Adding one more software skill to your list or to get hands-on with another CAD/CAM software is like adding another string to the bow for Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing professionals. We have come a long way of revolution from using 2D drawing & drafting sheets to a soaring number of three-dimensional designing workspaces and CAM systems from the companies like Dassault Systems, PTC Creo, Autodesk to several other CAD/CAM software like Openscad, Bobcad, and Edgecam catering SME’s at an affordable cost.

Here are my top 5 goto frequently visited sites, which have been very helpful in my learning journey of CAD/CAM and CNC Machining.

1. Titans of CNC

If you are a machinist or CAD/CAM user, then there is a 90% chance that you have heard about Titans of CNC, with a wide variety of courses on CNC Machining, Mastercam, fusion 360 CAD & CAM with several exercises to practice. TitanofCNC Academy was very helpful when I started my career to catch up with the Fusion 360 CAM module, feeds and speed selection, etc. Nowadays I’m watching aerospace academy on weekends and the good thing is all of this is free, at no cost at all.

If you are looking for motivation to push your machine to its full efficiency and capability, ToC is worth checking out – BOOM!

2. Autodesk Academy

I believe Autodesk academy to be one of the most underrated and not enough promoted sites. If you are a beginner or want to learn fusion 360 as a hobby this website should be on the must-visit list. There is a wide variety of courses on CAD designing, Product designing, CNC, Simulation, 3D printing & making a drone.  

3. Mastercam University

Although I don’t have access to Mastercam to use it, when I heard about free courses of Mastercam University till July 31st, I decided to check this site during my quarantine period. I have gone through a couple of courses (Principle of machining & Mastercam Essential) until now. I was thrilled to see that free trial is extended till Dec 31st, hopefully, I will go through more couple of courses from this site before the end of this year. 

4. Mitsubishi Carbide E-learning

Using Mitsubishi cutter at the workplace has led me to their E-learning section which was a great source for revising the basics of Milling, Drilling, Workpiece material, etc. whilst the courses are not in-depth but a good place to get quick information on formulas/technical terms and revision. 

5. Solidworks Official site

My love for CAD started from Solidworks in my undergraduate days. It is one of the most user-friendly software I have ever used. The official site of Solidworks has many training videos from designing in part, assemblies, and simulation. It is one of my goto places for the preparation of CSWA certification.

There are many more sites that are doing an excellent job when it comes to free education especially on Youtube. All the sites mentioned above are my personal opinion and is not mentioned under any influence or for promotion. Just google if you would like to visit any above mentioned sites.

So, what are your best e-learning sites which have helped you in your CNC/CADCAM journey? feel free to comment below.