EP1000

Creating Models using Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is AutoDesk’s latest product into CAD. It takes the best features from AutoCAD and Inventor, adds CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), Sculpting and Electronics Design to the system. Best of all, the software is available to Students for a 3 year-lease period.

Here are some main topics that you need to master in Fusion 360:

• The user interface
• Saving and exporting designs
• 2D sketching
• Drawing constraints and how to apply them
• Extrusion

Helpful Topics

• AutoDesk:
  • Introduction to Fusion 360
  • User Interface Overview
  • Open, close, export, upload, and save designs
  • Set Preferences
  • Adjust Display settings
  • Use the Marking Menu
  • Use the Toolbox
  • Create A Project
  • Open a Design created in another CAD system
  • Components and Bodies
  • Parametric vs. direct modeling
  • Working with Design versions
• Kevin Kennedy: Product Design
  Don’t forget to check the accompanying pages on his website for guides to each of the videos.
  • Navigating the Fusion 360 User Interface (sections explained) - REVISED 2019 - site text
  • Default settings for Fusion 360 - site text
  • How to Manually Add Sketch Constraints - Learn Autodesk Fusion 360 in 30 Days: Day #16
  • How to Create text in Fusion 360
  • How and Why to Fully Constrain Your Sketches
• Autodesk Fusion 360 Fusion 360: Sketch Constraints
• Two good practice designs:
  • Product Design Online Day #1 How to make a Lego Brick
  • Product Design Online #15 How to 3D Model a Painter’s Tripod

3D Models

We will cover 3D models in detail in the following lesson, however as a preview, there are only 3 methods in which we can use to create a digitized 3D model of an object using CAD. They are

1. by Extrusion
   creating a 2D outline in one plane and then extruding or extending the outline of the object in the axis perpendicular to that plane.
2. by Revolution
   creating a 2D outline in one plane/shape and then revolving the outline/shape a number of degrees in the perpendicular plane. This method is ideal for creating cylindrical objects.
3. by Sculpting
   this method is akin to playing with plasticine. We start with a defined object e.g. block, cylinder, sphere and then by pushing and pulling surfaces we are able to create a 3D model of the object.

 

Assignment: Creating Models

In this assignment, you will use the skills learnt in Fusion360 to create 2 objects - a nametag and a fidget spinner. For this assignment, we will only create the 3D model of both objects, and learn how to display them in our blogs. You will have the opportunity to create them using a 3D printer at a later date.

Assignment: Creating Models

 

May 2020