3D Printing Software from Coursera

This course will demonstrate how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects. It will also demonstrate how 3D scanners work to turn physical objects into digital designs. This course is hands-on in nature and will provide step-by-step instructions to guide you through two popular 3D modeling programs, Tinkercad and Fusion 360. Learners who complete this course will be able to use 3D software to design a wide variety of objects for both personal and professional use. In addition, learners who enroll in the course certificate will receive extended free access to Fusion 360 (provided by Autodesk).

Please copy/paste the following links to your browser's search bar to view the requirements for each of the following software elements used in this course:

Sketchbook: https://support.sketchbook.com/hc/en-us/articles/209671938-SketchBook-Desktop-System-Requirements

Tinkercad: https://support.tinkercad.com/hc/en-us/articles/205849108-What-are-Tinkercad-s-Browser-and-Platform-requirements-

Autodesk Fusion 360: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Fusion-360.html

Sketchfab: https://help.sketchfab.com/hc/en-us/articles/203059088-Compatibility

123D Catch: Same as Tinkercad

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Module 1: Design Sketching for 3D Printing

Design starts with capturing our ideas and a great starting point is to draw. In this module, you will learn how to draw and communicate your ideas. This will set you up with the foundation to express yourself in three dimensions in the subsequent modules.

Module 2: Tinkercad

Let’s move from expressing our ideas in two dimensions (sketching) to expressing them in three dimensions. You will learn how to use Tinkercad, which is a great software for beginners, before we learn more advanced modeling software (Fusion 360) in module 3.

Module 3: Fusion 360 Basics

From TinkerCAD, we are moving on to Fusion 360. This is a very powerful tool to turn your ideas into reality. You will learn the Basic user interface, to make sure you understand how to move in a 3D environment. You will learn how to build some primitive shapes and some sketch based shapes.

Module 4: Fusion 360 Advanced

From the basics, we move on to some advaned concepts. You will learn about the sculpt tool in Fusion 360. The sculpt tool gives you a lot of power, and allows everyone to build complex forms with a short learning curve.

Module 5: 3D Scanning

In this module we will cover different technologies for turning objects into 3d models. The devices we will demonstrate are the next engine 3d scanner, Microsoft Kinect, structure sensor, as well as any camera you have (including your phone).

Course Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches skills for beginners

Explores advanced software, Fusion 360, which is a standard tool in design

Covers 3D scanning technologies, which are emerging in many industries

Offers a practical, hands-on focus with step-by-step instructions

Provides extended free access to Fusion 360 through Autodesk, giving learners access to industry-standard software

Taught by Jeffrey Smith, an instructor recognized for his work in 3D printing and design

Reviews summary

Inspiring course for 3d printing software

Learners say this highly rated course offers engaging assignments and hands-on projects in 3D modeling software, such as Fusion 360, to develop skills in 3D design and 3D printing. Students report gaining valuable experience with sketching, scanning, and using industry-standard software, although some note that the course is largely focused on Autodesk products.

Covers 3D scanning techniques and introduces students to software for scanning real-world objects.

"This course has deepened my knowledge and skills in 3D printing, especially reverse engineering by using 3D scanning technologies."

Introduces learners to various 3D modeling software, including Autodesk SketchBook, Tinkercad, and Fusion 360.

"The course content is valuable and very good for students seeking to learn basics about Sketching and 3D design CAD."

Provides hands-on practice in 3D modeling software, including assignments that showcase learner's designs.

"Awesome course, assignments are really helpful to gain the experience of the software."

"Excellent course with excellent coach Mr.Jeffray Smith"

"Great begining to the 3D printing world"

Instructor Jeff Smith reportedly does not engage in class discussions or answer student questions.

"The class instructor, Jeff Smith, has never responded to a forum post or question in the history of the class."

"The fifth week of class is taught by a student rather than industry expert and he is not given teaching credit."

Material presented out of order, making it difficult to follow.

"For instance, the move triad is described in Week 4 but really needs to be introduced in Week 3 when you start using Fusion 360 for the first time."

Course may be outdated as some software mentioned is no longer available.

"The software used by the instructor is a different version with commands in different locations."

"123D Catch is no longer a product that we can use - why is there still a video teaching this in the syllabus?"

"Why hasn't this teaching been updated? This product was taken off market a year and a half ago and still the syllabus is outdated."

Focuses on Autodesk products (Sketchbook, Tinkercad, Fusion 360) and lacks comparison of other software options.

"No other design programs are mentioned much less compared and contrasted."

"Set up in this manner, it shouldn't require a $79 Coursera fee given that this is setup to capture new students into Autodesk's product line."

"Meshmixer is an Autodesk product and oddly isn't even mentioned, despite being widely used in the 3D printing community."

Peer grading system can be problematic due to a lack of expertise among student graders and inconsistent grading standards.

"Failure of student grading system, which adds to stress when paying for the class"

"Your fellow students grading you are obviously not subject-matter experts and do not have any more expertise or experience than you do."

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 3D Printing Software with these activities:

Read '3D Printing for the Small Business'

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Gain insights into the applications and benefits of 3D printing in a business context.

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Read the book to understand the potential of 3D printing.

Review Solid Modeling Fundamentals

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Refresh your understanding of solid modeling concepts to strengthen your foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Solid Modeling

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Review basic geometric shapes and their properties.
Practice creating simple 3D models using a beginner-friendly software.

Sketching Drills for 3D Design

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Sharpen your sketching skills to improve your ability to communicate design ideas.

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Practice drawing basic shapes and perspectives.
Sketch objects from different angles and viewpoints.

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Tinkercad Tutorials for Beginners

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Gain hands-on experience with Tinkercad to prepare for more advanced modeling software.

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Follow guided tutorials to create simple 3D models.
Experiment with different tools and features in Tinkercad.

Peer Review of 3D Design Projects

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Engage with peers to provide and receive constructive feedback on your designs.

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Present your 3D model to the group.
Receive feedback on design, functionality, and technical aspects.

Create a 3D Model of a Familiar Object

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Apply your skills to create a 3D model of an object you're familiar with to enhance your understanding.

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Select an object to model.
Sketch and plan the design.
Create the 3D model using your chosen software.

Fusion 360 Exercise: Sculpt Tool Mastery

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Enhance your proficiency with Fusion 360's Sculpt tool to expand your design capabilities.

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Practice using the Sculpt tool to create organic shapes.
Experiment with different brush settings and techniques.

Contribute to Open Source 3D Design Projects

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Gain experience by contributing to real-world 3D design projects.

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Find open source 3D design projects.
Contribute to the project by adding new features or improving existing ones.

Design and 3D Print a Functional Object

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Apply your skills to design and create a functional 3D printed object.

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Identify a problem or need.
Design and model the solution.
3D print and test the object.

Career center

Learners who complete 3D Printing Software will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

3D Modeler

A 3D Modeler uses software to create three-dimensional representations of objects. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician

A Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician uses computer software to create technical drawings and models. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

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

3D Printing Technician

A 3D Printing Technician operates and maintains 3D printers. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Printing Technician

Graphic designer

A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Architect

An Architect designs and oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and maintains robots. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and implements processes for the production of goods. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Animator

An Animator creates moving images, typically for film, television, video games, and other forms of media. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer combines art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts and products that shape our everyday lives. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Engineer

An Engineer designs, builds, and maintains machines, structures, and systems. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineer

Designer

A Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Designer

Product Designer

A Product Designer creates and develops new products, from concept to launch. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and builds machines and other mechanical devices. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and equipment. This course may be useful for someone who wants to get into this career because it teaches how to use 3D printing software to create digital designs that can be turned into physical objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer