This course introduces you to the foundational knowledge in computer-aided design, manufacture, and the practical use of CNC machines. In this course we begin with the basics in Autodesk® Fusion 360™ CAD by learning how to properly sketch and model 3D parts. Before we program any toolpaths, we’ll explore CNC machining basics to ensure we have the ground level foundational knowledge needed to effectively define toolpaths. Finally, we explore the basics of setting up a CAM program and defining toolpaths to cut simple geometry. This is the same basic process that gets repeated for the design and manufacture of any part and is a critical step in learning and understanding the process.
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About this Course
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Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
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Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Advanced Level
Approx. 25 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
What you will learn
Explain the CAD design process as applied to prismatic parts.
Summarize the workflow of digital manufacturing.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in basic Fusion 360 CAM.
Recall foundational knowledge of practical CNC machining.
Skills you will gain
Manufacturing Process ManagementComputer-Aided Design (CAD)Computer-Aided ManufacturingAutodesk Fusion 360Mechanical Engineering
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Advanced Level
Approx. 25 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
Autodesk
Today's challenges will be solved by tomorrow's designers. That's why Autodesk gives students, educators, and educational institutions free access to our design software, creativity apps, and learning resources. A market leader for more than 30 years, Autodesk offers the broadest and deepest portfolio of products in the design world. Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. Everyone—from design professionals, engineers and architects to digital artists, students and hobbyists—uses Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
6 hours to complete
Autodesk Fusion 360 Foundational Design concepts
In Week 1, we’ll dive right into Autodesk® Fusion 360™ to learn all the basics of navigating, sketching, and modeling. This foundations of computer-aided design with Fusion 360 are the first steps to having a digital model that can be programmed and ultimately machined. We’ll focus our energy on learning the best practices for sketching geometry, creating 3D models, and understanding basic assemblies while designing our first part.
6 hours to complete
26 videos (Total 104 min), 7 readings, 2 quizzes
26 videos
Get the software2m
Week 1 overview47s
The Fusion 360 User Interface10m
What is a workspace2m
Fusion 360 on the web8m
How to create a sketch9m
Editing a sketch4m
Sketch parameters3m
Toggling the visibility of sketches and their dimensions2m
Extruding a sketch into 3D2m
Spinning a sketch to make a solid2m
Exploring surface creation4m
Understanding modification and direct editing tools5m
Using draft and shell features3m
Creating bodies and components6m
Creating a simple detailed drawing6m
How to add symbols and notes5m
Drawings for Assemblies6m
Customizing a drawing6m
Practice exercise 1 video instructions19s
Practice exercise 1 solution1m
Practice exercise 2 video instructions21s
Practice exercise 2 solution1m
Practice exercise 3 video instructions21s
Practice exercise 3 solution4m
7 readings
Fusion 360 Foundational Design Concepts resources2m
About the discussion forum5m
Online learning communities and social media5m
Practice exercise 1 instructions30m
Practice exercise 2 instructions30m
Practice exercise 3 instructions30m
Week 1 challenge exercise2h
2 practice exercises
Pre-course quiz4m
Week 1 quiz10m
5 hours to complete
CNC and machining basics
In Week 2, we’ll expand our knowledge by exploring the basics of machining. This course can’t replace hands-on training and practical knowledge at a physical machine, but there are some basics we should really cover before we dive into programming toolpaths. We'll cover topics like coordinate systems, work holding devices, tools, and types of cutting.
5 hours to complete
16 videos (Total 35 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz
16 videos
Common materials4m
Using T slots and clamps2m
Basics of Vises1m
Vise squareness1m
CNC Machine Safety2m
How typical CNC mills move5m
How typical CNC lathes move4m
Types of milling tools2m
Types of lathe tools1m
Practice exercise 1 video instructions18s
Practice exercise 1 solution47s
Practice exercise 2 video instructions17s
Practice exercise 2 solution3m
Practice exercise 3 video instructions20s
Practice exercise 3 solution1m
5 readings
CNC and Machining Basics resources2m
Practice exercise 1 instructions30m
Practice exercise 2 instructions30m
Practice exercise 3 instructions30m
Week 2 challenge exercise2h
1 practice exercise
Week 2 quiz30m
5 hours to complete
Setting up CAM programs
In Week 3, we’ll explore all the details that go into setting up a CAM program. This involves defining stock, locating a coordinate system, and creating a digital tool library. We’ll also take a look at machine configurations, which allow us to digitally define the CNC machine and its parameters.
5 hours to complete
13 videos (Total 47 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz
13 videos
Setting up stock5m
Locating and orienting a coordinate system3m
General setup parameters4m
Creating a custom tool11m
Utilizing a tool library5m
Create a machine configuration10m
Practice exercise 1 video instructions20s
Practice exercise 1 solution1m
Practice exercise 2 video instructions20s
Practice exercise 2 solution55s
Practice exercise 3 video instructions17s
Practice exercise 3 solution1m
5 readings
Setting up CAM programs resources2m
Practice exercise 1 instructions30m
Practice exercise 2 instructions30m
Practice exercise 3 instructions30m
Week 3 challenge exercise2h
1 practice exercise
Week 3 quiz10m
10 hours to complete
Creating our first CNC program
In Week 4, we’ll start creating toolpaths by exploring 2-axis cutting and 2.5-axis cutting operations. Starting with 2-axis cutting allows us the opportunity to learn about tool motion without focusing on too many parameters at once. With a solid foundation creating toolpaths for a waterjet machine we can begin learning about milling operations that position the Z-axis depth and cut only in X and Y. In these lessons, we’ll learn some of the most common operations needed to program prismatic parts.
10 hours to complete
22 videos (Total 98 min), 5 readings, 3 quizzes
22 videos
Creating a CAM setup for waterjet3m
Filtering the sample tool library2m
Selecting edges and faces for an operation10m
Simulating a toolpath7m
Reviewing a CAM setup for a CNC mill4m
Creating a facing toolpath9m
Creating an external contour11m
Modifying a Machine configuration7m
Identifying types of pockets2m
Roughing a closed pocket4m
Roughing an open pocket4m
Rest machining pockets8m
Spot drilling holes5m
Creating a peck drilling toolpath3m
Posting G code for a basic CNC program4m
Practice exercise 1 video instructions18s
Practice exercise 1 solution1m
Practice exercise 2 video instructions16s
Practice exercise 2 solution2m
Practice exercise 3 video instructions18s
Practice exercise 3 solution1m
5 readings
Creating our first CNC program resources2m
Practice exercise 1 instructions30m
Practice exercise 2 instructions30m
Practice exercise 3 instructions30m
Week 4 challenge exercise2h
2 practice exercises
Week 4 quiz10m
Course assessment30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO CAD, CAM, AND PRACTICAL CNC MACHINING
by PLFeb 24, 2020
Extremely helpful introduction into Fusion 360. When you are done with this course you'll be able to create a design, prep for manufacturing and initial setup of your CNC (or whatever your using).
by NGApr 5, 2020
Well, structured course. Super useful for someone who designs customized machines and wants to manufacture parts for the same. Learned a lot from the Manufacture workspace of Fusion 360.
by NJJun 24, 2020
HAPPY TO ATTEND AND LEARN THIS COURSE. THE COURSE HAS REALLY ADDED VALUE TO MY LEARNING AND INITIATED THE SPARK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CAM AND CNC. THANK YOU.
by SSApr 19, 2020
in this course, I learned how to sketch and got the knowledge of tools fixtures, clamping in CNC machine as well as 2 Axis Machining and 2.5 Axis Machining.
About the Autodesk CAD/CAM for Manufacturing Specialization
Manufacturers are under more pressure than ever to deliver better products faster, at lower cost, and with less waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
How to I access Autodesk® Fusion 360™ as a student or educator?
Visit this page to learn how to download Fusion 360 and to learn about the Autodesk Education license terms.
How to I access Fusion 360 as a professional?
Professionals can purchase an annual or monthly commercial subscription to Fusion 360. For more information, visit the Fusion 360 subscribe page.
Fusion 360 is also available for free to all users as a 30-day trial.
Will I earn any type of achievement by completing this course?
Yes! You'll earn a Course Certificate from Coursera and Autodesk upon completing this course, including all graded assignments.
If you'd like to earn additional recognition from Autodesk, consider enrolling in Autodesk's CAD/CAM for Manufacturing. By completing this Specialization, you’ll unlock an Autodesk Credential as further recognition of your success! The Autodesk Credential comes with a digital badge and certificate, which you can add to your resume and share on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Sharing your Autodesk Credential can signal to hiring managers that you’ve got the right skills for the job and you’re up on the latest industry trends.
What are the system requirements for Fusion 360?
Fusion 360 is both Mac and PC compatible. System requirements can be found here.
How do I get installation support for Fusion 360?
Installation support for Fusion 360 can be found in the Autodesk Knowledge Network.
How do I share my designs on the Autodesk Fusion gallery?
How do I become an Autodesk Certified User?
The Autodesk Certified User program offers students an opportunity to validate their Fusion 360 skills to prepare for professional careers in design and engineering. The certification exam is offered through 14,000 Certiport Testing Centers, and is available to students, educators, and professionals. To learn more about the Autodesk Certified user certification, visit www.certiport.com/acu.
How do I continue building my Fusion 360 knowledge and skills once I complete the course?
If you are ready to learn new skills, build important relationships, and gain practical experience, then it’s time to embark on your path to becoming an Autodesk Student Expert. Start by entering the Student Expert Orientation.
Do I have the option to access these learning materials for free?
Yes, you do have the option to audit the courses in this specialization, subject to Coursera's terms. Please note you must audit each course individually.
When you audit a course: You'll be able to see most of the course materials for free, but you won't be able to submit assignments or get grades for your work. You won't be able to submit assignments for feedback or a grade. You also won't get a Course or Specialization Certificate.
Visit the Coursera Help Center to learn more about auditing a course.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
