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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Intro to 3d design with tinkercad & fusion 360

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to 3D printing software, starting with the beginner-friendly Tinkercad before moving to the more powerful Fusion 360. Students appreciate the hands-on approach and practical exercises that help solidify understanding. While Tinkercad is generally well-received for its ease of use, learners note that tackling Fusion 360 represents a significant step up and requires dedication due to its complexity and feature depth. The course also covers design sketching basics and various 3D scanning methods, providing a broad overview of the digital design workflow for physical objects. Some learners advise carefully checking system requirements for the software used.

Check your computer's compatibility.

"Had some trouble getting Fusion 360 installed on my machine, make sure your system is compatible."

"Pay close attention to the system requirements links provided in the course description."

"Needed to upgrade my graphics card to run Fusion 360 smoothly."

Introduces sketching and scanning.

"Liked that it started with sketching - a fundamental design skill."

"The 3D scanning module was interesting, showing different approaches beyond just modeling."

"Covers more than just modeling software, giving a view of the whole process."

Great intro using accessible software.

"Tinkercad was a perfect starting point for someone new to 3D modeling."

"I found the intro modules very accessible and easy to follow."

"The beginner section really helped build my confidence before moving on to more complex tools."

Learn by doing with practical tasks.

"I really appreciated the hands-on exercises throughout the course. Building things made it stick."

"The practical demos made the concepts much clearer than just theory."

"Building actual models was the best way to learn the software's capabilities."

Requires effort to master this tool.

"Fusion 360 felt like a big jump after Tinkercad; it took a lot more practice."

"The Fusion 360 modules were detailed but the software itself is challenging."

"Requires dedication to grasp the more advanced features shown, especially the sculpt tool."

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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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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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