previously learned sketching and modeling concepts and tools.
  1. Design a Vacuum Nozzle
    1. Sketching Concepts
      1. Project/Include
      2. Modeling Concepts
        1. Loft
        2. Offset Plane
        3. Shell
  1. Design a Tablespoon
    1. Modeling Concepts
      1. Revolve
      2. Boolean Operations
        1. Combine
        2. Cut
      3. Calculate Volume
  1. Design a Soap Dish
    1. Sketching Concepts
      1. Rectangular Pattern
    2. Modeling Concepts
      1. Working with Components
      2. Tolerance
      3. Web
  1. Design a Bottle Opener
    1. Sketching Concepts
      1. Spline
      2. Move
    2. Modeling Concepts
      1. Construct a Mid Plane
      2. Symmetric Extrusion
      3. Section Analysis
      4. Mirror Model Using the Pattern Feature
  1. Design a Taco Stand
    1. Reinforce previously learned modeling concepts and tools
  1. Design a Ship Wheel Pendant
    1. Sketching Concepts
      1. Colinear Constraint
    2. Modeling Concepts
      1. Revolve
      2. Circular Pattern
      3. Split Body
      4. Chamfer
  1. Design a Hair Comb
    1. Modeling Concepts
      1. Rectangular Pattern
      2. Using the Spline Tool to Create a Curved Extrusion

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides tool skills for designing your own 3D models
Develops design concepts for 3D printing
Taught by instructors recognized in the field of 3D printing
Reinforces skills with multiple design challenges
Builds a strong foundation for future 3D printing projects
Suitable for free hobbyist use by students

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Reviews summary

Practical 3d design with fusion 360

According to students, this course offers a highly practical and beginner-friendly introduction to designing for 3D printing using Fusion 360. Learners particularly praise the clear and concise instruction provided by the instructor, making complex concepts easy to grasp. The curriculum is lauded for its hands-on approach, featuring numerous functional projects that build confidence and provide applicable skills immediately. While focused on foundational concepts, it equips students, from hobbyists to aspiring professionals, with the essential tools to transform ideas into physical objects, despite minor evolutions in the software's user interface.
Minor differences in Fusion 360 UI, easily manageable.
"Occasionally, the Fusion 360 interface shown in the videos was slightly different from the current version, but it was easy to adapt."
"Some menu items have moved since the course was recorded, which required a quick search but didn't hinder progress."
"The instructor hasn't updated all videos for the latest Fusion 360 UI, but the core concepts are timeless and still work."
Excellent starting point for new Fusion 360 users.
"As a complete beginner to Fusion 360 and 3D design, this course was perfect to get me started."
"It builds from the ground up, making it ideal for anyone who's never touched CAD software before."
"I felt empowered to create my own designs after completing this, even with no prior experience."
Hands-on projects build confidence for real-world application.
"I loved that we designed actual functional items, not just theoretical models. It made the learning tangible."
"The projects were super practical, and I've already printed a few of the designs for use around the house!"
"Each design task was well-structured and provided great hands-on experience, reinforcing the tools learned."
Instructor excels at explaining complex concepts clearly.
"The instructor has a great teaching style; everything was explained precisely and was easy to follow."
"I really appreciated how the instructor broke down each concept into digestible steps, making Fusion 360 less intimidating."
"His explanations were incredibly clear, even for someone like me who was completely new to 3D design software."
Provides strong basics, but not for advanced design techniques.
"This course is excellent for fundamentals, but intermediate users might find it too basic."
"While it covers the essentials thoroughly, I was hoping for more advanced modeling tips and tricks."
"It's a great intro, but don't expect to dive deep into complex surfacing or highly intricate assemblies."

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 Designing for 3D Printing with Fusion 360 with these activities:
Identify a Mentor
Having a mentor can provide you with guidance, support, and valuable insights.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors in your network or online.
  • Reach out to them and express your interest in their mentorship.
  • Set up regular meetings to discuss your progress and get feedback.
Join a 3D Modeling Community
Joining a community can provide you with support, resources, and opportunities to share your work and learn from others.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Search for online or local 3D modeling communities.
  • Join the community and introduce yourself.
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own work.
Review of 3D Modeling Concepts
Reviewing these tutorials will help you gain a foundational understanding of key 3D modeling concepts.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Watch video tutorials on YouTube or Udemy.
  • Follow along with the tutorials and practice the techniques shown.
  • Create your own simple 3D models to apply what you've learned.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Simple 3D Model
Designing a 3D model will allow you to apply the concepts you've learned and reinforce your understanding.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Choose a simple object to model, such as a cube or a sphere.
  • Use Autodesk Fusion 360 to create a sketch of your object.
  • Extrude the sketch to create a 3D model.
  • Save and export your 3D model.
Attend a 3D Modeling Workshop
Attending a workshop can provide you with hands-on experience and in-depth learning.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Search for local or online 3D modeling workshops.
  • Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.
Complete Practice Exercises
Completing these exercises will help you practice and refine your 3D modeling skills.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find online or offline practice exercises.
  • Follow the instructions provided in the exercises.
  • Check your results to identify areas for improvement.
Participate in a 3D Modeling Contest
Participating in a contest can challenge your skills, push you to learn new techniques, and showcase your abilities.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Research and identify 3D modeling contests that align with your interests.
  • Develop a concept and design your 3D model.
  • Submit your entry and follow the contest guidelines.

Career center

Learners who complete Designing for 3D Printing with Fusion 360 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
3D Modeler
A 3D Modeler creates three-dimensional models of objects using computer-aided design software. This course focuses on the basics of 3D modeling using Fusion 360, which will provide a good foundation for this role.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician
A CAD Technician uses computer-aided design software to create technical drawings and models. This course focuses on the basics of CAD using Fusion 360, which will provide a good foundation for this role.
Technical Illustrator
A Technical Illustrator creates technical drawings and illustrations of objects and structures. This course focuses on the basics of computer aided design using Fusion 360, which will provide a good foundation for this role.
Product Designer
A Product Designer designs, develops, and evaluates products. This course focuses on the basics of product design using Fusion 360, which will provide a good foundation for this role.
Architect
An Architect designs, plans, and oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. This course focuses on the basics of computer aided design using Fusion 360, which will provide a good foundation for this role.
Mechanical Drafter
A Mechanical Drafter creates technical drawings and models of mechanical parts and assemblies. This course focuses on the basics of computer aided design using Fusion 360, which will provide a good foundation for this role.
CAD Engineer
A CAD Engineer designs, creates, and modifies computer-aided designs. This course focuses on the basics of computer aided design using Fusion 360, which will provide a good foundation for this role.
Industrial Designer
An Industrial Designer develops the look and functionality of products that are mass-produced using advanced design software. This course teaches you the basics of Autodesk Fusion 360 which is a very powerful software used in the industry. Learning this software may help you when getting started in this career path.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems. This course will help you to learn the basics of computer aided design which is fundamental to the role.
Product Design Engineer
Product Design Engineers take products from concept to mass production. This course will teach the basics of product design using industry standard software.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers oversee the manufacturing process of products. This course introduces the fundamentals of computer aided design commonly used in the field.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Engineers design, develop, and test vehicles. This course may help build a foundation for this role with its computer aided design lessons.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft and spacecraft. This course helps build a foundation for this role with its computer aided design lessons.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may help build a foundation for this role with its computer aided design lessons.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. This course may help build a foundation for this role with its computer aided design lessons.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Designing for 3D Printing with Fusion 360.
Provides a comprehensive overview of additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the different technologies and their applications.
Classic in the field of design. It provides insights into the principles of good design, which can be applied to any field, including 3D printing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of 3D printing, including the different types of printers, materials, and software. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the process of 3D printing.
Can help you attain more in-depth knowledge of 3D modeling, printing, and other related industry topics.
Explores the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the future of 3D printing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the STL file format, which is commonly used for 3D printing. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the technical aspects of 3D printing.

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