Difference between revisions of "Workshop: Introduction to 3D CAD (with Fusion 360)"

From Design and Build Lab
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 1: Line 1:
 
Fusion 360 is a computer-assisted design software package. It is '''parametric''', which means that you can always go back and change parameters and the entire design will update to match.
 
Fusion 360 is a computer-assisted design software package. It is '''parametric''', which means that you can always go back and change parameters and the entire design will update to match.
  
Typical workflow:
+
 
 +
== Typical workflow ==
 +
:
 
# Create a sketch
 
# Create a sketch
 
# Extrude the sketch
 
# Extrude the sketch
Line 7: Line 9:
 
# Export
 
# Export
  
Creating a sketch
+
 
 +
== Creating a sketch ==
 +
 
 
# Create a sketch plane.
 
# Create a sketch plane.
 
#:* Press the '''Create Sketch''' button in the top left of the tool bar.  Then select the plane on which you would like to create a sketch.  If there are no components to select a plane from, you must select a plane from the 3D space (X plane, Y plane, Z plane). It may be helpful to choose the initial orientation that best suits your preferences and your project.  For example, if the component is relatively long and flat, it may be useful to start on the Z plane.  In this scenario, you will create the sketch of the bottom or top surface. [[File:Sketch planes.png|280px|thumb|right|Example of Sketch Planes]]
 
#:* Press the '''Create Sketch''' button in the top left of the tool bar.  Then select the plane on which you would like to create a sketch.  If there are no components to select a plane from, you must select a plane from the 3D space (X plane, Y plane, Z plane). It may be helpful to choose the initial orientation that best suits your preferences and your project.  For example, if the component is relatively long and flat, it may be useful to start on the Z plane.  In this scenario, you will create the sketch of the bottom or top surface. [[File:Sketch planes.png|280px|thumb|right|Example of Sketch Planes]]
Line 15: Line 19:
 
# Finish sketch
 
# Finish sketch
  
Extruding a sketch
+
 
 +
== Extruding a sketch ==
 +
 
 
# Select sketch
 
# Select sketch
 
# Select parameters
 
# Select parameters
 
# Finish
 
# Finish
  
Modifying bodies
+
 
 +
== Modifying bodies ==
 +
 
 
# Fillets/chamfers
 
# Fillets/chamfers
 
# Combining bodies
 
# Combining bodies
  
Exporting
+
 
 +
== Exporting ==
 +
 
 
# Select object
 
# Select object
 
# Select destination
 
# Select destination

Revision as of 16:41, 15 February 2018

Fusion 360 is a computer-assisted design software package. It is parametric, which means that you can always go back and change parameters and the entire design will update to match.


Typical workflow

  1. Create a sketch
  2. Extrude the sketch
  3. Modify body
  4. Export


Creating a sketch

  1. Create a sketch plane.
    • Press the Create Sketch button in the top left of the tool bar. Then select the plane on which you would like to create a sketch. If there are no components to select a plane from, you must select a plane from the 3D space (X plane, Y plane, Z plane). It may be helpful to choose the initial orientation that best suits your preferences and your project. For example, if the component is relatively long and flat, it may be useful to start on the Z plane. In this scenario, you will create the sketch of the bottom or top surface.
      Example of Sketch Planes
  2. Draw components (lines, circles, et al)
  3. Specify dimensions
  4. Apply constraints
  5. Finish sketch


Extruding a sketch

  1. Select sketch
  2. Select parameters
  3. Finish


Modifying bodies

  1. Fillets/chamfers
  2. Combining bodies


Exporting

  1. Select object
  2. Select destination
  3. Export

In order to 3D print your design, the file must ideally be saved as an STL file. STL was not originally an acronym (several backronyms have been formed), although it is a shorthand for stereo-lithography CAD (computer assisted design). The STL file converts the design into a huge amount of tiny triangles. For more information visit the wikipedia page on STL files.[1].

To save the design as a STL file, you can press the icon in the toolbar representing a 3D printer, above MAKE. After pressing the icon, the settings window pops up. It is recommended you keep the refinement HIGH and you do not send the file to any printing utility. Simply click OK and then determine where you want the file to be saved.