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).
3D Printing Software
3D Printing Software
This course is part of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization
Instructor: Jeffrey Smith
44,673 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(537 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 15 hours
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Sketch out idea that can be turned into 3D designs
Model ideas in 3D and convert to 3D printable designs
Scan people and objects for 3D printing
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 7 modules in this course
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.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt1 plugin
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.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
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.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment1 peer review
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.
What's included
9 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
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.
What's included
7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
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).
What's included
9 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 discussion prompt1 plugin
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (90 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Frequently asked questions
Please select the following links to copy and paste into your browser's search bar to view the technological 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
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.