3D Fabrication

3D Fabrication: Intro to CAD & 3D Printing

Prototyping & Fabrication

Overview

Computer Aided Design (CAD) has been a powerful tool used to create detailed prototypes in a 3D environment, before making your design a reality. This module will give you directed guidance through many of the tools available in professional CAD (and CAM) programs that allow you to quickly iterate on design ideas, test fit and motion, perform simulations, create assemblies, draft mechanical drawings, collaborate, and make photorealistic renderings and animations. We will then utilize its 3D printing workflow capabilities to learn more about FFF 3D printing and print your design. At the end of the module, students will be able to effectively use and explore CAD as a prototyping tool and be cleared to operate the S-lab’s suite of 3D printers.


About the Module

This module is available as an independent study or as for credit as CRSN 151C and culminates in a check-off that will allow you to use the lab's FFF 3D printers.

The syllabus is available for viewing and download to the right, while the lab manual will be available using your UCSC credentials once you are signed up for the course. The Lab manual(s) will provide the details of each day with instructions and important terminology, as well as the equipment list with links for purchase if you would like to attempt these tutorials at home. Each workshop has its own prelab that must be completed before attending the relevant session. You'll be directed to online content and resources from Autodesk Fusion 360 tutorials, Solidworks, as well as 3D printer data sheets. A key component of the prelabs is the use of a lab notebook. Make sure to bring the notebook with any questions you may have on the relevant prelab content to each session; it is important that you understand these concepts. Each day of the module will cover a different topic and will contain a lab that must be completed on your own time before attending the next session.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this introductory 3D prototyping module, students will have demonstrated familiarity and ability in:

  • Good laboratory Environment, Health and Safety practice
  • Read and Create Mechanical Drawings
  • 3D printing principles and additive manufacturing
  • Autodesk Fusion 360/Solidworks Sktech, Model, and Render Environment
  • Collaborative Development and Version Control
  • Direct vs Parametric Design
  • 2D sketch tools and dimensioning
  • 3D features and reference geometries
  • Pre-processing slicing software with Cura
  • Post-processing for part finishing
  • May also include deductive manufacturing and CAM for CNC router

Check-off: After you've completed your session, you will be cleared to use S-Lab’s FFF printers.


Participants will become familiar  with the entire design process of brainstorming, formulating, iterating, and manufacturing through a series of projects given by the student instructors that emphasize different skills. Note that there are multiple versions of this module depending on which software you will be using. 

Workshop 1: Computer Aided Design with Fusion360

  • Tour the Fusion 360 Virtual Environment
  • Create a prototype model for the body of a Solar-lantern
  • Add features to your model

Alternative Workshop 1: Computer Aided Design with Solidworks

  • Tour the Solidworks Virtual Environment
  • Work through a series of smaller projects to learn 2D and 3D feature use
  • Design your own proposed project as a team

Workshop 2: Fundamentals of 3D Printing

  • Complete your design(s) and export stereolithographic files
  • Troubleshoot difficulties commonly associated with 3D printing
  • Understand benefits/limitations of different 3D printers and filament
  • 3D printer check-off

Location

The module will take place in the S-Lab's classroom facility in the E2-585. Please sign in with the lab manager upon arrival.

Workshops are grouped into sessions which are available for sign up to the right. You may not sign up for individual sessions or split between different groups. Plan to attend all workshops in your session.

Before attending your workshop, please review the manual and complete the online training. You are required to complete the EH&S Lab Safety Fundamentals through the UC Learning website before beginning any work in the lab.

Resources