• Fusion

Introduction to 3D Modeling for Manufacturing

Iterate on your designs by learning the 2D and 3D workflows that help you solve new challenges and deliver stronger projects.


Course overview

Good designers and engineers know how to explore and iterate their designs. Thankfully, computer-aided design (CAD) allows you to do just that—explore and iterate your design until the model suits your needs.

Take your next step by learning to move seamlessly between 2D sketching to 3D modeling. Uncover key Fusion workspaces, including sketching, parametric modeling, free-form modeling and sculpting, and direct and assembly modeling. Get the skills needed to use CAD from the start, applying its full capabilities when exploring and changing your designs. Explore and apply various 3D modeling techniques that bring it all together, by learning how to create technical drawings for production.

After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand the parametric CAD workflow.
  • Identify interface aspects of Fusion.
  • Create designs with mechanical motion.
  • Manipulate appearances and physical materials.
  • Create detailed drawings.

Course downloads

These downloadable resources will be used to complete modules in this course:

Course outline

1 min.

Getting started

Getting started

Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you need. 


1 hr. 30 min.

Introduction to modeling

Get a quick overview of the Fusion user interface, create a 2D sketch, 3D model and create a basic technical drawing.

Get a quick overview of the Fusion user interface, create a 2D sketch, 3D model, and create a basic technical drawing.

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Create a project in the data panel.
  • Create and edit a sketch.
  • Create and edit a 3D model.
  • Produce a 2D drawing.


1 hr. 30 min.

Introduction to parametric sketching

Dive deeper into creating robust and fully defined sketches with Fusion.

Dive deeper into creating robust and fully defined sketches with Fusion.

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Create a sketch reference plane.
  • Create sketch parameters.
  • Link dimensions and parameters.
  • Create a sketch spline.
  • Project sketch geometry.


2 hr.

Introduction to parametric modeling

Create a reciprocating saw link and trigger referencing bodies, sketches and images to create 3D geometry.

Create a reciprocating saw link and trigger referencing bodies, sketches and images to create 3D geometry.

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Use a canvas image.
  • Project edges into a sketch.
  • Create a sketch spline.
  • Apply appearances and physical materials.


2 hr.

Introduction to freeform and direct modeling

Create a reciprocating saw model using freeform modeling tools.  

Create a reciprocating saw model using freeform modeling tools.  

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

  • Create a form body.
  • Use Edit Form.
  • Insert edges.
  • Merge edges and vertices.
  • Use direct modeling tools.


1 hr. 30 min.

Introduction to assembly modeling

Use assembly modeling tools and features to create and drive mechanical motion for a reciprocating saw.

Use assembly modeling tools and features to create and drive mechanical motion for a reciprocating saw.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

  • Create a component.
  • Create a joint.
  • Edit joint limits.
  • Drive a joint.
  • Create a rigid group.


1 hr. 30 min.

Introduction to technical drawing

Create technical drawings of a design with GD&T annotations.

Create technical drawings of a design with GD&T annotations.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

  • Create an exploded view animation.
  • Place views on a drawing sheet.
  • Add dimensions and annotations to a drawing.
  • Add GD&T annotations.
  • Create a parts table.
  • Modify a title block.


1 hr.

Introduction to rendering

Use the render workspace to set up and create images of your designs.

Use the render workspace to set up and create images of your designs.

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Select a render environment.
  • Define render settings.
  • Apply appearances.
  • Create a rendered image.


1 hr. 30 min.

Course challenge exercise

Course challenge exercise

Now that you've completed the learning material in this course, you can take the challenge exercise to measure your skills on the topics covered in this course. 


45 min.

Final test

Final test

Ready to test your knowledge? Pass this required test with a score of 75% or more to complete the course.


Teaching supplements

Resources just for educators

Teach this course in the classroom. We’ve summarized the core Fusion skills in this course so you can familiarize yourself before delivering this content in the classroom.

Download the instructor guide as a teaching resource, and work through the course and modules yourself to prepare for classroom, delivery. Additionally, download resources like software files, drawings, exercises, and more found throughout the course.

Want to create custom learning playlists to share with your students?
Share modules and courses using Playlists. Once you create a Playlist, share the URL with your students and they can sign into their Autodesk Account to access. Choose and share the modules that best fit your curriculum using the links below.

  • To create a Playlist, select [+] 'Add to list' from the banner above.
  • To share a list with others, set the list visibility to Public and share the link.