Introduction to CAD modeling course for automotive parts
Online course of 300 hours in introductory CAD modelling for automotive parts: 6 modules covering the CAD environment and sketching, solid part modelling, surfaces and bodywork shapes, assemblies and mechanisms, and drawings and product definition, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Use a parametric 3D CAD environment following good practice.
Model solid parts for different manufacturing processes.
Create quality surfaces for bodywork components.
Build assemblies and check for interferences.
Produce drawings with dimensional and geometric tolerances.
Exchange models using neutral formats.
Develop a complete automotive part from sketch to drawing.
Who it's for
- Automotive CAD designers.
- Engineering draughtspeople.
- Product technicians.
- Surface modellers.
- Junior design engineers.
- Technical documentation technicians.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join car manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP242)
- ASME Y14.5-2018 (Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
- ISO 1101:2017 (Geometrical tolerancing)
- ISO 16792:2021 (Digital product definition)
- ISO 128 (Technical drawing representation)
- ISO 286-1 (System of tolerances and fits)
- ISO 14306 (JT for 3D visualisation)
- CATIA V5
- Siemens NX
- SolidWorks
- Autodesk Fusion
- Teamcenter
6 modules
1.1Interface and workflow in 3D CAD1.2Vehicle coordinate systems1.32D sketches and geometric constraints1.4Dimensions and parametric relations1.5Extrude and revolve operations1.6Feature tree and history1.7Reference planes and axes1.8Units, tolerances and templates1.9Good naming practices1.10Practical exercise: sheet-metal engine mount from a sketch
2.1Shells, ribs and draft angles2.2Fillets and chamfers2.3Patterns and mirroring2.4Standard holes and threads2.5Injection-moulded plastic parts2.6Aluminium casting parts2.7Sheet-metal parts and flat patterns2.8Design tables and configurations2.9Material and mass properties2.10Workshop: injection-moulded plastic headlamp housing
3.1Spline curves and G1, G2 continuity3.2Swept and lofted surfaces3.3Class A surfaces: concepts3.4Curvature and zebra analysis3.5Trimming and knitting surfaces3.6Converting surfaces to solids3.7Reverse engineering from scans3.8Design of spoilers and diffusers3.9Integration of surfaces and parts3.10Practical exercise: modelling an exterior mirror
4.1Mates and positional relations4.2Top-down and bottom-up assemblies4.3Suspension sub-assemblies4.4Interference detection4.5Motion and basic kinematics4.6Standard fastener components4.7Bills of materials4.8Exploded views for assembly4.9Managing large assemblies4.10Workshop: assembly of a suspension arm
5.1Views, sections and details5.2Functional dimensioning of parts5.3Dimensional tolerances and fits5.4Geometric tolerancing (GD&T)5.5Surface finish indications5.6Model-based definition (MBD)5.7STEP and JT exchange formats5.8Version control with PDM5.9Design review5.10Practical exercise: manufacturing drawing of a hub
6.1Selection of the automotive part6.2Sketches and solid model6.3Finishing surfaces6.4Assembly with neighbouring parts6.5Drawings with GD&T6.6Data export and exchange6.7Model quality review6.8Design presentation6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine the programme with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is CATIA V5, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion and Teamcenter, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: modelling a sheet-metal engine mount, exterior mirror surfaces and a hub manufacturing drawing with geometric tolerances. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Standards covered: ISO 10303-242; ASME Y14.5-2018; ISO 1101:2017; ISO 16792:2021; ISO 128; ISO 286-1; ISO 14306.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with CATIA V5, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion and Teamcenter, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
Course on self-locking differentials and their adjustment
Online course of 300 hours in limited-slip differentials and their adjustment. 6 modules covering the role of the differential, types of limited-slip differential, Salisbury adjustment, effect…
Ackermann steering geometry course in practice
Online course of 300 hours in Ackermann steering geometry in practice. 6 modules covering steering geometry, tyre behaviour, adjustment on racing vehicles, on-track handling effects and…
Course on the principles of combustion in high-performance engines
Online course of 300 hours in combustion principles for high-performance engines. 6 modules covering combustion thermodynamics, in-cylinder combustion, racing fuels, injection and gas exchange, and diagnosis…
More in Automotive & Motorsport
All Automotive & Motorsport programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships