Course
SolidWorks Fundamentals Sp26
Ended Apr 29, 2026
Instructor: UVA Coulter Center
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Full course description
SolidWorks Fundamentals Workshop
SolidWorks is the industry standard for 3D CAD, but effective engineers go beyond modeling as they design with intent, manufacturability, and assembly in mind. This workshop focuses on applying SolidWorks within a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) framework, enabling you to create models that communicate clearly, adapt easily, and translate to real-world production.
Please join us for a one day session, April 29th, 2026, from 10AM until 4 PM, at the Coulter Center office at 722 Preston Ave, in Charlottesville, VA. Participants are STRONGLY encouraged to have SolidWorks installed on their own laptops for this workshop; software will not be provided. Attendees without SolidWorks may observe or follow along in Onshape, but no time will be allocated for installation, setup, or troubleshooting for any software during the session. For SolidWorks, you may use a work license through your employer or download the UVA educational SolidWorks license here (UVA students only): https://library.virginia.edu/data/research-software/solidworks-for-education
Earn a microcertificate!
Course Instructor: Kristin Bush
For questions, email kristin@virginia.edu or uvacoulter@virginia.edu
Actively enrolled UVA & PVCC students are eligible to receive a discount code. Please email your request to kristin@virginia.edu from your school account (.edu).
READ BEFORE SIGNING UP:
Basic Background Knowledge Requirements for SolidWorks Workshop:
Prior CAD Experience
SolidWorks experience is not required, but familiarity with general CAD platforms (Fusion 360, Onshape, Inventor, etc.) is expected.
Engineering & Graphic Communication Basics
Students should understand the concept of 3D parts, coordinate systems, and basic mechanical geometry (holes, edges, features, etc.).
Computer & File Navigation Skills
Participants should be comfortable working on a computer, managing files, and navigating software interfaces.
Interest in Mechanical or Product Design
This workshop is hands-on and most valuable for students or early professionals who intend to work in engineering, product development, manufacturing, research, or related fields.
Workshop Highlights:
- Sketching and fully-defined constraints (design intent)
- Parametric modeling and driving dimensions for controlled changes
- Solid features applied with manufacturability considerations
- Assembly fundamentals and mating strategies for real-world fit/function
- Technical drawings that communicate manufacturing requirements
- Exporting CAD for prototyping (3D printing, fabrication)
- DFMA principles applied throughout modeling decisions
Expected Outcomes:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to model basic parts and assemblies in SolidWorks using professional workflows that emphasize design intent, modification capability, and manufacturing relevance.
Commitment
This is a hands-on, space-limited workshop. If you can no longer attend, please notify the course instructor so students on the waitlist may join.
More workshop details will be shared via Canvas Announcements approximately one week before the first session. If you do not get any notifications within two days of the course, please contact your instructor above.