Course
SolidWorks Fundamentals Sp26
Apr 29, 2026 - 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 used in engineering design, product development, and advanced manufacturing. Whether you're building parts, assemblies, or technical drawings, understanding how to model with parametric intent is essential for communicating design requirements, enabling modifications, and ensuring manufacturability.
Please join us for one half-day session, [Date and times still TBD, but most likely April 29th, 2026], at the Coulter Center office at 722 Preston Ave, in Charlottesville, VA. Participants must have SolidWorks installed on their own laptops for this workshop; software will not be provided. You may use a work license through your employer or download the UVA educational SolidWorks license here: https://library.virginia.edu/data/research-software/solidworks-for-education
Earn a microcertificate!
Course Instructor: Kristin Bush
For questions, email kristin@virginia.edu
READ BEFORE SIGNING UP:
Basic Background Knowledge Requirements for SolidWorks Workshop:
Prior CAD Experience (Optional but Helpful)
No SolidWorks experience is required. Familiarity with other CAD platforms (Fusion 360, Onshape, Inventor, etc.) is welcome but not 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
- Parametric modeling and driving dimensions
- Solid features (extrudes, cuts, fillets, Hole Wizard)
- Assembly fundamentals and mating strategies
- Technical drawings for manufacturing communication
- Exporting CAD files for 3D printing and fabrication
- Industry-aligned modeling practices
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.