Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Have you ever wished you could convert your imagination directly into reality, like the sorcerers of old?
With a little help from a computer, software, a 3D printer, and this class, you can!

Computer‐aided design (CAD) is the use of software to design real world objects in a virtual space. CAD
is an incredibly powerful tool across many disciplines; science, engineering (everything from space
probes to biomedical implants), architecture, film and video game animation, sculpture, jewelry, and
more. In this course you will learn to use FreeCAD (powerful parametric computer‐aided design software) to turn your ideas into designs, and designs into physical objects using 3D printing.

Each class will include instruction on how to use FreeCAD’s many features, as well as self‐directed time
for you to work on your own personal CAD project. Whether you decide to create a tool, a piece of
jewelry, a scale model of a building, or something else entirely new, by the end of the course, you’ll walk
away holding the physical object you’ve designed, plus the knowledge and experience needed to
continue exploring CAD and 3D printing on your own.

Instructor: Brian Kardon

Instructor Bio: Brian Kardon is a technician in a neuroscience lab at Cornell, where he designs and builds software and hardware for scientific experiments. Before coming to Ithaca, he taught high school physics and biology for six years in the Boston area. He is also a father of two, and he enjoys learning about space exploration, gardening, playing the violin, sailing, and programming.


Prerequisites: Understanding of basic geometry (angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, radius/diameter, symmetry) and general computer proficiency

Required Materials: laptop computer with:

  • Windows, Mac OS, or Linux
  • A 64‐bit processor
  • At least 4 GB of RAM
  • At least 2 GB of free hard drive space
  • A mouse with a scroll wheel (not just a touchpad)

You do not need to install FreeCAD, as we’ll take some time to do so on the first day. I do recommend that you download the FreeCAD installer onto your laptop before you come to the first class, in case you have internet connectivity issues on the first day.