Course

Module 1: Workspace & Navigation

Learning to move and view objects in the 3D environment.

• 1.1 Navigating the Environment
  • Using the View Cube, Pan, Zoom, Orbit, and Home.
  • Pro Tip: Position your mouse cursor at the top of the screen when zooming out to see the bottom of the workplane faster, or at the bottom to see the top.
  • Switching between Orthographic (flat) and Perspective views.
• 1.2 Manipulating Appearance
  • Setting Color and Transparency.
  • Hiding and Showing Objects: Use Ctrl + H to hide and Ctrl + Shift + H to show all.
  • Tip: Use Shift + D to hide/show measurement numbers while editing.

Module 2: Measurement & Precision

Ensuring your designs are accurate for real-world use.

• 2.1 Measurement Tools
  • Setting the Snap Grid and project units (mm vs. inches).
  • Using the Ruler for absolute and relative measurements.
• 2.2 Precision Movement
  • Understanding how points snap to the grid based on your increments.
  • Turning off snapping for finer control over curves and Bézier handles.

Module 3: Creating and Modifying Shapes

Building your first 3D models using the shapes library.

• 3.1 The Shapes Library
  • Placing Primitive Shapes (Box, Cylinder, Sphere).
  • Using the Scribble tool for freehand designs.
• 3.2 Working with Sketches
  • Using the Extrude and Revolve sketch tools.
  • Editing Points: Double-click a shape to see points; use “Select and Move” mode to reposition them.
  • Correction: Use the Backspace/Delete key to undo a point mistake while sketching instead of clearing the whole shape.
• 3.3 Shape Properties
  • Adjusting Sides for smoothness (e.g., set a cylinder to 128 sides for a smooth vase).
  • Using Radius and Steps to round the corners of a box.

Module 4: Transformations

Moving, sizing, and aligning your designs.

• 4.1 Movement and Reorientation
  • Translation: Raising and lowering shapes off the workplane using the black arrow.
  • Rotation: Rotating in 22.5° increments by staying inside the circle, or free rotation by moving outside.
  • Mirroring shapes along an axis.
• 4.2 Scaling
  • Uniform Scaling: Hold Shift while dragging a white handle to maintain proportions.
  • Difference between White handles (scale length/width/height) and Black handles (scale a single dimension) [6].
• 4.3 The Align Tool
  • Selecting multiple objects and pressing ‘L’ to center or edge-align them.
  • Tip: Select one object after clicking Align to make it the stationary reference point.

Module 5: Compound Operations

Combining shapes to create functional objects.

• 5.1 Grouping
  • Understanding the difference between Solids and Holes.
  • Subtractive Design: Creating a hole slightly smaller than the main body and grouping them to “hollow out” an object (like a mug or vase).
• 5.2 Duplication
  • Using Duplicate and Repeat (Ctrl + D) for patterning.
  • Copy and Paste across different designs.

Module 6: Practical Projects

Apply your skills with these beginner-friendly builds.

• Project A: The Standard Die
  • Rounding a cube, adding text numbers (1-6), and aligning them to the faces of the die.
• Project B: The Coffee Mug
  • Hollowing a cylinder, adding a Torus for the handle, and engraving a personalized letter.
• Project C: Geometric Vases
  • Experimenting with cylinders and cones, using the Bevel and Segments settings to create rounded edges.
• Advanced: Curved Text
  • Wrapping text around a cylinder using a series of “Hole” operations and the Duplicate tool.

Module 7: The Design Process & Fabrication

Preparing your work for the real world.

• 7.1 Strategic Decisions
  • Designing for Fabrication: Considering print tolerances and minimizing support material.
• 7.2 Sharing and Exporting
  • Exporting: Saving files as .STL or .OBJ for 3D printing.
  • Collaboration: Using notes to share design intent and inviting others to edit. Key Teaching Insights from the Sources: The “Leaky Bottom” Warning: When creating a cup, mug, or soap holder, always remind students to raise the “Hole” cylinder (e.g., by 3–5mm) before grouping so they don’t cut a hole through the bottom . Sketch Frustration: Highlight that the Edit/Modify button or double-clicking is the only way to see individual points in a sketch once it has been closed . Reference Silhouettes: Students can use existing shapes as a guide while sketching. If other objects are in the way, they should Hide the distracting objects before entering the sketch mode .