About this course: 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
Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Taught by: Jeffrey Smith, Education Manager
Autodesk
| Basic Info | Course 3 of 5 in the 3D Printing Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | English |
| Hardware Req | A Computer capable of running Autodesk Fusion 360, Tinkercad and Sketchbook |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.
1 video, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Welcome to 3D Printing Software!
- Reading: Syllabus
- Reading: About the Discussion Forums
- Reading: Glossary
- Practice Quiz: Orientation Quiz
- Reading: Updating Your Profile
- Discussion Prompt: Getting to Know Your Classmates
- Reading: Social Media
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.
3 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Module 1 Overview
- Video: Introduction to Sketching
- Video: Why We Sketch
- Video: Sketchbook Basics
- Practice Quiz: Module 1
Graded: Module 1: Shapes
WEEK 2
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.
1 video, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Module 2 Overview
- Video: Tinkercad
- Practice Quiz: Module 2 Quiz
Graded: Tinkercad Assignment
WEEK 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.
9 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Module 3 Overview
- Video: Introduction to Fusion 360
- Video: Navigating the User Interface
- Video: Managing Files in Data Panel and A360
- Video: Working with Primitives
- Video: Sketch-Based Construction
- Video: Additional Help with Sketch-based Tools
- Video: Using Bodies and Components
- Video: Creating Bodies 1
- Video: Creating Bodies 2
- Practice Quiz: Module 3 Quiz
Graded: Fusion (Basic)
WEEK 4
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.
7 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Module 4 Overview
- Video: Pushing the Purple Button
- Video: Using the Sculpt Tool 1
- Video: Using the Sculpt Tool 2
- Video: Using the Sculpt Tool 3
- Video: Using the Sculpt Tool 4
- Video: Why to Render
- Video: How to Render
- Practice Quiz: Module 4 Quiz
Graded: Fusion (Advanced)
WEEK 5
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).
9 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Module 5 Overview
- Video: Introduction to 3D Scanning
- Video: Examples of 3D Scanning from CUC Fab Lab
- Video: Microsoft Kinect and Structure Sensor for iPad
- Video: Next Engine
- Video: Your Smartphone and 123D Catch
- Video: Post-processing Your 3D Scans
- Video: What Will You Scan?
- Video: Visualization Lab at the Beckman Institute
- Video: Photogrammetry: An Artist’s Perspective
- Practice Quiz: Module 5 Quiz
- Discussion Prompt: 3D Scanning as a disruptor
Graded: Scanning
WEEK 6
Course Conclusion
1 video
- Video: 3D Printing Software Wrap-Up
- Discussion Prompt: Final Reflections
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
The most difficult but the most exciting course in the specialization.
This was a very well thought out course and learned a lot from the Instructor.
Great class.
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This course has been phenomenal. Initially it was quite challenging and I certainly had my fair share of frustrations trying to get a hang of Fusion 360. However, by the end of this course it has been quite a rewarding experience. I've learnt pretty much during the last few weeks that I've been working on 3D printing software course. I very much hope that the hardware course is released ASAP so I could proceed with the 3D printing specialization. Thanks!