Fusion Modeling Best Practices
After years of watching and helping other model with parametric design tools, I have collected a list of best practices. These apply to if you are new to Fusion or a CAD veteran moving from another design tool.
Latest
Set night time updates on Mac OS
Schedule Mac OS updates for night time off hours
Fusion 360 Scripts and Add-ins
Recent api scripts now on Github
Manage Python Version(s) on MACOS
Use pyenv to install and manage python versions on your Mac.
Tips on Fusion 360 Performance
Tips on Fusion 360 Performance
To get timely help with performance questions Please post to Fusion 360 support forum (Not Facebook Please). The Fusion support forum is here: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-support/bd-p/962
When posting, describe your issue as specific as you can. Please note if the
FFF Assessment Protocol
Open fdmtest_v4 and print the geometry using “standard” settings.
What this geometry does test:
* Dimensional accuracy (backlash optional)
* Negative feature resolution
* Positive feature resolution/fine flow control
* Basic overhang capabilities
* Basic bridging capabilities
* XY ringing
* Z-axis alignment
What this geometry does not test:
* Warp/adhesion
* Overhang capabilities over a
Fusion 360 Modeling Parameters and Equations
Parameter Basics
Fusion 360 can do quite a lot with values you enter to control size of your
features and designs.
It is worth noting that these tips apply to timeline designs only. To learn more
read here about the differences between Direct and Timeline design types.
Parameters are created
Tormach Upgrades - Part 1
Over the last year, I have been banging parts on the Tormach 440
[https://www.tormach.com/product-pcnc-440.html]. I have proven I can get great
parts off the machine and have paid the machine off with spec work. It is time
to do some upgrades.
Photo by Igor Ovsyannykov
Marking menu gestures
Using the right click menu in Fusion 360 brings up a context menu. This menu is
divided into two sections. At the bottom is a classic context menu. At the top
is a radial menu called a marking menu.
We will focus on the marking menu and ways to use
Rounding Model Variables to Fractions
Sometimes you need to round model variables to a specific fraction.
For example cut stock may come in 1/8 or 1/4 or any other inch increment.
I recently had a case here I needed to get a 1/4 in rounded value that included
a precise distance + extra
5th Axis 5-6 Deuce Vise on my Tormach 440
I was happy but never quite satisfied with the stock 4in vise
[https://www.tormach.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=35285-SET&portrelay=1]
.
I work with some smart folks that swear by raptor and lang and I have had my own
positive experiences with these work-holding
Fusion 360 Design Types
Timeline or Parametric Designs
Fusion 360 offers designers multiple ways to model. Think of this like there are
multiple ways to carve a statue. You can chisel and hammer it out of stone, you
can sculpt it from clay or you can chainsaw carve it from wood. Each method and
Default Units and Units Display
Settings for 3D Documents/Workspaces
Fusion 360 can work In a variety of different units and even mixed units.
To change units in a open document:
* Go to the browser and scroll to the top.
* Hover over the "Units: mm" browser node. An edit icon will appear at the end
Setting up your 3DConnexion 3D mouse for Fusion 360
A 3DConnexion 3D mouse
[http://www.3dconnexion.com/buy/shop.html?3dxcp=GA_GA_search_google_US_Generic&gclid=CP64psr09MgCFRSIfgodn1oCDQ]
can be a great time saver and productivity boost. It allows seamless navigation
of designs and access to quick tools. Moving your non-mouse hand off the
keyboard and onto a