SOLIDWORKS CAD Fundamentals from edX

For over 25 years, SOLIDWORKS has been the trusted industry standard in mechanical design and engineering. Intuitive 3D modeling and product development solutions from SOLIDWORKS help you conceptualize, create, validate, communicate, manage, and transform your innovate ideas into great product designs.

This course uses many features to teach you the functionality of the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software, including:

Over 100 videos created by SOLIDWORKS experts showing how to use the software. These are the same SOLIDWORKS experts who wrote the SOLIDWORKS Essentials book that has sold over 250,000 copies in the last 10 years!
Over 200 knowledge check questions to make sure you are on track.
Over 30 practice exercises that test your ability to create sketches, parts, and assemblies as well as to edit parts and assemblies. Many of these practice exercises are graded if you choose the Verified track.

When you are done this course, you will be prepared to attempt the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) exam. SOLIDWORKS certifications can be used as a benchmark to measure your knowledge and competency with SOLIDWORKS software. The CSWA certification is the starting point for users looking to prove their knowledge to prospective employers.

What you'll learn

In this course, you will learn the fundamental aspects of the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software, including:

Creating sketches using entities such as lines, rectangles, arcs, and more. Use the Smart Dimension tool and sketch relations to define the shape and size of the sketch.
Adding features such as extruded bosses and cuts, revolves, patterns, and more to develop parts and simplify the design process.
Inserting parts into assemblies, defining the relationships between the parts using mates, and creating exploded views to visualize those relationships to make assembly modeling easy.
Creating detailed drawings and bills of materials of the parts and assemblies.
Using additional tools such as editing capabilities, configurations, reference planes and axes, and measure and mass properties.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Creating sketches using entities such as lines, rectangles, arcs, and more. use the smart dimension tool and sketch relations to define the shape and size of the sketch.
Adding features such as extruded bosses and cuts, revolves, patterns, and more to develop parts and simplify the design process.
Inserting parts into assemblies, defining the relationships between the parts using mates, and creating exploded views to visualize those relationships to make assembly modeling easy.

Creating detailed drawings and bills of materials of the parts and assemblies.
Using additional tools such as editing capabilities, configurations, reference planes and axes, and measure and mass properties.

Creating sketches using entities such as lines, rectangles, arcs, and more. use the smart dimension tool and sketch relations to define the shape and size of the sketch.
Adding features such as extruded bosses and cuts, revolves, patterns, and more to develop parts and simplify the design process.
Inserting parts into assemblies, defining the relationships between the parts using mates, and creating exploded views to visualize those relationships to make assembly modeling easy.
Creating detailed drawings and bills of materials of the parts and assemblies.
Using additional tools such as editing capabilities, configurations, reference planes and axes, and measure and mass properties.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the foundational aspects of 3D CAD software, which is standard in the mechanical engineering and design industry

Taught by SOLIDWORKS experts, who are recognized for their contributions to learning and development in the industry

Strong emphasis on practical application, with over 30 practice exercises and graded assessments to reinforce learning

Prepares learners for industry certification, a benchmark of knowledge and competency in using SOLIDWORKS

Develops a strong foundation for beginners, covering core concepts and skills in 3D CAD modeling

May require additional resources or knowledge for learners with no prior experience in 3D CAD

Reviews summary

Well-received cad fundamentals course

Learners say this is a very good SOLIDWORKS fundamentals course with clear and well-illustrated explanations. Students express strong enthusiasm to recommend this course to future learners.

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 SOLIDWORKS CAD Fundamentals with these activities:

Join a study group or online forum

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Participating in a study group or online forum will provide you with opportunities to ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate with other students.

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Find a study group or online forum that aligns with your interests.
Introduce yourself and participate in discussions.
Ask questions and share your knowledge with others.

Review the SOLIDWORKS User Guide

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Reviewing the user guide will provide you with comprehensive information on the software's features and functionality.

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Download the user guide from the SOLIDWORKS website.
Read through the guide and focus on the sections that are most relevant to your interests.

Review the SOLIDWORKS Essentials book

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Reviewing this book will help solidify essential SOLIDWORKS software concepts.

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Read the first five chapters of the book to build a foundational understanding of the software.
Go over the remaining chapters and focus on topics that interest you or that you consider need further attention.

Five other activities

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Attend a SOLIDWORKS workshop

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Attending a workshop will provide you with hands-on training and the opportunity to learn from experts.

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Identify a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate.

Complete the SOLIDWORKS Tutorials

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These tutorials will provide hands-on practice with the software, reinforcing key concepts.

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Go through the tutorials in the order they are presented.
Follow the instructions carefully and complete all of the exercises.
Refer back to the tutorials as needed while completing the course.

Complete the practice exercises

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Completing the practice exercises will help you refine your skills and master the software.

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Complete the practice exercises at the end of each module.
Review the solutions to check your answers.
Repeat the exercises until you feel confident in your abilities.

Create a 3D model of your own design

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Creating your own model will challenge you to apply the skills you have learned and deepen your understanding of the software.

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Brainstorm an idea for your model.
Sketch the design on paper.
Create the 3D model in SOLIDWORKS.
Share your model with others for feedback.

Design a product using SOLIDWORKS

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This project will allow you to apply your skills to a real-world scenario, giving you a deeper understanding of the software and its capabilities.

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Identify a problem that can be solved with a product.
Research and brainstorm solutions.
Design the product in SOLIDWORKS.
Prototype and test the product.
Present your product to others.

Career center

Learners who complete SOLIDWORKS CAD Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

CAD Technician

CAD Technicians use 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and modify designs, plans, and technical drawings. This course will help you develop the skills needed to use CAD software, including creating sketches, adding features, inserting parts into assemblies, and creating detailed drawings. These skills will be essential for success as a CAD Technician, where you will be responsible for creating 3D models and technical documentation for a variety of products and projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical systems and components. This course will help you develop the skills needed to design and build mechanical systems, including creating 3D models, performing simulations, and creating technical documentation. These skills will be essential for success as a Mechanical Engineer, where you will be responsible for designing and developing new products and technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Product Designer

Product Designers create and develop new products, from concept to production. This course will help you develop the skills needed to design and develop new products, including creating 3D models, prototyping, and testing. These skills will be essential for success as a Product Designer, where you will be responsible for creating new and innovative products that meet the needs of consumers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers create and develop the form and function of products. This course will help you develop the skills needed to create and develop new products, including creating 3D models, prototyping, and testing. These skills will be essential for success as an Industrial Designer, where you will be responsible for creating new and innovative products that meet the needs of consumers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Technical Illustrator

Technical Illustrators create and develop technical illustrations, such as diagrams, schematics, and manuals. This course will help you develop the skills needed to create and develop technical illustrations, including creating 3D models, creating technical drawings, and writing technical documentation. These skills will be essential for success as a Technical Illustrator, where you will be responsible for creating clear and concise technical documentation for a variety of products and projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Illustrator

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers plan and oversee the production of products. This course will help you develop the skills needed to plan and oversee the production of products, including creating 3D models, creating production plans, and managing production processes. These skills will be essential for success as a Manufacturing Engineer, where you will be responsible for ensuring that products are produced efficiently and effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Architect

Architects design and develop buildings and other structures. This course will help you develop the skills needed to design and develop buildings and other structures, including creating 3D models, creating construction drawings, and managing construction projects. These skills will be essential for success as an Architect, where you will be responsible for designing and developing new and innovative buildings and structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Interior designer

Interior Designers create and develop the interior spaces of buildings. This course will help you develop the skills needed to create and develop interior spaces, including creating 3D models, creating interior design plans, and managing interior design projects. These skills will be essential for success as an Interior Designer, where you will be responsible for creating and developing new and innovative interior spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and develop outdoor spaces. This course will help you develop the skills needed to design and develop outdoor spaces, including creating 3D models, creating landscape design plans, and managing landscape design projects. These skills will be essential for success as a Landscape Architect, where you will be responsible for designing and developing new and innovative outdoor spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and develop infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to design and develop infrastructure, including creating 3D models and creating construction drawings. However, this course does not cover all of the skills needed to be a Civil Engineer, such as structural analysis and project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems, such as power systems, lighting systems, and control systems. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to design and develop electrical systems, including creating 3D models and creating electrical drawings. However, this course does not cover all of the skills needed to be an Electrical Engineer, such as circuit analysis and power distribution.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design and develop software applications. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to design and develop software applications, including creating 3D models and creating software documentation. However, this course does not cover all of the skills needed to be a Software Engineer, such as programming and software testing.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to research and develop new computer technologies, including creating 3D models and creating software documentation. However, this course does not cover all of the skills needed to be a Computer Scientist, such as algorithm design and data analysis.

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Mathematician

Mathematicians research and develop new mathematical theories and techniques. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to research and develop new mathematical theories and techniques, including creating 3D models and creating mathematical proofs. However, this course does not cover all of the skills needed to be a Mathematician, such as abstract algebra and calculus.

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Physicist

Physicists research and develop new physical theories and techniques. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to research and develop new physical theories and techniques, including creating 3D models and creating physical simulations. However, this course does not cover all of the skills needed to be a Physicist, such as quantum mechanics and relativity.

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