Model it. Print it.
Prove it.
A project-based Autodesk Fusion curriculum built for true beginners. No prior CAD experience required — just a willingness to model thirty-two real parts, print what you design, and measure the result against the drawing.
(capstone mechanism, turntable or clip)
Watch & reproduce
Follow one full tutorial while learning the week's new tools and workflow decisions.
Close transfer
Same tools, different geometry — confirm you can apply what you just learned.
Combined skill
A drawing that requires interpretation, not click-for-click replication.
Independent solve
Minimal hints, no solution video. Just the drawing and the acceptance criteria.
Then: export, slice, print, measure, submit.
Every exercise ends the same way it would on a real job — turn the model into a physical part, check it against the drawing, and document what you found. That loop is the whole point of the Academy; the CAD is just the first step.
What you submit per unit
- — Native Fusion file, organized and named
- — 3MF/STL export and slicer screenshot
- — Caliper measurements vs. nominal
- — A short reflection: one decision, failure, or fix
This is an independently developed kAIsyn Labs curriculum. It follows the skill progression reflected in Autodesk's public Fusion certification-preparation materials, but alignment to those skill domains does not imply Autodesk sponsorship, authorization, or equivalency to an Autodesk certification.
Every unit, one guided part, three challenges.
Lesson counts inside each unit are still being finalized — this is the fixed backbone the lessons build toward.
Sketching & the First Solid
Navigate Fusion, manage a project file, create a dimensioned sketch, and turn a closed profile into a printable solid.
Constraints & Parametric Intent
Build fully constrained sketches that update predictably when dimensions change, then add or remove material with Extrude.
Holes, Fillets, Chamfers & Shells
Apply manufacturing-oriented features with deliberate placement and order, rather than sketching every detail.
Revolves, Mirrors & Patterns
Choose efficient feature strategies for rotational and repeated geometry instead of building every instance by hand.
Sweeps, Lofts & Construction Geometry
Work off the origin planes to construct transitions and paths a simple Extrude or Revolve can't produce.
Bodies, Components & Multi-Part Design
Tell bodies from components, split a master model into organized printable parts, and make controlled direct edits.
Assemblies, Joints & Mechanisms
Build an organized assembly and define exactly how its components are positioned and allowed to move.
Validation, Drawings & the Capstone
Validate mechanical behavior, document the design with standard views, and submit a complete model-to-print package.
Three tiers. Same parts, more proof.
Every unit — and the course as a whole — can be certified at three depths. Model only, or take it all the way to a verified, measured, printed part.
Modeler
Submit correct native Fusion files
Guided part plus all three challenges, with named sketches, organized features, and a readable Timeline.
Fabricator
+ submit slicer files
Export, orient, and slice every part. Proves you understand print orientation, supports, and tolerance.
Maker
+ submit photos of the printed part
Print, measure with calipers, and photograph the finished piece against its nominal dimensions.
How a certification gets issued
Complete the unit
Finish the guided part and all three challenges.
Pass the assessment
A short comprehension check tied to the unit's skills.
Submit your evidence
Files, exports, measurements — post in your unit thread.
Get reviewed
A team member checks the work against the rubric.
Earn the badge
Certification issued and ready to share.
Fusion Foundations runs inside
Modern Manufacturing on Skool.
Videos, submission threads, review, and badges all happen in the community — this page is just the front door. Join to get access to Unit 1 and the rest of the release schedule as it ships.
Join Modern Manufacturing on SkoolBefore you jump in
Do I need any CAD experience?+
No. Fusion Foundations is built for a true beginner — the first unit starts at opening the software and creating your first sketch.
Do I need a 3D printer?+
Not to earn a Modeler badge. Fabricator and Maker badges do require slicing and printing your parts, so access to any FDM printer (yours or a shared one) unlocks the full progression.
Is this an official Autodesk certification?+
No. Fusion Foundations is an independently developed kAIsyn Labs curriculum. It follows the skill progression reflected in Autodesk's public certification-prep materials, but it isn't sponsored, authorized, or endorsed by Autodesk.
How is my work reviewed?+
Each unit ends with a short assessment and a file submission inside the community. A team member checks the submission against a rubric before a badge is issued.
What software do I need?+
Autodesk Fusion (the free personal-use plan is sufficient for this curriculum) and a slicer for your printer once you reach the Fabricator tier.