Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 from Coursera

Designing a product is only part of the process. Now, can that product be manufactured? A CNC machinist works with computer numeric controlled (CNC) machines from generating the machine code to machine setup and run. Understanding both CAD and CAM is essential to this portion of a design. Even if you are not the end user who programs a machine, it is invaluable to know how it’s done. This knowledge translates directly to part design by helping make intelligent design decisions with manufacturing in mind. This course introduces you to the integrated CAD/CAM approach behind Fusion 360 CAD/CAM as well as 3D printed design setup and finally assembly and testing. All stages of product design in one place!

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the Fusion 360 integrated CAD/CAM manufacturing workflow.

• Summarize the trends that are influencing the future of manufacturing.

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

• Set up a Flight Controller.

• Assemble a quadcopter.

• Fly the final design.

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

Waterjet Program

Most retail production quad and multirotor chassis are made of flat plates of carbon fiber or injection molded plastic. Flat plates of composite materials are often cut on a machine that uses high pressure water and abrasives. This allows you to cut almost any material without introducing heat, which could affect its structure and properties. In this week's lessons, we'll explore how to setup and validate a 2D waterjet cut on a quadcopter chassis.

Propeller Program

Autodesk® Fusion 360™ is capable of much more complex CNC programs beyond a 2D cut. We explore some of the advanced functionality by creating toolpaths on a propeller to explore multi-axis machining.

Quadcopter Assembly

You finally have a complete design and all the parts in hand, now what? This stage of the process can be a rather large task the first time through. From complex wiring, cable management, and overall assembly, we will step through the process. Even if you aren’t designing and building your own quadcopter, this is great information to have for when you do.

Setup and Test Flights

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable as a beginner-friendly entry point to advanced machinists seeking to design and prototype products

Introduces students to the full product design process, from CAD to CAM to assembly

Taught by instructors from the industry leader in CAD/CAM software for manufacturing, Autodesk

Students learn in-demand skills in manufacturing, which can increase career prospects

Opportunity to build and test a quadcopter, providing hands-on experience in assembly and testing

The course requires access to relevant software and equipment, which may not be readily available to all learners

Learners may encounter outdated versions of software, as the course content may not be updated as quickly as software versions

Reviews summary

Easy-to-use manufacturing course

Learners say Autodesk Fusion 360 Manufacturing Process is an outstanding course for beginners wanting to learn Fusion 360. Engaging assignments, great instructors, and easy-to-follow lessons make this a largely positive experience with very little criticism.

Great course for those new to Fusion 360.

"Great course to get acquainted with the basics of CAD modeling."

"I did not know a lot about CAM until I did this courseThank you for the well-structured material."

Mixed opinions on peer reviews.

"Peer Graded Assignment Review Need To Be Fast .. By The Way A Great Experience n Knowledge I Gain is Absolutely Incredible ."

"good course but please remove peer review system instead of that instructor much check all designs because no everyone approve your work. so pleaseeeeee remove peers review."

Course focuses heavily on drone building.

"Not much on Fusion 360, more like a course teaching how to make Drones."

"Like many have previously mentioned, this is more of a drone assembly course than a course that teaches you manufacturing in Autodesk Fusion 360."

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 Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 with these activities:

Review fundamentals of programming

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Review the basic concepts of programming, such as variables, data types, and control flow, to strengthen your foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals

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Read through introductory materials on programming fundamentals
Complete practice exercises on basic programming concepts

Attend a CAD/CAM study group

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Join a study group with other students to discuss CAD/CAM concepts, share knowledge, and work together on projects, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration.

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Find or establish a CAD/CAM study group
Attend regular meetings
Collaborate on projects and assignments

Practice CAD/CAM exercises

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Reinforce your grasp of CAD/CAM concepts by completing hands-on exercises that involve designing and simulating manufacturing processes.

Browse courses on CNC Programming

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Select exercises that cover different aspects of CAD/CAM
Design and model a simple object using CAD software
Generate toolpaths and simulate the manufacturing process using CAM software

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Waterjet programming exercises

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Gain proficiency in waterjet programming by working through exercises that involve creating and optimizing cutting paths for 2D materials.

Browse courses on CNC Machining

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Learn the fundamentals of waterjet programming
Create cutting paths for various 2D shapes
Simulate and optimize the cutting process

Design and build a custom quadcopter part

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Apply your knowledge of CAD/CAM and quadcopter assembly to design and build a custom part for a quadcopter, reinforcing your understanding of the entire design and manufacturing process.

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Identify a specific part of the quadcopter to design
Use CAD software to model and design the part
Generate toolpaths and manufacture the part using CAM software
Assemble the part into the quadcopter

Career center

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

CNC Machinist

A CNC Machinist is a skilled professional who uses computer-controlled machines to create precision parts for various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides a strong foundation in CNC machining concepts and software, enabling graduates to operate CNC machines effectively and efficiently. By mastering the integrated CAD/CAM workflow and understanding the latest trends in manufacturing, graduates will be well-prepared to succeed in this in-demand field.

See salaries and explore the career path for CNC Machinist

CAD Designer

A CAD Designer uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 3D models and technical drawings for various industries, including architecture, engineering, and product design. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course introduces the essential concepts of CAD and CAM, enabling graduates to design and develop products with precision and efficiency. By gaining proficiency in Fusion 360, graduates will be highly competitive in the job market and well-equipped to excel as CAD Designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Designer

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and implements manufacturing processes to optimize production efficiency and minimize costs. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides a solid understanding of the manufacturing workflow, from design to assembly. Graduates will gain valuable insights into the latest manufacturing technologies and best practices, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve manufacturing operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Product Designer

A Product Designer combines creativity and technical expertise to design and develop new products. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course equips graduates with the skills to translate product ideas into functional prototypes and production-ready designs. By mastering the integrated CAD/CAM approach, graduates will be able to create innovative products that meet market needs and manufacturing constraints.

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Quality Control Inspector

A Quality Control Inspector ensures that products meet quality standards and specifications. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control techniques. Graduates will be able to identify and address quality issues, ensuring that products are safe, reliable, and meet customer requirements.

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Production Supervisor

A Production Supervisor oversees the production process, ensuring that products are manufactured efficiently and according to specifications. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides a holistic view of the manufacturing workflow, from design to assembly. Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills to effectively manage production teams, optimize processes, and meet production targets.

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Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains robots for various applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides a foundation in manufacturing processes and CAD/CAM software, enabling Robotics Engineers to design and build robots that can operate effectively in manufacturing environments.

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Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs, develops, and operates chemical plants and processes. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides an understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, enabling Chemical Engineers to make informed decisions about plant design and production.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and analyzes mechanical systems and components. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides a strong foundation in manufacturing processes and CAD/CAM software. Graduates will be able to apply their engineering knowledge to design and develop products that meet functional and manufacturing requirements.

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Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer combines aesthetics and functionality to create products that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides an introduction to manufacturing processes and materials, enabling Industrial Designers to make informed decisions about product design and manufacturability.

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Automotive Engineer

An Automotive Engineer designs, develops, and tests vehicles and related systems. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides an understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, enabling Automotive Engineers to make informed decisions about vehicle design and production.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides an understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, enabling Civil Engineers to make informed decisions about infrastructure design and construction.

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Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs, develops, and tests medical devices and related systems. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides an understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, enabling Biomedical Engineers to make informed decisions about medical device design and production.

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Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides an understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, enabling Aerospace Engineers to make informed decisions about aircraft design and production.

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Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical systems and components. The Manufacturing Process with Autodesk Fusion 360 course provides an understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, enabling Electrical Engineers to make informed decisions about electrical system design and production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer