Hey ala,

4 Days down and you’re still going strong! You should be proud of yourself, truly. Lots of people talk about doing things, fewer people actually do them. Congratulations on being a do-er! Now that we’ve covered what printer to buy, what filament to print in, and where to find free files, it’s time to tackle the big one… Designing CAD models for 3D printed parts.

What Is CAD (and Why It’s Awesome)

CAD (computer aided design) is a category of software platforms that allow you to sketch and build 3 dimensional models right on your computer, and you can send those models to your 3D printer and bring them into the world (you do have to slice them first)! It’s hard to describe the feeling the first time you print one of your own designs & hold it in your hands a few hours (or even minutes) later.

Finally holding the complicated, detailed model that you’ve been laboring over in the real world is an incredibly rewarding and satisfying experience, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

CAD Is Bigger Than Just 3D Printing

The world of CAD is much bigger than just 3D printing though. CAD software is used for everything from designing furniture, to building roads, computer circuit boards, and even ANIMATION can all be done in CAD software, so the first decision you have to make is which software is right for you.

Now, before we get too far down this rabbit hole, I have a confession… I don’t design my own products.

The best CAD designers out there are typically engineers. They learn all about this software in school, and by the time they graduate, they are more experienced than 90% of hobbyists. That’s where Steve comes in. Steve is my design partner; he reached out to me to correct some math in one of my earliest videos (not my strong point), and we’ve been working together ever since! Most of the impressive items in my store were designed by him, because my ideas often exceeded my CAD skills. Sometimes, it’s better to stick with what you know.

That’s not to say I haven’t done any 3D modeling, and it’s no reason for you not to start learning!

Can You Get 3D Models Another Way?

Yeah, you can. I actually got my own store started this way. There are tons of talented CAD designers out there who specialize in models for 3D printing, and many of them freelance. Websites like Fiverr, or Upwork, or even Reddit forums (like r/3Dprinting or r/CAD) are great places to start. Just be sure to give them clear measurements, sketches (even rough ones), or photos with context. Digital calipers are a huge help in this department, I strongly recommend them. A little prep on your end goes a long way toward getting a model that actually works.

Which CAD Software Should You Use?

As far as software is concerned, there’s no such thing as a “right” answer. Ask enough people and you’ll eventually hear why each software is “the only one you should use” and “makes more sense than the others” but these are all subjective. The “best” modeling software is the one that you find yourself comfortable with, and that you’ll actually use.

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When first getting started, my favorite recommendation is a website called TinkerCad. Tinkercad is a free, browser based CAD software from Autodesk, the makers of AutoCad and Fusion 360, two of the most commonly used CAD softwares on the market. Tinkercad is a very dumbed down CAD software that essentially simplifies 3D modeling into a lego project on your computer. With an intuitive system of dragging and dropping common shapes, then modifying them to fit your needs, I cannot imagine there is a shorter learning curve in the CAD industry. This does have its downsides though, good luck designing anything truly intricate without crashing the browser. While it's simple enough to understand without tutorials, and Tinkercad includes their own education material, here's a primer video for those who want it.​

The other nice thing about TinkerCad, is that it pairs perfectly with the full service CAD software I recommend as well, which is Fusion 360. Since Autodesk makes both, you can start in Tinkercad, then easily transfer your projects into Fusion 360 when you’re ready for a full service software. Fusion 360 also offers a 3 year FREE personal license, but if you plan to sell your designs you’ll need to upgrade to the paid commercial version. The free version is also missing some of the commercial features.

Now, learning how to use the software is something I couldn’t possibly teach in an email. Not only do I not know all the intricacies of these programs, but even if I did I wouldn’t be able to explain it as succinctly and efficiently as some of my peers already have. For a great free resource in learning Fusion 360, there’s a short youtube course from Product Design Online that covers a lot of the basics

How to Learn CAD the Right Way

But to REALLY learn Fusion, or any CAD software for that matter, you’ll need to take a course. Some local colleges offer classes to common CAD softwares, but there’s tons of online content to choose from if you’d prefer. While Autodesk offers official courses where you can become certified as well, I prefer a course from another YouTuber, I Like To Make Stuff.

​This course is packed with everything you need to know to start mastering Fusion 360 as quickly as possible. He does a great job of covering all the bases thoroughly, not wasting time on too much detail, but not leaving you with a swiss cheese knowledge of the software, full of holes. Once you’ve started to master CAD design, the only limit to your printing is the size of the print bed, and your imagination! Trust me, you won’t regret learning these skills.

Drew
​wittworks.shop​​
​youtube.com/wittworks​

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