Tutorials
CAD
Getting Started

CAD Software: Inventor, Solidworks, and Fusion 360

Overview

In this tutorial, we will introduce you to CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, specifically Inventor, Solidworks, and Fusion 360. These programs are used to create 3D models of parts and assemblies for various applications, including designing experimental setups and custom components. No prior experience with CAD software is assumed, and this tutorial is designed to be accessible for new incoming students.

The group has previously used Solidworks to design parts for Showermax and various other components. There was a change made by the MOLLER colaboration to use Autodesk Inventor instead of Solidworks. Fusion 360 is a good alternative for mac users. This tutorial will provide instructions on how to download and install Inventor, Solidworks, and Fusion 360.

Tutorial Objectives

This Tutorial is meant to get the ball rolling for those who are new to the group. Its main goal is to get the software installed and running on your computer or to at least get you using the software on campus.

Limitations

This tutorial is not meant to give you guidence on how to use the software. There is a more indepth tutorial on making something with fusion 360 here.

Other Resources

Downloading and Installing Inventor, Solidworks, and Fusion 360

In this section, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to download and install Inventor, Solidworks, and Fusion 360.

Autodesk Inventor Instalation

This is for a free student account, which will require you to verify your student eligabilty. If you are not a student, you can still download the software, but you will have to pay for it.

  1. Visit the Autodesk website (opens in a new tab) page for students getting started.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a student account.
  3. Make sure to select Inventor as your software.

Note: Autodesk Inventor is only available for Windows. If you have a Mac, please follow the Fusion 360 instructions below.

Solidworks Instalation

Solidworks charges for a student account, however free accounts are offered through the IT department. If you are not a student, you can still download the software, but you will have to pay for it.

  1. Visit the Solidworks website (opens in a new tab) for students.
  2. Select the plan you want.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the software.

Or

  1. Use available computers on campus with Solidworks installed.

Or

  1. Contact the COSE (opens in a new tab) IT department to see if you can get a Solidworks installation on your personal computer.
  2. Click on the link for Software Installation Request Form.

Note: Solidworks is only available for Windows. If you have a Mac, please follow the Fusion 360 instructions below.

Fusion 360 Instalation (for Mac users)

  1. Visit the Autodesk website (opens in a new tab) page for students getting started.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a student account.
  3. Make sure to select Fusion 360 as your software.

Note: Fusion 360 is available for both Windows and Mac.

Getting Started with CAD Software

Now that you have installed the CAD software, it's time to start exploring its features. In the following tutorials, we will provide step-by-step instructions for creating simple models in Inventor, Solidworks, and Fusion 360.

In this section we will provide step-by-step instructions for creating simple models in Inventor, Solidworks, and Fusion 360.

Inventor

  1. Open Autodesk Inventor.
  2. Click on "New" and select "Standard.ipt" to start a new part.
  3. Use the tools in the "Sketch" tab to create a simple shape (e.g., a rectangle).
  4. Click "Finish Sketch" when done.
  5. Use the "Extrude" tool to turn your 2D sketch into a 3D model.
  6. Click "OK" when done.
  7. Use the "File" tab and select "Save As" to save your model.

Solidworks

  1. Open Solidworks.
  2. Click on "New" and select "Part" to start a new part.
  3. Use the tools in the "Sketch" tab to create a simple shape (e.g., a rectangle).
  4. Click "Exit Sketch" when done.
  5. Use the "Features" tab and select "Extruded Boss/Base.
  6. Click "OK" when done.
  7. Use the "File" tab and select "Save As" to save your model.

Fusion 360

  1. Open Fusion 360.
  2. Click on "New" and select "Blank Design" to start a new part.
  3. Use the tools in the "Sketch" tab to create a simple shape (e.g., a rectangle).
  4. Click "Finish Sketch" when done.
  5. Use the "Extrude" tool to turn your 2D sketch into a 3D model.
  6. Click "OK" when done.
  7. Use the "File" tab and select "Save As" to save your model.
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