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.

 

 

De-curving and Curving Solid Bodies in Fusion 360

From time to time you will have a solid body you either need to de-curve or curve to sit a surface of another component or body.  The process outlined in this video can be used on any single curved body.  

Mirroring Components in a Fusion 360 Assembly - A Better Way

From time to time you will need to mirror a component in a Fusion 360 assembly but hate to get that component mirror designation in the Browser.  You may also only need the mirror component so you have to hide the original.  In this short video I show you an easy method of mirroring a component without these drawbacks.

I would like to thank Peter Doering, Autodesk Forum handle @TrippyLighting, for sharing this tip.

Creating Variable Sub-Assembly Motion in Multiple Assemblies

From time to time you will have a sub-assembly, that contains motion limits, in various top level assemblies.  The issue you sometimes face is you cannot have different motion limits in two or more top level assemblies.  If you change the motion limits in the original sub-assembly, all the top level assemblies will update the the same motion limits which is not what you want.  In this short video I show how to place sub-assemblies, with motion limits, in as many top level assemblies as you want and still have different motion limits in each.

Modeling with Component Bodies in Fusion 360

From time to time you have complicated features or features that are not created automatically by Fusion 360 that you use frequently.  These features can be created as "positive" component bodies, saved in the cloud, and used over and over in your designs.  In this video I go over the process using two different saved component bodies.

 

 

Modeling with Surface Patches in Fusion 360

The ability to model with solid bodies has long been desired in Fusion 360 but the wait is still on.  I would like to introduce you to the next best thing, modeling with Surface Patches.  Surface patches will work with all the basic modeling functions such as Extrude, Sweep, Revolve and Loft to create quick modeling features, bodies and components.  Another great benefit of using surface patches is that they are simple to create and capture from other models and saved as components for use in multiple projects.

Please click on this link to a video explaining both the creation and use of surface patches.

 

One Way to Share Sheet Metal Rules with Other Users of Fusion 360

If you use Fusion 360 in a team environment and create sheet metal components, you may want a method of sharing custom sheet metal rules you have created with other users.  At this time there is no way to share your library but in this short video I outline a quick and easy method to add your sheet metal rules to other Fusion 360 designer's library.

Creating Independent Copies of a Component and Maintaining Their Dependency on the Original

 In a parametric design, we all have created independent copies of a component using the Copy/Paste New command sequence.  Later on, in the design, you realize you would like to modify the original component and have all the edits and additions, made to the original, propagate to "all" of the independent copies.  This could potentially save you a tremendous amount of time and it will also add a whole new method to designing.  If this workflow interest you, take a look at this video for the process.

How to Reverse the Rotation of An Assembly Revolve Joint in Fusion 360

From time to time, I have read, on the Fusion 360 Forums, a question on how to reverse the rotation of an assembly Revolve joint.  In this short video I will show you my method which involves editing your Revolve joint and adding a Joint Origin.

Breaking the Link Between One or More Components in a Fusion 360 Pattern

There are times when you have a rectangular or circular pattern and you need to add some features to one of the components of the pattern but not all. This video will explain the process of breaking the link of one or more components from the pattern.  This process will also work on any component that was copied and pasted, instead of using paste new, in the assembly.  Please take a look at a very short video explaining the process.

Creating and Using User Coordinate Systems (UCS) in Autodesk Fusion 360

Many CAD applications allow for the creation of multiple User Coordinate Systems (UCS) but Fusion 360 does not.  In my short video I demonstrate how to make multiple UCS and how to use and modify them.  The great feature about a UCS is that any components that were created on a UCS will follow it when it is moved or rotated.  Another great feature is that when sketching, on a user defined UCS, all sketch entities and dimensions relate to standard aligned axis and planes of the UCS making sketching easy when created angled components.

Using Hidden Components to Create Joint Motion in Autodesk Fusion 360

 Special motion joints require the ability to apply multiple joints to the system.  This is where the use of hidden components can make the job a snap.  You use these hidden components, which I call "Dummy" components, to carry joints that cannot be applied to the same component but must be available to acquire the motion you need.  In the video, I use three examples where this technique works very well.  I only do one planetary gear of the system shown below but by repeating the steps you can build the complete system.