Module Details

Module Code: MECH6045
Title: 3D Modelling and Printing
Long Title: 3D Modelling and Printing (Fusion360)
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2023/24 ( January 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: This module will introduce students to Autodesk Fusion 360. Various modelling approaches will be used to enable students to document, showcase and 3D print their designs.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Manage data (teams, projects and folders) via data panel/home tab.
LO2 Create & edit 3D components using various modelling approaches.
LO3 Assemble components using joints and undertake a motion study.
LO4 Use drawing, animation and render workspaces to document & display designs.
LO5 Work collaboratively with peers to design and 3D print an artefact, incorporating the principle of sustainability.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction:
Fusion 360 user interface: (data panel/home tab, web browser, application bar, browser (units), toolbar (workspaces), profile and help (preferences), view cube, navigation bar (display settings), and timeline).
Modelling Capabilities:
Direct v’s parametric modelling. Solids, surfaces, t-spline, sheet metal and mesh modelling.
Sketching:
Create, modify, and constrain 2D and 3D sketches which drive 3D geometry. Project & include geometry, and sketch palette. Capturing design intent using dimensional constraints, geometric constraints and parametric relations.
Solids Modelling:
Primitives, operation: (join, cut, intersect, new body and new component), solids from sketches: (extrude, revolve, sweep, loft, rib, web, emboss, hole thread). Modify solids: (press pull, fillet, chamfer, shell, draft, scale and combine).
Surface & T-Spline Modelling:
Prismatic and NURB surfaces, splines: (fit & control point), create & modify surfaces: (overbuilding surfaces), insert canvas, stitch/unstitch, thickness, boundary fill, curvature continuity: (2-D & 3-D). T-Spline primitives, face, traditional T-Spline surfaces, Modify: edit form: (manipulate faces, edges and vertices via transform, scale and rotate), subdivide, bridge, crease, pull, flatten, straighten, thicken, symmetry, display mode and convert.
Sheet Metal Modelling:
Sheet metal rules, rules via new component or flange, flange: (edge and lofted), bend, extrude: (cut), create flat pattern: (activate flat pattern). Modify: unfold, rip, fillet and chamfer.
Assembly Modelling:
Assembly modelling methodology: (top down, bottom up and middle out) Joints (rigid, revolute, slider, cylindrical, pin-slot, planar & ball). As built joint, joint origin, drive joints, motion link, contact set and motion study. Insert McMaster-Carr component.
Animation Workspace:
Storyboard, transform components: (auto explode, show/hide), annotation, view and publish.
Drawing Workspace:
From Design, Create 2D drawings: (including base, projected, auxiliary, section, detailed and break views, annotations) from 3D Models. Insert balloon referencing and parts list for assembly drawings. Apply scale and title block edits. From Animation, Create exploded drawing view.
Render Workspace:
Setup: (appearance, scene settings, decal, texture map controls). In-Canvas render: (In-Canvas render settings, capture image). Render.
3D Model Printing:
Exporting 3D Print file formats (3MF, STL & OBJ) via save as mesh, file 3D Print or utilities: (make 3D Print). Slice directly in Fusion360 via Manufacture Workspace: Setup: Operation type (Additive), manufacturing model, machine library (copy from Fusion360 to local to edit), print settings. Position: (move, minimise build height, automatic orientation, arrange, place parts on platform, collision detection). Modify: (Fill build volume, split supports). Supports: (Solid volume and solid bar) Actions: (generate, simulate additive toolpath and post process).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
3D modelling: solid, surfaces, t-splines and sheet metal.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
3D assembly modelling: joints, motion and 2D orthographic drawing.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Collaborative 3D printing project incorporating the principle of sustainability.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Computer Aided Design Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-Directed Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Computer Aided Design Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-Directed Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Sandeep Dogra, John Willis. (2023), Autodesk Fusion 360: A Power Guide for Beginners and Intermediate Users, 6th Edition. [ISBN: 979-8854996006].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Randy Shih. (2023), Parametric Modeling with Autodesk Fusion 360 (Spring 2023 Edition), SDC Publications, p.431, [ISBN: 978-1-63057-610-3].
  • Sandeep Dogra. (2021), Autodesk Fusion 360: Introduction to Surface and T-Spline Modeling, Cadartifex, p.234, [ISBN: 979-8201414504].
  • Lydia Sloan Cline. (2021), Fusion 360 for Makers, Maker Media, Inc., p.610, [ISBN: 9781680456486].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources