Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is the process of designing parts, components or products for ease of manufacturing with an end goal of making a better product at a lower cost. This is done by simplifying, optimizing and refining the product design.
Fusion 360 is a 3D based modelling software, capable of modelling, simulation, and documentation. It was developed by AutoCAD in 2013, and is a cloud-based system with a top-down approach. This means that it allows the users to create larger structures, which are then broken down into smaller components.
Fusion 360 is free for you to use as it has an Education Licence, you just need to sign up with your school account. It does expire every year and so you just renew it when you get this message. Note: It does take about 24hrs for the licence to be processed and you will not be able to save any work until you have a educational license
Fusion360 is always evolving. Most of the tutorials over the past year should function the same but be aware that there has been significant changes and sometimes you'll need to look around to find a solution to your problems.
"The more you learn, the more you earn."
— Warren Buffett
We have some time to build on the skills you've already learnt a Level 1. If you want to make things easier later on you need to put the time in to learn the software inside and out. Even if you have used the software before there is always more you can learn.
It takes 30+ hours to get comfortable in any software so keep challenging yourself to make more models and try new tools and techniques.
*** If you are new to Fusion 360 then head over to the L1 D4M skills page and work through the beginner tutorials. It is really important that you learn the basics first. ***
These are a range of tutorials that cover the ins and outs of Fusion 360 from the company themselves.
If you have completed their beginner tutorials from level 1 then this is the step up of skills!
The Fusion logo below in task #3 links to their Learn page where you can view all tutorials available.
Take what you've learnt and give one or both of these a go!
For the vase it would be cool to 3D print these as small versions, maybe 50mm, 80mm or 100mm depending on your shape, and have a display of them in the room.
How creative can you be???? Take this lamp idea and make a vase or decoration for a xmas tree, or object to sit on desk like the flower pot
Check out these channels for lots more tutorials. As these are more specific you really should have a good base knowledge
A huge range of tutorials to help you learn the very best practices for CAD modelling, create custom 3d prints and save time creating designs.
If you are smashing through the tutorials and have still got time before you need to put together your showcase then either try another tutorial on this page or go and find another on Youtube. Good channels to check out are listed above as well as Brad Talis live Streams
Now it's time to work out what sort of project you might undertake and what it entails