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Creating & Verifying your Autodesk Educational Account
Creating & Verifying your Autodesk Educational Account
The most-used piece of software for this course will be Autodesk Fusion 360, a integrated CAD/CAM/CAE software. In order to use Fusion 360 to its full capability, you will first need to create an Autodesk Educational Account. The following steps outline how to do so:
Go to this link: "Get Educational Access", Autodesk.com
Fill in the on-screen information prompts to create an Autodesk account, using your student email (ex: lastname1234@students.cptc.edu)
After filling-out the prompts, you will likely be require to go to your student e-mail to confirm/verify
When it asks for an expected Graduation Date, enter in a date as far into the future as it allows you (ex: December 2030)
You will likely be asked to verify/prove you are a student in order to be eligible for educational use of the software (free, fully-featured, 1-year, renewable license) - follow the process and ask for help if you get stuck
Fusion 360
Fusion 360
FAQ, Tips, & Tricks with CAD (Fusion 360):
Fusion 360 uses cloud-based file storage, meaning all your files are automatically stored on a remote server. The benefit with this is that if you log in to your Fusion 360 account from any computer, you will be able to access and use all your files without the need of a Flash Drive or other physical file storage device.
If you need to "download" any of your files from your Fusion 360 account to a local computer/device, click on "File", then "Export" and follow the window instructions
Currently, you must have internet access in order to log in to the downloaded version of Fusion 360. After logging in, you can lose internet access and still be able to work in Fusion, your files will just not be uploaded immediately. So if you're going somewhere that doesn't have internet access, log-in before you go there, keep the program open, and you'll be able to use Fusion in "offline mode".
If you have you used other CAD software in the past, and are unsure about Fusion and how they are different, then consider checking out the following transition guides from Autodesk, for previous SolidWorks and MasterCAM users:
If you a self-learner and want direction towards some resources to practice on your own and "get ahead", check out these options:
YouTube Video Playlist: "Learn Autodesk Fusion 360 in 30 Days for Complete Beginners!", by Product Design Online [34 Videos]
Tutorials for Fusion 360 (by Autodesk): Fusion 360 Fundamentals
CAD/CAM/CNC Projects, Tutorials, and Resources: Titans of CNC Academy
There are many computer stations within the various buildings and rooms on campus that you have access to use as a student. We recommend primarily using the Computer Lab in Room 120 in B24, as that is where your instructors will be the majority of time for this course. That being said, it is highly encouraged to also use Fusion 360 outside of available class/lab hours for additional practice & experience.
There are two main ways you can use Fusion 360 outside of class:
If you have a relatively new computer (> 5 years old) with decent processing power, this is the option we would recommend
Autodesk lists Fusion 360's minimum & recommended computer specifications here: System Requirements for Autodesk Fusion 360
If you are looking to get a new computer, aside from the laptop listed in the syllabus tool list, there are some decent recommendations here: "What Computer to Buy for CAD & CAM", by NYC CNC
If you have an older (> 5 years) or less powerful computer (ex: a Chromebook or other cheap laptop), this would be your best bet to use Fusion 360 effectively outside of class. The reason for this is that the "heavy lifting" processing power of using Fusion is done on the cloud (Autodesk's servers), and the only processing power your computer needs is to be able to run a web browser (ex: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.)
PrusaSlicer
PrusaSlicer
The next most-used piece of technical software you will utilize for this course is called "PrusaSlicer", a free Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software designed for programming 3D Printers.
Just like Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer is or can be installed on all computers available to you as a student at school, but our recommendation is to utilize the Computer Lab in Room 120 in B24, as that is where your instructors will be the majority of time for this course. Also just like Fusion 360, the more you use and practice with PrusaSlicer, the better you will be with 3D Printing
PrusaSlicer has much less computer processing constraints than Fusion 360, and should be able to run on most any computer.
To install on your computer, click on the appropriate download link for your computer/OS at this webpage: Download PrusaSlicer
When configuring the printer/nozzle type, set it to "Prusa Mini+" with a "0.6mm" nozzle
If you run into any issues when using PrusaSlicer or want to dive deep into its various features, check out the resources here: Prusa Knowledge Base: PrusaSlicer
OBS Studio
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source software suite used for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used by content creators, educators, and professionals to create high-quality video content for various purposes. OBS Studio provides a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to capture video and audio from multiple sources, such as webcams, microphones, and computer screens, and then mix and edit them in real-time to create a polished final product.
Greenshot
Greenshot
Greenshot is a free, advanced, and easy to use screenshotting software that makes taking and editing screenshots a breeze.
Draw.io / Diagrams.net
Draw.io / Diagrams.net
Draw.io (AKA Diagrams.net) is a free, highly capable, and relatively easy to use piece of software we recommend you use for making certain technical diagrams, graphs, flowcharts, schematics, and more.
It has vast libraries of well-documented and detailed charting tools and symbols. Similar to using Fusion 360, you can choose to either download Draw.io and run it locally on your computer, or use a browser-based version that does not require you to download the software itself:
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