AutoCAD and SolidWorks Course

Lesson 1 • AutoCAD Interface and Workspace Setup

AutoCAD's ribbon, command line, and workspace panels are explored. Learners configure a productive drawing environment for professional use.

Lesson 2 • Basic Object Selection and Manipulation

Selection methods and basic transform operations are practiced in both platforms. These skills are prerequisites for all drawing and modeling tasks ahead.

Lesson 3 • Coordinate Systems and Navigation

Cartesian and polar coordinate systems underpin all CAD geometry creation. Learners practice precise navigation and point entry in both applications.

Lesson 4 • SolidWorks Interface and Workspace Setup

SolidWorks menus, Feature Manager, and PropertyManager are introduced. Learners establish a consistent workspace aligned with 3D modeling best practices.

Lesson 1 • Precision Drawing with Object Snaps

Object snap modes and tracking tools enforce geometric accuracy. Learners apply snaps to connect and align geometry without manual coordinate entry.

Lesson 2 • Editing and Modifying 2D Geometry

Trim, extend, offset, fillet, and chamfer commands refine raw geometry into finished profiles. These editing tools are applied throughout all subsequent drafting projects.

Lesson 3 • Drawing Geometric Primitives

Lines, circles, arcs, rectangles, and polygons are drawn using exact input methods. Mastery of primitives is the foundation for all complex 2D geometry.

Lesson 4 • Layers, Linetypes, and Object Properties

Layer management organizes drawing elements by function, visibility, and print behavior. Learners build structured drawings that comply with standard drafting conventions.

Lesson 5 • Dimensioning and Annotation

Dimension styles, text, leaders, and tolerances communicate design intent on technical drawings. Learners annotate drawings to industry-standard documentation requirements.

Lesson 1 • Layouts, Viewports, and Paper Space

Paper space layouts and floating viewports arrange model geometry at precise print scales. Learners configure multi-view layouts for professional drawing sheet presentation.

Lesson 2 • Hatching, Gradients, and Fills

Hatch patterns and gradient fills represent materials and section cuts in technical drawings. Learners apply and edit fills to meet standard sectional drawing conventions.

Lesson 3 • Plotting and Publishing Drawings

Plot settings, pen assignments, and PDF output are configured for professional drawing delivery. Learners publish multi-sheet drawing sets to both print and digital formats.

Lesson 4 • Parametric Constraints in AutoCAD

Geometric and dimensional constraints drive intelligent, editable 2D geometry. Learners apply constraint-based design to create adaptive drawing components.

Lesson 1 • Extrude, Revolve, and Sweep Features

Boss and cut operations transform 2D profiles into 3D solid geometry. Learners combine extrude, revolve, and sweep to model complex part forms.

Lesson 2 • Reference Geometry and Design Intent

Reference planes, axes, and points anchor features to design intent rather than arbitrary geometry. Learners build robust models that update predictably when dimensions change.

Lesson 3 • Sketch Fundamentals and Constraints

2D sketches on reference planes form the basis of every SolidWorks feature. Learners fully define sketches using geometric relations and smart dimensions.

Lesson 4 • Patterns and Mirroring in Parts

Linear, circular, and mirror patterns replicate features efficiently across part geometry. Learners reduce modeling time by applying intelligent feature repetition.

Lesson 1 • Assembly Environment and Component Insertion

The SolidWorks assembly environment and component insertion workflow are established. Learners understand fixed vs. floating components and assembly structure hierarchy.

Lesson 2 • Assembly Motion and Interference Detection

Motion study tools and interference detection validate mechanical function before manufacturing. Learners identify and resolve collisions and clearance violations in assemblies.

Lesson 3 • Bill of Materials and Assembly Documentation

Automated bill of materials and balloon annotations document assembly content for manufacturing. Learners generate accurate BOMs linked to drawing views and part properties.

Lesson 4 • Mates and Positional Constraints

Standard, advanced, and mechanical mates position and constrain components relative to each other. Learners fully constrain assemblies to reflect real-world mechanical relationships.

Lesson 1 • Drawing Views and Sheet Setup

Standard, projected, section, and detail views are placed on formatted drawing sheets. Learners configure sheet format, scale, and view alignment for professional output.

Lesson 2 • Drawing Output and PDM Integration

Drawings are exported to PDF, DXF, and DWG formats for downstream use. Learners understand basic product data management concepts for controlled document release.

Lesson 3 • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

GD&T symbols and datum references define allowable part variation for manufacturing. Learners apply form, orientation, location, and runout tolerances per standard practice.

Lesson 4 • Dimensions and Annotations in Drawings

Model-driven dimensions and manual annotations communicate part geometry on drawing sheets. Learners apply smart dimensions, notes, and surface finish symbols correctly.

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Surface Modeling

Surface entities differ from solid bodies in topology and application scope. Learners understand when surface modeling is preferred and how surfaces relate to solid geometry.

Lesson 2 • Multi-Body Part Modeling

Multiple solid bodies within one part file enable complex geometry management and tooling design. Learners use Boolean operations and body management to control multi-body parts.

Lesson 3 • Surface Editing and Repair Tools

Trim, knit, fill, and offset operations shape and repair surface geometry. Learners build watertight surface bodies suitable for conversion to solid parts.

Lesson 4 • Advanced Solid Features

Flex, wrap, indent, and deform features extend solid modeling beyond sketch-based operations. Learners apply these tools to create complex geometry efficiently.

Lesson 1 • AutoCAD and SolidWorks Data Exchange

Translating geometry between AutoCAD and SolidWorks preserves design data across platforms. Learners import DWG profiles into SolidWorks and export 3D data back to AutoCAD.

Lesson 2 • Photorealistic Rendering with Visualize

SolidWorks Visualize applies materials, lighting, and environments to produce marketing-quality renders. Learners create still images and turntable animations from assembly models.

Lesson 3 • Capstone Project: Integrated Design Package

A complete product design is executed from 2D concept through 3D model, assembly, drawing, and simulation. Learners deliver a professional design package demonstrating full-course competency.

Lesson 4 • SolidWorks Simulation Fundamentals

Static stress analysis using SolidWorks Simulation validates part strength under applied loads. Learners set up materials, fixtures, loads, and interpret von Mises stress results.