Stage 02 of 03 · Builder
Engineering with Fusion 360
The CAD tool real engineers use, in a teenager’s hands.
What students learn
Fusion 360 is the CAD tool engineers at Boeing, Ford, and Tesla use — and Autodesk gives it free to students. This course teaches parametric design (sketches that drive geometry), assemblies, design-for-print, and the iteration loop between CAD model and physical print. Students leave with a multi-part 3D-printed assembly that solves a real problem at home or school — and a CAD portfolio that translates directly to engineering internships and college engineering programs.
Parametric CAD mental model on the same tool used in industry. Design-for-manufacture instincts. The ability to read a real engineering drawing. Iterating across print-measure-fix-reprint cycles — the same loop a manufacturing engineer runs.
Module-by-module
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01
Sketching with intent (Fusion 360)
Sketches, constraints, dimensions. Parametric box that resizes cleanly.
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02
3D operations
Extrude, revolve, sweep, loft. Cylindrical container with snap-fit lid.
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03
Assemblies
Multiple parts, joints, motion. Robot gripper that opens and closes in CAD.
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04
Design for print
Overhangs, tolerances, fillets, supports. Printable model + plan.
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05
Slicer deep-dive
Layer height, infill, supports, retraction. Tuned print profile.
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06
Iteration loop
Print, measure, fix, reprint. Three versions of one part.
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07
Mid-project: real problem
Student picks something to fix at home. Working solution.
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08
Documentation
Drawings, dimensions, BOM. Engineering drawing pack.
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09
Final project, part 1
Multi-part assembly. CAD complete.
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10
Final project, part 2
Print and assemble. Physical demo + design review.
What they make
A multi-part 3D-printed assembly that solves a real problem at home or school.
Walk away with
Parametric CAD mental model. Design-for-manufacture instincts. Engineering-drawing literacy.
Learn on your own pace
This course can be self-studied end-to-end using these vetted free resources. Work through them at your own pace — alone, or with a parent alongside.
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Fusion 360 for Students
The same Fusion 360 used at Boeing, Ford, and Tesla — free for students with full features (including simulation).
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Autodesk Fusion 360 tutorials
Official Fusion 360 video tutorials — sketching, modeling, assemblies, simulation, CAM.
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Product Design Online (YouTube)
The most respected free Fusion 360 channel — project-based, beginner-friendly.
Honorable mentions
Next step
Innovator project that uses CAD + printing.
Ready to enroll?
Engineering with Fusion 360
Pick the course your student is curious about (or "not sure yet") and we’ll get back to you with next steps. Most students start in Explorer or Builder based on age and prior experience — we’ll help you find the right fit.