If you’re eligible to use the software, which we imagine you will be, go on to step 2 and choose the “create account” link.įill in the details using a correct email address and you will be bought to the next screen. This will scroll the page down showing the following options.įollow the steps shown ensuring you take your time and read through the page titled “check your eligibility”. Go to which will bring you to the following welcome screen. The first thing we need to do is download the software. This is a very important point because most parametric modelling software are prohibitively expensive, costing several thousands of dollars for a yearly license.

There are many 3D CAD programs available, however, we picked Fusion 360 because it is powerful parametric modelling software, which students and hobbyists can get free of charge. Over the next few issues, we are going to show you how you can easily make some of your own designs using Fusion 360. Whilst incredible things can be made with this free online tool, it’s a lot more clunky than a specially designed piece of CAD software.

Soon, we quickly learn the limitations of Tinkercad. Shortly after, we learn to make small modifications to the things we find on Thingiverse and then start to make our own small designs using Tinkercad as a starting point. For the most part, we all start out just exclusively trawling Thingiverse for something cool and unique to print.

It can teach you a huge amount about manufacturing processes, CNC robotics, material sciences, and general engineering.

We show you how to get started with Fusion 360 instead, and it’s also free to use!ģD printing can be an extremely fun and rewarding hobby. Tinkercad is great when you first start out in 3D printing but is limited in what it can do.

Fusion 360 for beginners