3D DESIGN TRAINING
CAD Choices
Best overall: Fusion 360
AutoDesk's Fusion 360 stands out as a user-friendly and very capable platform for new designers to learn CAD. Unlike AutoDesk Inventor or AutoCAD, Dassault's SolidWorks or CATIA, PTC Creo Parametric, and Siemens Solid Edge, Fusion 360 provides all of the basic features needed for virtually every single piece design and simple assemblies without breaking the bank. In fact, the best part about Fusion 360 is that MSU provides students, faculty, and staff with a free education license of Fusion 360!
To get Fusion 360, first make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Then, students, faculty, and staff of MSU may go to https://www.its.msstate.edu/ and click on "Software" in the navbar, then "AutoDesk products". Select the appropriate link for your use case and click the link to AutoDesk's website to "Get Started" (As of 2023/01/06, here is the direct link to start). If you have any issues downloading or installing the software, contact the Physics Shop Manager.
There are many other softwares that revolve around different objectives and workflows. For example, ZBrush is the industry standard for sculpting and Blender is good for animations (see our animations training). 99.9% of Physics design needs are satisfied by Fusion 360 in the Product Design and Manufacturing workflow.
How to Learn
The Principles of Learning will help you learn to the max!
I would begin by watching two good tutorials "for beginners" (see Recommended Tutorials below), then immediately start designing your current project or an object on your desk.
You will learn better and faster if you try first, then ask for help when you get stuck. The Physics Lab Operations Manager is available to offer direction and advice.
Optional certificate
3 test parts
1... 2... 3...
Download certificate
Download certificate here.Fill in your name and sign. Ask Chase for other signature.