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Introduction to 3D Modeling
Abstract Introduction to 3D modeling is a beginner level CAD course focusing on easing the transition from 2D to 3D design skills, using Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD CAM. The course includes introductions to industry standard 3D modeling techniques and skills and covers four main types of 3D modeling in Fusion 360. These are Sketching and Parametric modeling, Freeform modeling and sculpting, Direct modeling and Assembly Modeling. Whether you are a designer, engineer, machinist, maker, artist, teacher, student, or just plain curious, this course will help you to take your first steps and make the transition to professional 3D modeling. Through a series of easy to follow video tutorials and 3D modeling exercises, the course will equip you with the necessary professional competencies required for 3D modeling and design.
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Introduction to 3D Modeling .................................................................................................... 3 Lesson 3. Overview of types of Modeling and workspaces in Fusion 360 ................................ 4
Overview of Parametric Modeling in Fusion 360 ............................................................................ 5 Overview of Freeform Modeling and Sculpting in Fusion 360 ........................................................ 5 Overview of Direct Modeling in Fusion 360 .................................................................................... 6 Overview of Assembly Modeling in Fusion 360 ............................................................................... 6
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Introduction to 3D Modeling The main aim of this course is to help ease the learning transition from 2D design to 3D modeling. 3D modeling using CAD is a superb additional skillset for any product designer, engineer, or machinist and being able to use Fusion 360 CAD/CAM will enable you to take an excellent idea from a concept, through to a working 3D CAD model for manufacture, testing and production. Fusion 360 and Autodesk Design Academy provide extensive learning resources which make it incredibly easy to use CAD and learn how to 3D Model. Furthermore, Fusion 360 is free to students and educators, works on both Apple and PC operating systems, on multiple devices and platforms. If you are looking to make the transition from 2D to 3D modeling -‐ this course has been developed to guide you through the process and have you up and running, developing design for professional 3D models after a few short lessons.
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Lesson 3. Overview of types of Modeling and workspaces in Fusion 360
With Fusion 360, you can 3D Model in a number of ways. The following are an overview of four types of 3D modeling which you might wish to explore in Fusion 360. We recommend that you review the overview videos and decide which type of modeling you’d like to learn first. We’ve included a Lesson for each. Watch this video for an overview of Parametric Solid Modeling in Fusion 360. After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
• Identify modeling Workspaces and Environments in Fusion 360. • Understand how Fusion 360 workspaces, environments and tools can be used to create
professional 3D models.
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Overview of Parametric Modeling in Fusion 360
Using Fusion’s Parametric modeling tools, you are able to do such things as import photographs of your favorite shapes, forms and designs, then use them as reference for your design. You can also import your 2D CAD work from multiple sources and set precise parameters and model dimensions with specific values as well as relational functions. Additionally, with Fusion’s parametric tools, you are able to make changes to the parameters and the model will update, keeping the features previously created intact.
Overview of Freeform Modeling and Sculpting in Fusion 360
Freeform Modeling and Sculpting in Fusion means that not only you can import your analogue sketches and use them as reference for your design – you can also create smooth and precise surfaces with ‘T-‐Splines’ technology or with sketch curves, patches, and extrusions. It’s easy to obtain the exact amount of curvature you want in your models by intuitively sculpting and editing the form’s face, edges, and vertices.
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Overview of Direct Modeling in Fusion 360
Fusion enables you to rapidly edit models within the same design, create base features to make conceptual models and make edits with and without tracking history. You can change individual features outside of a parametric model's history and timeline, while also maintaining parametric design history on all of your model’s other features. This is an excellent tool and has multiple uses in the professional landscape; such as when you want to quickly edit a model and make changes for a specific type of manufacture, for example.
Overview of Assembly Modeling in Fusion 360
Fusion’s Assembly environment means that you can build assemblies with bodies and components, giving you a combination of ‘top-‐down’ and ‘bottom-‐up’ strategies to improve your workflows. You can easily insert existing components to reference and update designs from other team members, or Import ‘off the shelf’ product components and parts from McMaster, for example. Additionally, with Fusion you can create working joints, link them and then drive them to validate their effectiveness through motion studies.