Effective Use of Digital Tools
This class shows you how to create professional quality media by using a surprisingly limited number of software functions. This website, for example, was created quickly and cheaply by a non-designer using the tips & tricks taught in Effective Use of Digital Tools.
During this class, you will learn how to:
Effective Use of Digital Tools lets you experience the feeling of empowerment that comes from taking thought to reality, seamlessly, through software. By taking additional EASY Learn classes you can add product design and fabrication skills to your personal profile, rounding out your experience to all types of digital tools.
If you find that you enjoyed Effective Use of Digital Tools and are motivated to apply what you learned, your newfound earning potential will remain strong as Creativity is Not Easily Automated.
This class shows you how to create professional quality media by using a surprisingly limited number of software functions. This website, for example, was created quickly and cheaply by a non-designer using the tips & tricks taught in Effective Use of Digital Tools.
During this class, you will learn how to:
- Use Fusion 360 and Photoshop to create an effective advertising graphic from text, photos and 3D renderings.
- Build your own free Weebly website, complete with graphics, videos, links and custom features.
- Lay out web content for use with "responsive themes", enabling your website to be viewed properly on all size devices.
- Use Screencast-O-Matic to make a promotional video for a consumer product.
- Incorporate automatic scheduling and payment systems into your website.
Effective Use of Digital Tools lets you experience the feeling of empowerment that comes from taking thought to reality, seamlessly, through software. By taking additional EASY Learn classes you can add product design and fabrication skills to your personal profile, rounding out your experience to all types of digital tools.
If you find that you enjoyed Effective Use of Digital Tools and are motivated to apply what you learned, your newfound earning potential will remain strong as Creativity is Not Easily Automated.
Introduction to Fusion 360
Whether you want to get into 3D printing, design photorealistic 3D logos or create and sell the coolest cell phone case ever, Fusion 360 is the program for you. Fusion 360 was developed by Autodesk as a powerful, yet easy-to-use application encompassing 3D design, digital fabrication and cloud collaboration among users. It is currently free to students, enthusiasts and companies making under $100,000 per year under renewable licenses.
Using the AVEX membership badge as a project, in this class you will:
At the conclusion of the class, we will show you how to privately grade the results of your performance.
With additional practice, most attendees of Intro to Fusion 360 are able to convert two-dimensional parts into 3D models--and be paid for it!
Whether you want to get into 3D printing, design photorealistic 3D logos or create and sell the coolest cell phone case ever, Fusion 360 is the program for you. Fusion 360 was developed by Autodesk as a powerful, yet easy-to-use application encompassing 3D design, digital fabrication and cloud collaboration among users. It is currently free to students, enthusiasts and companies making under $100,000 per year under renewable licenses.
Using the AVEX membership badge as a project, in this class you will:
- Learn the basics of the Fusion 360 user interface.
- Sketch the precise shape of the primary badge component.
- Convert the 2D sketched shape into a 3D solid model.
- Apply shape modifications, or "features”, like chamfer, step and pocket to the solid model.
At the conclusion of the class, we will show you how to privately grade the results of your performance.
With additional practice, most attendees of Intro to Fusion 360 are able to convert two-dimensional parts into 3D models--and be paid for it!
Intermediate Fusion 360
Prerequisite: Introduction to Fusion 360 or prior experience.
Intermediate Fusion 360 introduces:
Besides learning many of Fusion 360's advanced modeling features, you will also have a chance to express your artistic sense through an exercise in photorealistic rendering.
When supplemented by AVEX tutorials and workshop attendance, Intermediate Fusion 360 enables you to continue earning through AVEX membership.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Fusion 360 or prior experience.
Intermediate Fusion 360 introduces:
- Productivity improving commands like mirror, patterns, sectional analysis, construction planes and projections.
- Assembly commands, taking you from parts design to creation of assemblies and animation of their motion.
- The timeline feature, collaborative work flow and means to show off your designs to friends and associates anywhere, anytime.
Besides learning many of Fusion 360's advanced modeling features, you will also have a chance to express your artistic sense through an exercise in photorealistic rendering.
When supplemented by AVEX tutorials and workshop attendance, Intermediate Fusion 360 enables you to continue earning through AVEX membership.
Introduction to 3D Printing
3D Print a House, Chocolates and even Replacement Parts for Your Appliances!
Introduction to 3D Printing provides a brief overview of the technologies behind sensational headlines like the one above, then delves directly into fused filament fabrication. FFF is the go-to technology for 3D printing in homes, schools and prototype shops.
In this class, you will:
3D printing is generally a slow process, leading to the advent of 3D printer “farms" to scale production. This class shows you how to capture the benefits of using multiple 3D printers to make larger objects more quickly. You will also see how to combine 3D printed and machined parts to make larger or more complex products cost-effectively, following an industry trend toward "hybrid manufacturing".
After completing Introduction to 3D Printing, you might try your hand at printing existing designs from home for fun or to sell. Alternatively, you may be inspired to enroll in other EASY Learn classes and begin designing your own 3D creations to sell through AVEX.
3D Print a House, Chocolates and even Replacement Parts for Your Appliances!
Introduction to 3D Printing provides a brief overview of the technologies behind sensational headlines like the one above, then delves directly into fused filament fabrication. FFF is the go-to technology for 3D printing in homes, schools and prototype shops.
In this class, you will:
- Select and personalize a 3D model, prepare the model for printing with “slicer” software and then 3D print your finished product.
- Learn how FFF works to “grow” objects layer-by-layer and the chief design considerations needed to make successful prints.
- Gain an understanding of equipment features and price points for consumer and prosumer 3D printing equipment.
- Become familiar with the most common FFF plastics and associated environmental and equipment requirements.
- Learn how to price 3D printed objects quickly and easily.
3D printing is generally a slow process, leading to the advent of 3D printer “farms" to scale production. This class shows you how to capture the benefits of using multiple 3D printers to make larger objects more quickly. You will also see how to combine 3D printed and machined parts to make larger or more complex products cost-effectively, following an industry trend toward "hybrid manufacturing".
After completing Introduction to 3D Printing, you might try your hand at printing existing designs from home for fun or to sell. Alternatively, you may be inspired to enroll in other EASY Learn classes and begin designing your own 3D creations to sell through AVEX.
Machining Made Simple
The vast majority of consumer products involve machining at some point in their manufacture. Whether it’s a machined component or the process used to make an injection mold, machining is an indispensable part of the American economy.
Machining, or subtractive manufacturing, is the opposite of 3D printing in that material is removed from a piece of stock or an existing object with a cutting bit. This class focuses on computer-controlled milling and drilling, two processes that alone can produce many of the precision parts found in a wide variety of mechanisms.
In Machining Made Simple, you will:
To move past making interesting shapes and simple products with 3D printing, we will introduce you to “design for manufacturing”. This industry best practice requires a basic knowledge of both machining and 3D printing, and is foundational to the design of marketable products.
Machining Made Simple, coupled with AVEX certification available through workshop participation, will reward you with opportunities to make and sell parts to our sponsors.
The vast majority of consumer products involve machining at some point in their manufacture. Whether it’s a machined component or the process used to make an injection mold, machining is an indispensable part of the American economy.
Machining, or subtractive manufacturing, is the opposite of 3D printing in that material is removed from a piece of stock or an existing object with a cutting bit. This class focuses on computer-controlled milling and drilling, two processes that alone can produce many of the precision parts found in a wide variety of mechanisms.
In Machining Made Simple, you will:
- Use Fusion 360 to generate the toolpaths needed to make a part, with no need to learn G-codes or other programming languages.
- Gain an understanding of different shape milling bits and their application.
- Learn practical methods to hold material and parts down securely enough to withstand the considerable forces of cutting.
- Select process parameters, such as “feed” and “speed”, which together determine the rate of material removal when cutting plastic, aluminum and brass.
- Use precision calibration and measuring tools to ensure your parts are made to spec.
To move past making interesting shapes and simple products with 3D printing, we will introduce you to “design for manufacturing”. This industry best practice requires a basic knowledge of both machining and 3D printing, and is foundational to the design of marketable products.
Machining Made Simple, coupled with AVEX certification available through workshop participation, will reward you with opportunities to make and sell parts to our sponsors.