Configurations in Autodesk Fusion 360 offer a streamlined approach to design optimization, risk mitigation and efficiency.
The latest feature updates to Autodesk’s Fusion 3D CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB software are redefining design and engineering efficiency paradigms with the introduction of configurations.
Configurations offer a smart approach to optimizing the effectiveness of parametric designs, leading to time savings; cost reductions; and a transformative impact on problem-solving, design exploration and project execution. This capability grants designers and engineers the power to generate and oversee numerous design variations seamlessly within a unified model. Yet, the advantages extend beyond mere model management, as configurations empower professionals to introduce unparalleled flexibility into their design and manufacturing workflows.
Trent Still, senior manager, technical marketing, design and manufacturing, Autodesk, said: “Configurations is the most exciting thing to come out in our CAD this year. It effectively allows you to hyper-expedite product development lifecycle.”
Still compares product design to a highway, with on-ramps and off-ramps that you may wish to ignore to get to your final product design destination without taking detours down design pathways that end up at a dead end and waste time.
However, because configurations allow the management of multiple design variations within a single model on its configuration table (which produces submodels rather than forces designers to clone them or create entirely new files for each design variant), designers can explore what-if scenarios multiple times without having to start fresh every time.
Each row in the configuration table represents a different variant of the design. Simply double-clicking on these rows switches between configurations, making it easy to compare and contrast different design options.
“You can imagine the time savings on that; you could imagine the quality-of-life change on that for a team,” Still added. “If you’re collaborating across different time zones, historically, what would have happened is there would be multiple files with slightly different titles and you wouldn’t necessarily know exactly which one to start work on the next day.
“Configurations allow you to engage with variation in a really meaningful, pragmatic and efficient way. That’s what I get excited about. That, for me, is a big game changer.”
Beyond the Design Phase
Configurations don’t just help in the design phase; they also become part of workflows across the Fusion ecosystem. Whether you are working on rendering, animation, simulation, or manufacturing, configurations can be inserted, derived, or used to adapt to various work environments.
Still said, “This means you can generate renderings for each configuration, set up and solve simulation studies, create manufacturing setups and even generate toolpaths—all without switching between different design files.
“It sounds pretty basic, but the cool thing about these automated CAM tools is that you’re literally getting to focus on the engaging stuff, the challenging things that make you better.”
In the manufacturing sector, re-toolpathing every time a minor change occurs in a design is commonplace. With configurations, CAM workflows can be updated instantaneously with a single click, permitting pivoting or scaling production runs efficiently.
“Although relatively rudimentary to do and pretty quick for an operator to CAM, it probably saves about 30 minutes to an hour,” explained Still. “Imagine this on something super complex, where you’ve saved 2 to 4 hours. Configurations in Fusion are a powerful tool for making manufacturing workflows more agile, accurate and cost-effective, accelerating the time to market for diverse products.”
In industries where simulation and testing play a crucial role, such as aerospace and automotive, configurations provide a distinct advantage. By simply clicking a few buttons, users can seamlessly transition between different configurations to conduct diverse simulation studies, effectively addressing unforeseen risks before bringing a product to market. This multivariant simulation approach not only enhances the dependability of the final product but also diminishes the expenses linked to last-minute design alterations.
“You can configure componentry within the larger whole,” explained Still. “This is really helpful, especially in the world today with supply chain issues. If you can’t get the required motor or PCB, you can change the internal componentry of a design and, when you go to manufacture and put your bill of materials together, you can simply say, ‘Configuration 3 is the ready-for-production model.’ Then everyone downstream gets to see the updates and changes and can move forward.”
The consumer goods industry flourishes on the principle of customization. Configurations facilitate effortless adjustments to features, materials and appearances, which is highly beneficial for businesses specializing in customizable products. For industries where customization is a pivotal factor, utilizing the configuration table enables the establishment of diverse product variants, thereby allowing for an extensive product line without the complications associated with operations.
In today’s technologically advanced world, intelligent products like home automation devices are increasingly designed to be customizable, catering to a wide range of consumer needs. Take, for instance, a smart thermostat featuring interchangeable faceplates and diverse sensor capabilities. Leveraging the robust customization capabilities of Fusion’s configurations can significantly streamline the design and manufacturing processes for such intricate products.
The flexibility provided by configurations aligns seamlessly with the dynamic nature of the rapidly evolving electronics industry. Whether adjusting circuit board dimensions or modifying enclosure designs, overseeing multiple iterations is swift and efficient. It involves working with the same file and interface, offering a multitude of possibilities. The implementation is straightforward—simply navigate to the aspect you want to change and select the configuration that aligns with your new requirements.
“It’s also being used in the machining world, in subtractive specifically,” said Still. “That one didn’t really surprise me more than it got me excited with how easy they adopted it to configure workholding. That’s a big problem in our industry. You can’t make a part unless you can figure out how to hold the part, and you have to make sure all the tools can reach it in efficient and safe ways so that your machine doesn’t crash.”
Real-World Analytics and Feedback
A frequently underestimated yet incredibly valuable workflow involves integrating real-world analytics and customer feedback directly into a configured design. As these insights are received, designers can promptly incorporate changes into existing configurations or even create new ones to better align with market demands—all without disrupting the existing production setup.
Configurations offer more than streamlined design capabilities; they bring about a comprehensive enhancement across the entire product development ecosystem. By effectively deploying this feature, businesses can achieve heightened efficiency, reduced time to market, cost savings and a more agile and responsive product development process.
Still concluded, “Introducing configurations in Fusion is not just another feature update. It’s a paradigm shift that stands to revolutionize how we approach design, engineering and manufacturing. With this feature, Fusion leaps into a new CAD/CAM/CAE era, offering a comprehensive solution that fundamentally transforms how products are designed, tested and produced.”
Leveraging AI
Jeff Kinder, executive vice president of product development and manufacturing solutions at Autodesk, said, “Fusion continues to harness the power of AI for our customers across every phase of the product development lifecycle. It’s in our DNA. We were the first to introduce generative design for manufacturing in Fusion more than 6 years ago. We are now unlocking all kinds of opportunities to automate repetitive processes, analyse shop floor operations and augment creativity using AI.”
Generative AI for Conceptual Design
Autodesk recently acquired BlankAI, which brings generative AI technology that augments the work of industrial designers and enables them to create 3D concepts of automobiles in milliseconds. This technology pulls from a company’s libraries of past work to rapidly generate new concepts that build on existing design styles and guidelines.
Fusion will provide the ability to create fully dimensioned 2D drawings from 3D models with the click of a button.
Automated Drawings
One of the most time-consuming areas in product design is documentation. This largely procedural, non-value-adding task can occupy up to 80 percent of a skilled engineer’s time.
“Not anymore,” affirmed Kinder. “By the end of the year, we will launch Automated Drawings in Fusion to translate 3D models into fully dimensioned drawings with the click of a button.”
Partnerships and Acquisitions
Autodesk is working with electronics design company Cadence as part of its Platform ecosystem that connects Cadence’s PCB design capabilities directly to Fusion, enabling data to flow in both directions.
Autodesk has signed a definitive agreement to acquire FlexSim, a provider of discrete event simulation technology that enables factory and logistics center operators to optimize their production processes. FlexSim powers a key link between factory design data and operational data. It helps with everything from planning and designing to building and operating a digital factory. Autodesk brings together strengths in factory operations, building design and construction solutions.
