Workshop Content

Before continuing, please complete the Pre-Workshop content to make sure you do not miss any steps.

Part 1: Makerepo

Make an account on Makerepo.com so that you can have access to other people’s projects and the use of our space! Everyone NEEDS one.

Click on the button below to go to create a Makerepo account or to log on to your account!

Makerepo

Part 2: Why Fusion 360?

Fusion 360 allows you to create CAD models using “Sketch Based Modeling”

Follows a more common modeling interface similar to Solidworks (Transferable)
Allows you to create more complex and dimensionally accurate designs
Based on principle of creating a 2D sketch
Then transforming 2D sketch into a 3D object
Provides you with more freedom in your design
Contains features to simulate your design’s motion

You should already set up Fusion 360 and have it downloaded onto your computer from following the Pre-Workshop steps. If you have not done so, please click on the Pre-Workshop tab and complete those steps before continuing.

Part 3: Toolbars and Environment

Top Toolbar:

Contains all of the sketch/creation tools required to manipulate models
This is also where we can set the environment for Modeling, Rendering, and Simulation functionality
- Most commonly used Toolbar

Bottom Toolbar:

Contains the working timeline, allowing you to jump back in time on your design

Data Panel (left):

Access your project files here
You can create project folders
Access to samples
You can upload files from here to work on

Navigation (right):

Drag or select faces on cube to orient object
If you are using a mouse
Hold Shift + Press Scroll wheel to rotate orientation

Browser (left):

Access all elements in work plane
Change viewing option for certain sketches/bodies
Alter document settings

Part 4: Modeling - Sketch Based

Sketch Tools:

Top portion contains all sketching tools to create the base shapes
The second section has tools that modify sketches
There are also pattern sketch tools which help with making repeating sketches
The sketch dimension tool

Sketches need to have “constraints” done using sketch dimension tool, or by placing constraints on certain locations.

Part 5: Sketching

Step 1:

Select Model mode and create new sketch

Step 2:

Select which of the three planes you want to begin drawing your sketch (TOP)

Step 3:

Create the sketch below using the following sketch tools:
- Rectangle, Arc, Circle, Trim, Fillet, Sketch Dimension

Part 6: Sketch Extrusion

Now to extrude our sketch...

The extrude tool, once selected, will give the following drop down selection menu

All tools will produce a similar drop down menu (which can be seen below on the left)
All requirements must be filled in order for the tool to work

The CREATE tab, which can be seen on the right, has all the 3D form features.

Extrusion creates a 3D form from the 2D sketch
Revolve, Sweep, Loft, Threads are more complex tools that we will NOT be focusing on
Modification tab allows you to modify 3D faces (pull them out longer, etc.)

Steps for extrusion

Follow the steps below and refer to the pictures if you require more detail on extrusion. The numbers beside the photos do not necessarily correspond to the numbered steps, the pictures are there to serve as visual aid.

Feel free to test and explore any of the other tools of Fusion 360 as you learn how to extrude a sketch.

Step 1: Select Extrude (e)

Step 2: Select the Profile of Sketch you want to extrude

Step 3: Enter the values for how much you wish to extrude

Step 4: Select Direction (one side vs. two side)

Step 5: Select Operation mode

New Body
Cut
Join

To work on sketches you’ve already extruded double click them, extrude 5mm.

The image below is what your final extruded sketch should look like.

Part 7: Creating a circular pattern

Create the shape that you wish to repeat around this circle

Simply draw a 1x2mm rectangle at top centre
Use the Trim tool to eliminate unnecessary lines that you don’t want repeating

The Circular Pattern tool requires:

Step 1: Selecting Object/s to repeat

Step 2: Choose a centre point for rotation

Step 3: Full/Partial repeating pattern

Step 4: Choose the quantity of repeating objects

Step 5: Select Okay

Step 6: Using the Extrude tool, change the function to cut and remove this pattern sketch

Part 8: Modifying a model

In Fusion 360, you can use the Fillet tool to modify models

Fillet: This tool is used to smooth out/ place a fillet edge on an edge.

These can be added for aesthetic purposes or to reduce stress on an object. The blue arrow below points to an example of how the fillet tool is used.

Part 9: Importing Models

From the Data Panel, select upload and select an STL you wish to work on.

Don’t drag the object from here onto work plane as it will add it dimensionless
Download STL files from site like Thingiverse

In order to add an STL with keeping its original dimensions choose INSERT>Insert Mesh

Part 10: Assembly

With Fusion 360 it allows you to take your components and then form a full assembly

Great for checking your design
Must turn Bodies into Components
The objects are being joined using different Mating preferences
- Concentric
- Plane to Plane
- Locking
Once Assembled, you can jump into testing the motion of objects