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. This wiki page is in no way exhausting, therefore be sure to check out the help button in the top right of the Fusion 360


Typical workflow

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


Creating a sketch

Create a normal 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

If you'd like to create a sketch from a component that already exists, press the Create Sketch button and select the surface of the component you'd like to make a sketch plane from. The surface will be highlighted a light yellow color. Sketch planes must be created from a 2D plane. In other words, the surface you choose must be flat if you do not create additional plans.

Creating offset planes

One of the simplest 'modified' planes is an offset plane. In a normal sketch plane, the sketch lies directly on top of the component's surface. In an offset sketch plane, the sketch is parallel but distanced from the selected surfaces. Simply click the construct icon and the first option in that drop down menu is 'Offset Plane'. When you hover over the option with the mouse

  1. Draw components (lines, circles, et al)
  2. Specify dimensions
  3. Apply constraints
  4. 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.

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