3D Shape Basics in Fusion 360

Autodesk - Lars Christensen | December 9, 2016 | Comment

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In the video above, we look at 3D tools including the Extrude, Revolve, Sweep and Loft features, within Fusion 360.

In the previous video, we looked at sketching basics and sketched out our geometry. Moving forward, we can extrude our 2D sketch into a 3D object. To do this, look under “Create” and select “Extrude”.

You can now manipulate your geometry to create a three-dimensional solid.

Additionally, there are a couple of other powerful 3D tools we can use under the Create option, including:

Revolve

This tool is great for round shapes.

Using Revolve, we can sketch half a profile, generate a full 3D object and then revolve around a selected axis. This tool is best used with round geometries, like round candlestick holders, car rims and drinking glasses, for example.

Sweep

This tool is great for piping and other shapes that twist and turn through the landscape.

Sweep uses two sketches: a profile and a path. The good news is that the two necessary sketches don’t have to intersect. Each sketch will be on a different planar face to define a shape. Optionally, we can select rails or a centerline to guide the shape.

Loft

The Loft tool can be used with multiple sketches to create a transitional shape between them – think of the relationship between floors on a skyscraper.

We can use the Loft tool by selecting multiple profiles or planar faces and optionally guide the shape by selecting rails or a centerline. This tool is ideal for creating different diameters, like that of a soda bottle for example, to connect each sketch together. Be aware of the flexibility of this tool, as there are many options to choose from to influence the body created with the Loft tool.

To view more videos like this one, visit Lars Christensen’s Youtube channel.

 

About the Author:

Lars Christensen is part of the Technical Marketing Team at Autodesk and CAD/CAM Opinionist on cadcamstuff.com.

Through his totally-addictive blog posts and videos on his YouTube channel, he shares his experience so people can create and make their product in greater happiness.