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.