or Fusion360 for more advanced applications
At the convergence of computers and mechanical systems is CAD, a virtual space to build and test our preliminary designs as 3D models.
Modeling and spatial reasoning are two of the fundamental creative thinking tools we develop through practicing CAD. Models help us visualize different dimensions or scales and ultimately, we translate them directly into reality with 3D printing.
Test your spatial reasoning skills: here
TinkerCAD is our go-to CAD platform. It’s cloud-based, works on a variety of devices in-browser, and can be easily accessed for free with a Google sign-in.
Fusion360 introduces the professional engineering standard in 3D CAD and opens a range of advanced manufacturing processes and analyses. A one-year educational license of Fusion 360 is available here.
Our student interns have compiled a series of independently led activities to help learn how to use TinkerCAD:
- TinkerCAD walkthrough: Learn how to use basic shapes and commands
- Applications of CAD: Learn how to reverse engineer and make a motor mount
- How to make your own pincer claws: Learn dimensioning, group, mirror, duplicate, scribble and many useful commands to make your own designs
Here are additional at-home tools and resources to help students learn more about CAD:
- GrabCAD: community resources like tutorials for TinkerCAD and Fusion 360 are available with a free account https://grabcad.com/
For a crash course on TinkerCAD, we recommend “Learning TinkerCAD” from LinkedIn Learning.
On the right, we have the intro video and link for this short course.