CAD 101: Parametric Modeling with Fusion 360

Parametric modeling is the language of engineering design. This course builds a solid working methodology in Fusion 360 – from a first sketch to an assembly with moving parts, ready to export to a slicer.

What you will learn

• The logic of a parametric timeline and why feature order matters
• Disciplined sketching with constraints and parameters instead of hard-coded dimensions
• Basic and advanced features: extrude, revolve, sweep, loft, shell, fillet
• Working with components, joints and motion studies in an assembly
• Managing design intent through user parameters and configurations
• Exporting STEP, STL and 3MF at the right resolution for AM
• DfAM principles in the context of a parametric model

Course outline

• Lesson 1: Interface, navigation cube and the Browser
• Lesson 2: Sketch fundamentals – constraints, dimensions, projections
• Lesson 3: Solid features – extrude, revolve, hole, pattern
• Lesson 4: Surface and hybrid modeling for complex shapes
• Lesson 5: Assemblies – components, joints, contact sets
• Lesson 6: Parameters, configurations and derive
• Lesson 7: Preparation for 3D printing – export and mesh settings
• Lesson 8: Final project – a functional camera mount

Prerequisites

Basic computer skills. Familiarity with the concepts of length, angle and tolerance is recommended, but no prior CAD experience is required.

Outcome

You can model functional parts and assemblies with a clean parametric timeline, make changes without breaking geometry, and export files ready for FDM, SLA or SLS production.

Who it is for

Engineers, product designers, mechanical engineering students, makers moving from mesh modeling to a parametric approach, and owners of 3D printing service bureaus.