Difference between revisions of "Workshop: Introduction to 3D CAD (with Fusion 360)"
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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 | ||
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# 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]] | ||
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# 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
- Create a sketch
- Extrude the sketch
- Modify body
- Export
Creating a sketch
- 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.
- Draw components (lines, circles, et al)
- Specify dimensions
- Apply constraints
- Finish sketch
Extruding a sketch
- Select sketch
- Select parameters
- Finish
Modifying bodies
- Fillets/chamfers
- Combining bodies
Exporting
- Select object
- Select destination
- 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.