Top Down Modeling in Autodesk Fusion 360

Top down modeling in Fusion 360 has many advantages.  

• The assembly components are modeled associative to other components so changes to one updates related components.
• Components can use sketches and features from other components similar to using  the derived process of modeling
• Components are normally modeled "in place" allow the use of As-Built Joints to join them together.
• Designs are easier to visualize since components are modeling in direct relationship to other components.

In this video I created a lidded box with seal using top down modeling which I hope to demonstrate this effective modeling method.

 NOTE: This modeling method is not available to Fusion 360 Personal License users since the Edit in Place functionality is not present.

How to Curve a Graphic Sketch in Fusion 360

There are times when you have a model that requires a logo or design that in not linear in shape but all you can find is a logo that is linear.  In this short video I step through one process of taking an existing graphic and curving it to match my model.  I used a SVG file but any sketch that can be extruded can be used.  This includes simple text. 

Simple Editing in Fusion 360

When editing complex models in Fusion 360 it can often be a challenge to find the feature profile sketch or the feature you want to edit.  This can be in your models or models created by others you need to edit.  In this short video I want to introduce you to the Edit Profile Sketch and Edit Feature command located on the right click context menu.

Changing the Title Block of An Existing Drawing in Fusion 360

You have a finished a set of 2D drawings that need to be re-issued with a new title block.  You do not want to have to recreate the drawing on a new template, the title block is the only thing you need to change.  In this short video, I will show you the process of changing an existing title block with a few short steps.

NOTE: This process is not possible if you are using a Fusion 360 Personal License.

I would like to thank Guenther Andresen for sharing this tip.

 

Creating Lofts Using Mapped Points in Fusion 360

Lofting can often be a tedious and challenging process.  There are two traditional methods of lofting between two planes, using a center line or rails.  In this short video I would like to show you a method that is not so familiar, Lofting using mapped points.  I must emphasize this method does not work well when lofting between three or more planes but for two parallel or close to parallel, it is fast and easy.

Creating Complex Sheet Metal Cutouts in Fusion 360

You are sometimes faced with creating a cutout in sheet metal through multiple thicknesses and bends.  Normally you would Unfold command on the sheet metal body, sketch on the flat, Extrude and Refold the layout but in this case lining up the multiple sketches will be difficult if not impossible.  In this short video I will show you how to use a surface to easily create a perfect cutout.

Using the Mesh Section Sketch Tool to Remove Extra Faces From Your Model

In a previous post I show you how to use the Mesh Section Sketch tool, in Fusion 360, to convert a STL into a solid body.  This post will use the same tool to remove excess faces from a model by cleaning up the sketch it was created from.  Often imported sketches or sketches which were created using excessive spline points will cause these excess faces.  The process can be used as shown, starting with a sketch, or it can be used on a surface extrusion created from an existing model.  In the short video you will see how simply and effective this method is.

Using the Mesk Section Sketch Tool in Autodesk Fusion 360

Many times you will be given a STL file and need to convert it to a prismatic body.  If you have a Fusion 360 Personal license you find this is a particularly hard job since you do not have this option in the Convert Mesh tool.  Even when you have this option, you often find the process does not give good results.  In this video I walk you through the process of using the Mesh Section Sketch Tool, located in the Mesh environment, to make this process a bit easier.

This process will work with STL files of contain basic prismatic shapes such as lines, arcs, circles, splines, etc.  It is not intended to be used on "free form" STL files.

Comparison of the Flange and Bend Commands in Fusion 360

The two main commands for bending sheet metal in Fusion 360 are the Flange command and the Bend command. Each has its uses but for precision bending of sheet metal the Flange tool makes the task a lot simpler. It will use the sheet metal rules, of the assigned material, and automatically calculate the bend allowances to create accurate dimensional bends. The Bend command can also make bends but you are required to calculate the bend allowances manually. In the video I reference a bend allowance calculator called Bendworks. This tool is no longer supported and updated but still functions of this tedious task. I will post a link in the comments.  In this video I compare the use of these two commands.

If you have a choice, select the Flange command and finish your dimensional sheet metal design quickly.