Getting Into Fusion360

Fusion360: Learning the Basics

Fusion360 is probably one of the most powerful programs I have ever used. Though admittedly it can be very intimidating, it is a very useful tool in the box of RC tricks. Fusion is most notably useful for its ability to design parts for 3D printing. I have been using Fusion and wanted to share some of its best features for those who have not heard of Fusion or have not used it. In this article, I will take you through the very basics of how to best approach starting your first model and getting familiar with the software.

Understanding: What make Fusion so powerful?

First thing’s first, you have to know what type of software Fusion is.

Fusion360 is a Parametric Design software that uses sketches and constraints to build complex models…… What language was that!

Okay, let’s break it down;

“Parametric design is a process based on algorithmic thinking that enables the expression of parameters and rules that, together, define, encode and clarify the relationship between design intent and design response.[1][2]

Parametric design is a paradigm in design where the relationship between elements is used to manipulate and inform the design of complex geometries and structures.” -Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parametric_design

Basically; Fusion models build from individual sketches that build on each other to make complex shapes, components and structures. So, as an example; Let’s build a basic model, we are going to keep it super simple, we are going to model a Tiny Whoop Case.

Start with a sketch:

So, how do you start?! Well Fusion works on the basis of sketches. Simple drawings on each of the planes that you can extrude to create shapes. But, before you even get to that point the best thing to do is to take pen to paper, and draw out your idea. Getting your idea onto paper is the easiest way to visualize your project. One thing that Fusion is NOT good for, if organic modeling. Fusion is not the program to create a design for something “on the fly”, although you can, it is not highly recommended.

Okay, so this is not the sketch of the tiny whoop box, but the principal is the same. Write down all of your measurement.

okay, this is not a Tiny Whoop case, but you get the idea.

Getting Started in Fusion.

First thing’s first, get to know fusion and the basic toolbar, at the start there are only a few buttons you need to be familiar with, and for our little project, you only need a few. Once you get the basics there are some far more powerful features that you can learn and play with.

The toolbar is set up in different modes, but for this example and getting used to fusion STAY in the model mode. Model mode allows you to use the parametric modeling features of Fusion without getting into anything to complicated.

Let’s break it down.

• 

  Sketch - This is the tool that allows you to draw on the 3 major planes. X, Y and Z.

• 

  Create - Create allows you to take the initial sketches and perform functions that make the drawing more complex. Such as extruding, patterning and mirroring. We will get into some of these functions as we start to model.

• 

  Modify - this usually applies to bodies (we will get into what a body is as we get into sketching. But the modify tool will make changes to the bodies that we create.

• 

  Construct - this is predominantly used for adding additional planes of interest either on the X, Y or Z and can be used to create planes on other planes outside of this too (we won’t use this too much in this tutorial but it is important to know, you can create a plane to sketch just about anywhere).

Other functions are not as important right now, and we may get back into them later.

So now let’s break down one more thing before we get going. The different items that comprise a model.

• 

  Sketch - let’s think of this as a drawing on a piece of paper. Its 2 dimensional, has dimension and is the basis of all parts of your model.

• 

  Body - a body is an extrusion of a sketch and makes up the 3 dimensional part of your model.

• Component - this is either a single or multiple bodies that make up a model, you may have multiple components that make up a model, or just one.

Start by formating,

Here is a list of what to do every time that you start in Fusion.

1. SAVE YOUR WORK FIRST. - fusion is cloud based, so start by saving your work and creating a folder for where you keep everything 

   

2. Create a component. - it’s a good practice to set up your first part as a component. It will make organizing easier later on. 

   

3. Start to sketch.

Notice that your folder tree on the left side adds the folder and component you create.

**quick tip, you can click on and off the light bulbs in the folder list to show and hide items in your project.

So here is the your first sketch.

First thing out the gate, click on the “create sketch” button. Next the “origin” icon appears with the ability to select the axis to sketch onto. So keep it simple, click on the x (bottom).

To start out our frame, we need to create a base which is larger than the 68 mm’s and allow a small relief for the motors to sit, assuming these are 10 mm. So let’s draw a box with circles and dimension them.

• Dimension - This is setting a sketch to a very specific size that locks the sketch to that size. This is probably the most powerful part of this entire program, as the ability to change size directly affects all parts of the component. Which means, if from this point we change the size that we dimension, the entire model will change parametrically. AWESOME.

You can dimension in one of 2 ways. Firstly, you can manipulate the number when you begin to create a sketch, or you can press the dimension button in the sketch dropdown. If you like shortcut’s, (I tend not too) you can also press “D” on the keyboard.

The next thing to highlight in our workflow is speeding up your process. Instead of recreating your sketch or lines multiple times, you can use a set of tools that will help you a ton!

• Mirror - by selecting and sketch path, shape or multiple of the two and a second line to mirror over, you can copy any of the line you create so that you do not have to repeat yourself.

• Patterning - there are 2 types. Circular and rectangular. Depending on how you need to duplicate the sketch part and how many, Fusion will automatically copy your selection around a centerline of a sketch or body. In this example we are going to use circular patterning 4 times.

Now that we have the basic sketch, click on the “stop sketch” button.

The view plane now returns to what’s called the home position, and you will now be able to move onto the next major step, extruding and cutting.

• Extruding - think of this as pulling on a sketch to make it 3 dimensional.

• Cutting - removing the parts of the extruding, think of this as the opposite of extruding, you use the same button to complete this process. Cuts are usually displayed as a - (negative) extrude.

When you are selecting shapes to extrude, especially in this example, make sure you select all the parts of the sketch that you wish to stretch and cut. Once you have completed the extrude you have officially created your very first body!

Remember parametric modeling builds on itself, so just learning the first few basic skills can produce powerful results.

Well here are a few more screenshots of me finishing up:

adjusting the diameter to 10 mm to fit the motors

adjust the cuts to fit the bottom/base wall.

Finalize the extrude

Fillet all the edges.

Again it’s all just repeating the basic steps to create objects and projects. Once you have a basic understanding you can create anything.

Last step is finishing and exporting. You can save your project or export for 3D printing (STL exports are possible to multiple programs)

Keep following along for more tips and tutorials. Until the next time, Blue Skies!