Introduction

In our third session together, we will get hands-on with e3D Design using either:

  • AutoDesk TinkerCad, an easy to learn web browser-based 3D design software tool that is perfect for 3D Design beginners.
  • AutoDesk’s Fusion, a professional-grade 3D modelling program that is free to use for students and hobbyists.

“Autodesk Tinkercad’s user-friendly interface makes it an ideal starting point for individuals of all ages to learn about 3D modeling, electronics, and coding. It’s a great tool for anyone interested in making and creating, allowing them to bring ideas to life through 3D printing or by building prototypes. Tinkercad is widely used in schools to teach 3D design, coding, and electronics in an engaging way.” – Gemini 2025

AutoDesk Fusion Logo

“AutoDesk Fusion is a 3D design software used for product design, engineering, and product testing. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including the ability to create models using CAD, engineering drawings, photos, and videos. With Fusion 360, you can create 3D designs, collaborate, manage data, create toolpaths, and run simulations to validate your designs. It is also the tool of choice for manufacturing, machining, engineering, woodworking, and industrial design experts.” – Autodesk website

Learning Objectives

  • Create a personal TinkerCad account -OR- Install Autodesk Fusion (students & educators -OR- non-education personal use) on your laptop
  • Either:
    • Successfully complete the UVic Libraries Digital Scholarship Commons Introduction to 3D Design workshop with TinkerCad
      –OR–
    • Successfully complete the UVic Libraries Digital Scholarship Commons Intermediate 3D Design workshop with Fusion
  • Use the logo that you created in our first workshop as part of your 2D Design activity
  • Understand the limitations of intro CAD programs
  • Measure an object accurately using callipers
  • Prepare your model for 3D printing

Pre-Workshop Activities (30 min)

Please complete the following pre-class work by watching the following videos and reflecting on how 3D designs could be a useful skill for you as a maker and innovator:

Introduction to Tinkercad (3 min)

Navigating the Fusion 360 Interface (9 min)

OPTIONAL: How to 3D Model a Lego Brick (7 min)

Create an AutoDesk TinkerCad Account

  • Set up a “Personal Account” on the AutoDesk TinkerCad Website (not a student account)

Download & Install AutoDesk Fusion (OPTIONAL)

  • The free Educationally Licensed version of Fusion 360 on your personal laptop.
  • Note that you’ll need to create an AutoDesk account, and then affirm that you are a student before you can download and install Fusion 360.
  • To download and install, please Start Here.

OPTIONAL: Learn to use Fusion 360 in 30 days for complete beginners. The Lego video above is the first of the series which includes 30 videos ranging in length from 10 minutes to 15 minutes (although it typically took Rich about 30 minutes to complete each daily activity. If you want to learn how to design a wide variety of 3D objects, this tutorial series will introduce you to most of the skills you will need in order to create some amazing designs and models!

Class Time (15 min)

If you can’t make it to the workshop, please review the Lecture slides or watch the lecture video below

  • Discuss a range of 3D Design & 3D Print use cases
  • Review other 3D prototyping methods along with their strengths and weaknesses
  • Introduction to Fusion 360
  • Q&A

Hands-on Lab Time (1.5 hrs)

Tinkercad Sill Building (50 min)

Please start by looking over the Design Tips tool page that is part of the workshop, and before you start to work on a new design: Design & Print Tips Handout

Next, select one of the following list of workshop activities on the Tinkercad workshop website that looks most interesting to you. They are roughly ordered by difficulty, so if you’re new to 3D design, you might want to start with the keychain activity, and then go from there. Please note that there is no need to complete all of the activities:

Fusion Skill Building – OPTIONAL (60 min)

Please work through the activities in the following order. There is no need to complete all of the activities:

  1. Getting started (5 min)
  2. Design a phone stand (20 min)
  3. Create a push pin (20 min)
  4. OPTIONAL: Create a Lego brick (30 min)

Critical Reflection (20 min)

  • Your experience creating your objects in Tinkercad or Fusion?
  • Continue brainstorming ideas for your major project (no decision on your final project needs to be made at this time, and you may decide to do something else later in the workshop series)

References

Why logo design matters. (n.d.). Canva. Retrieved 27 June 2023, from https://www.canva.com/logos/logos-for-beginners/

Kennedy, K. (2023). Learn Autodesk Fusion 360 in 30 Days for Complete Beginners! Product Design Online. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrZ2zKOtC_-C4rWfapgngoe9o2-ng8ZBr

McCue, R. (2023). 3D Design with Fusion 360. UVic Libraries DSC Workshops. https://uviclibraries.github.io/fusion360/

McCue R. (2023, July 21). Signet Ring creation in Fusion 360. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ikpjoT7tOY