Course Outline
Onshape Fundamentals
Course Description
A four-module workshop series that takes you from your first sketch in Onshape, a professional cloud-based CAD tool, through advanced part modeling and moving assemblies, to the drawings and parts lists used in manufacturing.
Each module is a full-day, hands-on workshop that ends with a project build. No prior CAD experience required.
Learning Objectives
Module 1
Creating Parts with Sketching and Basic Features
From Sketch to Solid Model
Discover the exciting world of 3D design by learning how everyday products are created using professional CAD tools. In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore the fundamentals of Onshape and develop the core skills needed to transform simple sketches into fully realized 3D models.
Participants will learn how to navigate the Onshape environment, create sketches, apply dimensions and constraints, and use essential modeling tools to build their very first product.
- Lesson 1
Introduction to Onshape
- Cloud CAD concept
- Browser-based workflow
- User Interface Tour
- Documents, Part Studios, Assemblies, Drawings
- Lesson 2
Sketching Fundamentals
- Sketch planes
- Lines
- Rectangles
- Circles
- Arcs
- Constraints
- Dimensions
- Exercise:
- Create simple geometric profiles
- Lesson 3
Basic Part Creation
- Extrude
- Remove
- Revolve
- Mirror
- Exercise:
- Create simple mechanical parts
- Lesson 4
Editing and Design Changes
- Modify dimensions
- Edit features
- Feature tree navigation
- Lesson 5
Project Build: Desktop Phone Stand
- Students create:
- Base
- Support arm
- Device holder
- Fillets and refinements
- Final Challenge
- Modify stand for:
- Tablet version
- Foldable version
Module 2
Advanced Part Modeling and Design Intent
Create Professional and Adaptable Designs
Ready to take your designs further? This workshop introduces the techniques used by professional designers and engineers to create models that are intelligent, flexible, and easy to modify.
Participants will learn advanced sketching and modeling tools while exploring how thoughtful design decisions can make products more adaptable to future changes.
- Lesson 1
Parametric Modeling Concepts
- Design Intent
- Feature History
- Variables
- Lesson 2
Advanced Sketching
- Offset
- Convert
- Construction Geometry
- Patterns
- Exercise:
- Create complex profiles
- Lesson 3
Advanced Features
- Sweep
- Loft
- Shell
- Draft
- Exercise:
- Organic product shapes
- Lesson 4
Configurations and Variables
- Multiple product versions
- Adjustable dimensions
- Lesson 5
Project Build
- Wireless Earbud Dock
- Students create:
- Main housing
- Charging recess
- Cable routing
- Product styling
- Final Challenge
- Create:
- Small version
- Large version
- Premium version
Module 3
Bringing Designs to Life with Assemblies
Design Products That Move
Most real-world products consist of multiple components working together. In this workshop, you'll learn how to assemble individual parts and simulate motion using Onshape's assembly tools.
Through practical exercises and a project-based approach, you'll discover how engineers test movement and functionality before products are ever manufactured.
- Lesson 1
Assembly Fundamentals
- Part Studio vs Assembly
- Inserting components
- Assembly structure
- Lesson 2
Mates
- Fastened
- Revolute
- Slider
- Cylindrical
- Exercise:
- Build moving mechanisms
- Lesson 3
Assembly Troubleshooting
- Mate errors
- Degrees of freedom
- Assembly best practices
- Lesson 4
Motion Simulation
- Animate assemblies
- Test movements
- Lesson 5
Project Build
- Folding Laptop Stand
- Students create:
- Legs
- Arms
- Hinges
- Folding mechanism
- Final Challenge
- Optimize for:
- Maximum portability
- Larger laptops
Module 4
From CAD to Production
Turning Designs into Manufacturing Documents
Creating a great design is only part of the journey. This workshop introduces the final stages of product development by teaching participants how to prepare professional engineering documentation used in manufacturing.
Learn how to communicate your ideas clearly through technical drawings, parts lists, and collaborative workflows used by modern product development teams
- Lesson 1
CAD to Manufacturing Process
- Product development overview
- Design review process
- Lesson 2
Technical Drawings
- Views
- Dimensions
- Notes
- Tolerances
- Exercise:
- Create production drawings
- Lesson 3
BOM and Product Structure
- Parts list
- Assemblies
- Revision concepts
- Lesson 4
Collaboration in Onshape
- Sharing
- Version control
- Comments
- Release workflow
- Lesson 5
Project Build
- Tool Organizer
- Students create:
- CAD model
- Assembly
- Drawing package
- Final Challenge
- Prepare a complete manufacturing package:
- 3D Model
- Assembly
- Drawing Sheet
- BOM