3D CAD Fundamental

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/3d-cad-fundamental

Introduction

**Course Review: 3D CAD Fundamental on Coursera** ### Overview In the realm of design and modeling, the ability to visualize and express three-dimensional concepts is essential. The **3D CAD Fundamental** course on Coursera is designed to bridge the gap between imagination and representation, enabling you to bring the three-dimensional shapes in your mind to life using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools. Specifically, this course focuses on Sketchup—a powerful yet user-friendly application that allows users to create precise models effortlessly. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an architect, or someone who simply wishes to learn how to express ideas visually, this course offers a well-structured approach to mastering the fundamentals of 3D modeling. ### Course Structure The course is thoughtfully divided into various modules, each building on the knowledge acquired from the previous one. Here's a closer look at the syllabus: 1. **Initiation: Prepare for the Class** - This introductory module sets the stage for a successful learning experience, covering the course syllabus, grading policy, and practical tips for mastering Sketchup. Students will also be guided through the installation process of the software, ensuring everyone is ready to begin. 2. **Magic Cube: Familiar with Basic Tools** - In this engaging module, students will learn to utilize essential Sketchup tools such as [Line], [Divide], [Push/Pull], [Tape Measure], and [Guides] through the simple yet illustrative example of creating a magic cube. This hands-on approach helps solidify understanding of basic 3D drawing techniques. 3. **Toy House: Learning Advanced Move and Arc Techniques** - Building on the basics, this module introduces learners to more complex movements and shapes through the creation of a toy house. Emphasis is placed on using the [Move] tool and [Arcs], an essential skill for creating more intricate designs. 4. **Beach Ball: Mastering Circles and Textures** - Here, students are introduced to circular shapes and learn to create a beach ball. This module covers the [Circle], [Follow Me], [Rotate], and [Paint Bucket] tools, providing a thorough understanding of creating and detailing curved forms in Sketchup. 5. **Curtain: Exploring Decorative Techniques** - The curtain module dives into decorative 3D modeling techniques, focusing on the [Scale] and [Mirror] tools. Learners will gain an understanding of how to create dynamic shapes and textures, enriching their skills as they work on more elaborate designs. 6. **Solid Tool: Advanced Object Manipulation** - This final example is a culmination of skills learned throughout the course. It teaches students about solid manipulation using [Subtract], [Union], [Intersect], and [Split]. Participants will learn how to creatively modify objects, enhancing their modeling capabilities significantly. 7. **Closure: Review and Preview** - The course wraps up with a review of all covered material and a brief introduction to the next course: **3D CAD Application**. ### Review The **3D CAD Fundamental** course is designed with clarity and structure in mind. Each module builds sequentially, ensuring that learners gradually acquire new skills without feeling overwhelmed. The use of practical examples, like the magic cube, toy house, and beach ball, makes the learning process both enjoyable and effective. The course's emphasis on hands-on practice using Sketchup, combined with the gradual introduction of complex tools and techniques, equips students with essential skills that are directly applicable in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the inclusion of a review module helps solidify knowledge, ensuring learners leave the course with confidence in their newfound abilities. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the **3D CAD Fundamental** course on Coursera for anyone interested in 3D design and modeling. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course offers a solid foundation in Sketchup that can open the door to various opportunities in design, architecture, and visualization. The clear instructions, engaging exercises, and comprehensive syllabus make it an invaluable resource for both personal and professional growth in the field of 3D modeling. Dive in and get ready to turn your creative visions into digital reality!

Syllabus

Initiation: Prepare for the class

This module includes the course syllabus, grading policy and tips to learn Sketchup well. It also includes the first step of learning, installation of Sketchup.

Here comes the first example, magic cube. The purpose of this module is to help learners be familiar with basic tools in Sketchup, including [Line], [Divide], [Push/Pull], [Tape Measure] and [Guides]. In this module, we will start drawing a cube, then reformed it into steps by using [Divide], create another cube by using [Push/Pull], and finally make a hole on the cube by combining [Push/Pull], [Tape Measure] and [Guides].

The second example, toy house is designed for learners to be familiar with [Move] and [Arcs]. Inclined roof is a highlight in the example. Learners will understand how to add objects not perpendicular to the reference surface. The module also includes the methods of using [Arcs].

The third example, Beach ball is designed for learners to be familiar with [Circle], [Follow me], [Rotate] and [Paint Bucket]. Learners will understand how to draw a sphere using [Circle] and [Follow Me], how to use [Rotate] and [Copy] to draw the surface of the sphere and how to use selection tricks to delete all the unnecessary planes. The module also includes the methods of using [Paint bucket] to finish the beach ball.

Here comes the fourth example. This module, curtain, includes more decoration skills. Learners will learn how to create deformations on the curtain by combining [Move], [Measurements box] and [Scale], and how to decorate it by using [Mirror] and [Soften effect].

The last example is coming! This module, solid tool, is designed for learners to be familiar with [Subtract], [Union], [Intersect] and [Split]. Learners will learn how to create different shaped objects, by using one object to add or remove a piece of volume to another object.

This module includes course review and a short introduction of next course: 3D CAD Application.