contents · remove material from the rod to connect the blade assembly in this final step, remove...

Contents

Chapter 1 Mechanical Assembly with Autodesk Fusion 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Tutorial: Create a Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Tutorial: Import and Edit Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Tutorial: Construction Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Tutorial: Bodies Versus Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Tutorial: Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Tutorial: Assembly Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Tutorial: Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

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Mechanical Assembly with AutodeskFusion 360

Tutorial: Create a ComponentUsing the reciprocating saw design provided for this tutorial, you create a connecting rod component todrive the blade assembly.

Open the Reciprocating Saw Design

1 If the Data Panel is not open, click Show Data Panel

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2 In the Data Panel, open 1_Create Component from Projects ➤ Samples ➤ Workshops & Events ➤

Onboarding Path ➤ Mechanical Assembly ➤ 1_Create Component. The design appears onthe Autodesk Fusion 360 canvas.

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Isolate Geometry and Create a Component

Begin by simplifying the model to make it easier to reference components. Use the Isolate command totemporarily hide the geometry that you won't be referencing. From the isolated geometry, create and activatea connecting rod component. This process allows you to capture a timeline for the construction of thiscomponent outside the context of the entire assembly.

The connecting rod component will drive the blade holder assembly from the gear and pin assembly.

2 | Chapter 1 Mechanical Assembly with Autodesk Fusion 360

1 In the browser, Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (macOS) the following:■ Large Spur Gear

■ Gear Shaft

■ ROD PIN

■ Blade Holder Assembly

2 Right-click the selections and choose Isolate.

Only the isolated parts are visible.

3 In the Model workspace, choose Create ➤ New Component.

Tutorial: Create a Component | 3

4 In the New Component dialog, specify the following values:■ Select Empty Component.

■ Set Name to Connecting Rod.

■ For Parent, select 1_Create Component in the browser.

■ Select Activate.

The new connecting rod component appears at the bottom of the browser.

Create a Construction Plane

Before sketching the new connecting rod, you need a sketch plane. Build a construction plane between thefaces of the blade holder assembly that the connecting rod will drive.

1 Choose Construct ➤ Midplane.

2 Select the top face of the blade holder assembly.

3 Select the bottom face of the blade holder assembly.

A construction plane appears between the two faces.


Begin a Sketch on the Construction Plane

Begin the sketch of the connecting rod by projecting geometry from other components in the assembly.This approach ensures that the new geometry matches the old and creates a parametric relationship betweenthe components and the sketch. If a dimension of a part (such the gear pin) changes, the dimensions of theconnecting rod update automatically.

1 Right-click the construction plane you built and choose Create Sketch from the marking menu.

2 Choose Sketch ➤ Project/Include ➤ Project.

3 Project the pin in the gear assembly by clicking the circumference of the pin.

4 Project the hole in the blade assembly by clicking the circumference of the hole.


Sketch the Ends of the Connecting Rod

In this step, you use several Fusion 360 techniques to create geometry for the ends of the connecting rod.

1 Choose Sketch ➤ Circle ➤ Center Diameter Circle to sketch a circle with a diameter of 20 mm.

You can enter the dimension directly or change it later with the dimension tool.

2 To build a relationship between the circle and the projected hole in the blade assembly, begin bychoosing Sketch Palette ➤ Constraints ➤ Concentric. Then click the circle and the projectedhole.


The circle and the projected hole now share a center point.

3 Sketch a circle whose center is aligned with the pin in the gear assembly. The circle can be any size.

4 Choose Sketch Palette ➤ Constraints ➤ Equal. Then click both circles to make the diameter ofthe circle on the pin equal to the diameter of the circle on the hole.

Because of this relationship, one circle automatically updates when there's a change to the other circle.

Sketch the Center Section of the Connecting Rod

To sketch the center section of the connecting rod, begin by creating a construction line between the centerpoints of the two circles. Then add offsets in both directions to create the edges of the connecting rod.Finally, trim the extensions of the offset lines inside the two circles.

1 Choose Sketch ➤ Line.

2 Draw a line between the center points of the two circles.


3 Choose Sketch ➤ Offset.

4 Drag the center line down to create a 5 mm offset.

5 Choose Sketch ➤ Offset again.

6 Drag the center line up or type -5 mm to create another offset.


7 Right-click the center line and choose Sketch ➤ Normal/Construction.

The center line now appears as a dashed line. A dashed line indicates construction geometry, whichFusion 360 ignores.

8 Choose Sketch ➤ Trim. Then select the ends of the offset lines that extend into the two circles.

The trimmed lines turn blue, because their dimensions are no longer defined. As a best practice, fullydefine all sketch geometry before creating 3D components.

9 Add dimensions to the trimmed offset lines.


Once you have defined the offset edges with dimensions, the lines appear black.

Extrude the Ends of the Connecting Rod

In this step, begin creating a 3D model from your sketch by extruding the circular ends of the connectingrod.

1 Choose Modify ➤ Press Pull.

2 Select the circle around the blade assembly hole.

3 In the Extrude dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Start to Profile Plane.

■ Set Direction to Symmetric.

■ Set Distance to 6.5 mm.

■ Set Taper Angle to 0.0.

■ Set Operation to New Body.

The circle in the sketch is extruded up and down. When you create 3D geometry from a 2D sketch,the sketch is no longer visible.


4 To make the sketch reappear, find it under Connecting Rod in the browser, and use the light bulb tocontrol visibility.

5 Use the ViewCube to reorient the design so that you can see parts to avoid when extruding the otherend of the connecting rod.


6 Choose Modify ➤ Press Pull.

7 Select the edge of the circle around the gear pin for extrusion.


■ Set Direction to Two Sides.

■ Set Side 1 Extent to Distance.

■ Set Side 1 Distance to 4.00 mm.

■ Set Side 2 Extent to Distance.


■ Set Side 2 Distance to 3.00 mm.

■ Set Operation to New Body.

The two-sided extrusion avoids the center pin on the gear and the small clamp at the top.

Extrude and Fillet the Center Section

In this step, extrude the center section of the connecting rod and add fillets and chamfers.

1 Choose Create ➤ Extrude.

2 Select the face of the center section of the connecting rod.




■ Set Distance to 3 mm.

■ Set Operation to Join.

The center section extrudes equally up and down.

4 Right-click to display the marking menu, and select Press Pull.

TIP The last command used (in this case, Extrude) is always shown at the top of the marking menu.

5 Select the top and bottom edges of the connecting rod center near the blade assembly.


Press Pull automatically provides fillet options.

6 In the Fillet dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Edges to 2 Selected.

■ Set Type to Constant Radius.

■ Set Radius to 3.50 mm.

■ Select Tangent Chain.

7 Rotate to the other side of the connecting rod.

8 Hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (macOS). From a list of edges, select the tophorizontal edge and the two vertical edges of the connecting rod near the gear assembly.


9 In the Fillet dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Type to Constant Radius.

■ Set Radius to 3.50 mm.

■ Select Tangent Chain.

10 Click OK to end the Press Pull command.

TIP To add more edges to a fillet, hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (macOS). Then removepreviewed fillets and add more edges. This technique also works for profiles with extrusions.

Place a Slot on the Top Face of the Connecting Rod

In this step, you learn Fusion 360 techniques for sketching and extruding a slot on the top-center face ofthe connecting rod.

1 Choose Sketch ➤ Create Sketch. Then select the top face of the center section of the connectingrod.


2 Choose Sketch ➤ Line.

3 To sketch the slot as a continuous profile, draw a horizontal line and then click and hold at the endpointto switch to the arc tool.

4 While still in the line command, hover over the beginning point of the upper edge. The lower edge ofthe profile moves up to the beginning point of the upper edge.

This step and the next create sketch constraints through extension lines.


5 While still in the line command, bring the lower edge down until it is parallel with the upper edgeand the two endpoints are vertically aligned.

6 Click and hold to draw an arc to complete the slot profile.


7 Choose Sketch Palette ➤ Constraints ➤ Coincident. Then select both the center of the arc andthe construction line to center the slot.

8 Add a dimension of 17 mm to locate the slot at the blade assembly end of the rod.


9 Add a dimension of 16 mm to locate the slot at the gear assembly end of the rod.

10 Right-click and select Press Pull.

11 Select the lower and upper halves of the profile to extrude the slot.



■ Set Direction to One Side.

■ Set Extent to Distance.

■ Set Distance to -1.00 mm.

■ Set Operation to Cut.

The slot is cut into the connecting rod.


Mirror the Slot on the Bottom Face of the Connecting Rod

Instead of sketching a slot profile on the bottom face of the connecting rod, use the slot feature you alreadycreated for the top face. Select it in the timeline and use the Mirror tool to duplicate the feature on thebottom face.

1 Choose Create ➤ Mirror.

2 In the Mirror dialog, set Pattern Type to Features.

3 For Objects, select the existing slot feature from the timeline.

4 For Mirror Plane, select your construction plane in the browser.


The construction plane being mirrored becomes visible.

5 In the Mirror dialog, click OK.

The bottom slot is cut into the connecting rod.

Remove Material from the Rod to Connect the Blade Assembly

In this final step, remove material from an end of the connecting rod to connect it to the blade assembly.

1 Using the ViewCube, reorient the model to Front, zooming in on the view where the blade assemblymeets the end of the connecting rod.


2 Choose Sketch ➤ Create Sketch.

3 Select the side of the blade assembly.

4 Right-click and choose Sketch ➤ Project.

5 Select the blade assembly to project the geometry.

6 Right-click and choose Sketch ➤ Offset.

7 Select the blade assembly profile.

8 In the Offset dialog, specify the following values:■ Select Chain Selection.

■ Set Offset position to 1.00 mm.

Upper and lower offsets of 1.00 mm appear in red.


9 Right-click, choose Press Pull, and select the profiles to be cut away.



■ Set Distance to -30 mm.


■ Under Objects to Cut, deselect everything except Connecting Rod.


The material is removed from the end of the connecting rod.

You can view the connecting rod attached to the blade assembly and the gear assembly.


Tutorial: Import and Edit GeometryImport an assembly created on another CAD platform and edit it in Autodesk Fusion 360.

Import an IGES File

To import geometry created on another CAD platform such as SolidWorks or PTC Creo, upload an IGES fileto Fusion 360.


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2 In the Data Panel, click New Project.

3 Enter Imported Geometry for the project name.

4 Double-click the new Imported Geometry project.

5 Click Upload.

6 Click Select Files.

7 Navigate to Gear_Housing.iges, double-click the file, and click Upload.

The file is added to the contents of the Imported Geometry project folder.

8 Right-click Gear_Housing and select Open.

The Gear_Housing geometry appears on the Fusion 360 canvas.

Notice that there is no timeline at the bottom of the screen. You are in direct modeling mode, so Fusion isnot recording history (as it would if you were in parametric mode). With direct modeling, you can changethe imported model even though no history, sketches, or relationships were imported with it.

Tutorial: Import and Edit Geometry | 27

Remove Small Ribs

Seeing that two small ribs on the part are unnecessary, you decide to remove them.

1 In the Model workspace, select all four faces of the first rib.

To select faces that are hidden by other geometry, hold down the left mouse button and use the menuthat appears.

2 Press the Delete key.


3 Rotate the model to select all faces of the small rib on the opposite side.

4 Press Delete.


Edit Fillets

Further investigation of the model shows that one of its fillets isn't tangential to neighboring faces. Youremove and replace it.

1 Zoom in and select the problematic fillet.


2 Press Delete.

The neighboring faces of the removed fillet now form a sharp edge.

3 Select the fillet on the opposite side.


Information shown in the lower-right corner of the screen indicates that the existing fillet has a radiusof 20 mm. Using this dimension, create a fillet to replace the one you removed.

4 Select the edge for the new fillet.


5 Right-click and select Fillet in the marking menu.

6 Enter 20 mm.


The fillet is replaced.


Remove a Stepdown

In this step, you remove an unneeded stepdown area at the back end of the model. Direct modeling makesthis task easy, because you can change one part without affecting other parts.


1 Zoom in to the area and select the faces you want to remove.

2 Press Delete to remove the stepdown.

NOTE Without direct modeling, you might have to recreate a profile and extrude it, but that would cover up therecess. You would then have to create another profile to project up through that extrusion. The extra geometrycould cause modeling issues. With direct modeling, you just select the faces you want to remove and delete them.

Move the Cylindrical Boss

In this step, move and rotate the cylindrical boss to line up with another part.


1 Dragging from left to right, draw a selection rectangle around the area to move.

2 Right-click and select Move/Copy in the marking menu.

3 Use the vertical manipulator to move the boss to a distance of -3 mm.


4 To rotate the boss cylinder and support arm, right-click and select Move/Copy in the marking menuagain.

5 In the Move/Copy dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Move Object to Faces.

■ Set Move Type to Free Move.

6 Dragging from right to left, draw a crossing rectangle to select all the faces of the cylinder and itssupporting arm.


7 In the Move/Copy dialog, click the Set Pivot icon and select a pivot point at the base of the arm.


8 Click the Set Pivot icon again to confirm that you've finished setting the pivot point.

The arrow manipulators dim, putting focus on the rotation manipulator.

9 Drag the vertical rotation manipulator 25 degrees to the right.

You can also type -25 deg in the text box.


Rotate Support Ribs

For structural reasons, you decide that the support ribs shown here should intersect with the screw bosses.Specify pivot points from which to rotate the ribs until they align correctly with the screw bosses.


1 Hold down the left mouse button; from the context menu, select the faces to move.




4 In the Move/Copy dialog, click the Set Pivot icon and select a pivot point on the rib.


5 Drag the rotation manipulator 5 degrees, so that the rib aligns with the screw boss.

6 Hold down the left mouse button to select the faces of the support rib on the other side of the gearhousing.





9 In the Move/Copy dialog, click the Set Pivot icon and select a pivot point on the second rib.

10 Using the rotation manipulator, rotate the second rib 5 degrees, so that it also aligns with the screwboss.


Both ribs now intersect with the screw bosses.

Strengthen the Model with an Additional Rib

After running a finite element analysis, you determine that an end section is structurally unsound becauseit's supported by only one small rib. Rotate the rib to one side and then use mirroring to create a secondsupport rib.


1 Hold down the left mouse button and select the two vertical faces of the rib from the context menu.

2 Right-click and select Move/Copy from the marking menu.



4 In the Move/Copy dialog, click the Set Pivot icon and select the circular outside edge of the model asthe pivot point for rotating the rib.


5 Drag the rotation manipulator to rotate the rib -35 degrees.

Even though you selected only the two vertical faces, the adjoining fillets move with them.

6 Choose Create ➤ Mirror.

7 In the Mirror dialog, set Pattern Type to Faces.

8 Dragging from left to right, draw a selection rectangle around the faces to be mirrored.


9 In the Mirror dialog, click the Mirror Plane button and select the correct plane for the second rib.

10 Click OK. A symmetrical second rib appears.


Begin Capturing Design History

So far, you have changed the design by using direct modeling. In this step, switch to parametric modeling,in which design history is captured. Chamfer a few edges in the model and then see how the recorded designhistory assists your further edits.

1 Right-click the Gear Housing component at the top level of the browser and select Capture DesignHistory.

The timeline appears at the bottom of the window, showing the model as a base feature.

2 Select an edge to chamfer.

3 Right-click and select Chamfer from the marking menu.

4 In the Chamfer dialog, set Distance to 1.00 mm.

5 Select three other edges to chamfer.

6 In the Chamfer dialog, click OK. Chamfers appear on the four edges.


Notice the chamfer feature that is added to the right of the baseline feature in the timeline.

7 Right-click the chamfer feature in the timeline and select Edit Feature.

8 In the Edit Feature dialog, change the distance to 2 mm.

9 Click OK. All four chamfers change to 2 mm.

Tutorial: Construction GeometryConstruction geometry allows you to place a sketch plane, axis, or point at a location or angle relative toan assembly model. Added as parametric features in the timeline, construction planes automatically updatewhen you make related modifications to the model.


Create an Offset Construction Plane

You need to add new geometry, placed 8 mm down from the top of a model. Create an offset constructionplane to reference the top face, and then specify the distance to offset.


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2 In the Data Panel, open 3_Construction Geometry from Projects ➤ Samples ➤ Workshops & Events➤ Onboarding Path ➤ Mechanical Assembly ➤ 3_Construction Geometry.

3 In the Model workspace, choose Construct ➤ Offset Plane.

4 Select a face on the top of the model.

The construction plane aligns with the top of the model.

5 Specify an offset distance of -8 mm.

Tutorial: Construction Geometry | 51

The offset plane appears.

6 Right-click the offset plane and select Create Sketch from the marking menu.

7 Create a sketch for the new geometry on the offset plane.

8 Extrude the new geometry from the sketch.


The geometry is complete.

The browser now shows a construction folder containing the offset plane. The plane also appears in thetimeline.

Create a Hole at an Angle

In this step, you use a construction plane to create a hole at an angle for a setscrew.

1 Choose Construct ➤ Plane At Angle.

2 Select a line to specify the axis for the angle.


3 To specify the angle, drag the rotation manipulator until the plane is at 45 degrees, or type -45 degin the text box.

You'll use the construction plane as a reference for a sketch.

4 Right-click to display the marking menu, hover over Sketch, and select Center Diameter Circle.

5 Draw a circle with a diameter of 3 mm centered on the axis of the construction plane.


6 Right-click and select Press Pull from the marking menu.

7 Extrude the hole to a distance of -12 mm.


The timeline and the construction folder in the browser now contain the plane.

Create a Hole on a Cylinder

You need to place a screw hole on the boss. To create a hole on a cylindrical surface, use a tangent constructionplane.

1 Choose Construct ➤ Tangent Plane.

2 Select the face of the boss.

3 Select a reference plane.


4 Drag the rotation manipulator to an angle of 45 degrees, or type in the value.

5 Drag a corner of the construction plane to make it larger.

You can resize any construction plane by dragging a corner.


6 Right-click to display the marking menu, hover over Sketch, and select Center Diameter Circle.

7 Draw a circle with a diameter of 1.5 mm on the construction plane.


9 Extrude the hole to a distance of -4 mm.


10 The timeline and browser now contain the tangent plane.

Create Geometry Between Two Faces

You need to create a cut in the base of the gear housing midway between two planar faces. Use Midplaneto create a construction plane between the faces.

1 Choose Construct ➤ Midplane.

2 Select the two planar faces between which you want to place the construction plane.

A construction plane appears between the two faces.

3 Drag a corner of the construction plane to make it smaller.

4 Right-click and select Sketch from the marking menu.

5 On the construction plane, sketch a circle to define the cut you want to make in the base of the housing.





■ Set Measurement to Half Length.

■ Set Distance to 4 mm.

■ Set Taper Angle to 0.0 deg.


The cut in the base of the gear housing is complete.


Create a Construction Plane Along a Path

You want to sweep a profile along the curved edge at one end of the gear housing. Use Plane Along Path tocreate a construction plane for the profile.

1 Choose Construct ➤ Plane Along Path.

2 Specify a path for the plane.

3 In the Plane Along Path dialog, specify a distance ratio of 0.50.



5 Right-click again and select 2-Point Rectangle from the marking menu.

6 Sketch a rectangle that intersects the top edge where you want to sweep the profile.

7 Choose Create ➤ Sweep.

8 Select the profile to sweep.


9 In the Sweep dialog, click the Path button and select the path on the model.

10 Finish by using the Sweep dialog to specify distances and the cut operation:■ Set Distance to 0.50.

■ Set Distance to 0.50.

■ Set Orientation to Perpendicular.



Create Construction Axes

In this step, create several types of construction axes that serve as references for building geometry.

Create an Axis Through a Cylinder, Cone, or Torus

1 Choose Construct ➤ Axis Through Cylinder/Cone/Torus.

2 Select the bore at the center of the round end of the gear housing.

3 Drag either end of the axis to make it longer.


Create an Axis Perpendicular to a Point

1 Choose Construct ➤ Axis Perpendicular At Point.

2 Select a point on the gear housing.


Create an Axis Through Two Points

1 Choose Construct ➤ Axis Through Two Points.

2 Select two points through which you want to place a rotation axis.


Create Construction Points

Like construction planes and axes, construction points serve as references for building geometry. There areseveral types of construction points. In this step, you place a construction point at the center of a circle.

1 Choose Construct ➤ Point At Center Of Circle/Sphere/Torus.

2 Select the edges of the circles on the flanges of the gear housing.



4 Sketch new geometry using the construction points as references.


Tutorial: Bodies Versus ComponentsExplore the differences between bodies and components in Autodesk Fusion 360 assemblies.

Basic Characteristics of Bodies and Components

Components are the building blocks that make up assemblies, and a body is one of the elements that makeup a component. Each component contains one or more bodies, as well as its own set of origin planes,sketches, construction geometry, joints, and other elements.

Tutorial: Bodies Versus Components | 69

Representation of Bodies and Components in the Browser

To examine the representation of bodies and components in the Fusion 360 browser, open the 4_BodiesVersus Components file (Projects ➤ Samples ➤ Workshops & Events ➤ Onboarding Path ➤

Mechanical Assembly ➤ 4_Bodies Versus Components). You'll see the following icons:

Component that contains other components. The root element at the top of the browser for thisdesign contains multiple components.

Component that has no subcomponents. In this design, all components other than the root use thisicon.

Body. Each component contains a Bodies folder that contains bodies. For example, under Connector Rod,the Bodies folder contains two bodies, Body1 and Body2.

Components and Joints

In Fusion 360, joints specify movement between parts. An important difference between bodies andcomponents is that joints focus solely on components, not bodies.

Components and Drawings

Components are necessary to create drawings with bills of materials (BOMs). Each component has its ownset of properties. Right-click a component and select Properties to assign a part number, part name, anddescription that will appear on the BOM.

Toggle the Visibility of Bodies and Components

In this step, you differentiate between components and bodies in the canvas by toggling their visibility inthe browser.

1 In the browser, click the component icon

for Connector Rod.

The connector rod component is highlighted in the canvas.

2 Click the icon for the connector rod component again to deselect it.

3 Click the Connector Rod lightbulb to turn off visibility.

4 Click the Connector Rod lightbulb again to turn visibility back on.

5 Expand the contents of Connector Rod.

6 Click the lightbulb for the Bodies folder to turn it off.

Both connector rod bodies are now hidden in the canvas.

7 Click the lightbulb for the Bodies folder again to turn it on.

8 Expand the contents of the Bodies folder.

9 Click the lightbulb for Body 1 to hide it in the canvas. Then click the lightbulb again to turn it backon.


Move Bodies and Components

Observe differences in the movement of bodies and components.

1 In the browser, expand the contents of the crank arm component.

2 Click the lightbulb for the Origin folder to make it visible in the canvas.

The canvas displays the origin planes and axes for the component.


4 In the Move/Copy dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Move Object to Bodies.


5 Select the crank arm and drag it in any direction.

The body moves away from the origin of the component, but the origin and the component don'tchange.


6 In the Move/Copy dialog, click Cancel.

The body returns to its original position.


8 In the Move/Copy dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Move Object to Components.


9 Select the crank arm and drag it in any direction.

The origin and body move together with the whole component.

10 In the Move/Copy dialog, click Cancel to return the crank arm to its original position.

This procedure demonstrates these best practices:■ If you need to move an object or give it motion, make sure it has its own component.

■ When you develop an assembly, work with components and not bodies.

Isolate a Component

To isolate a component so that you can focus on it, turn off the visibility of all other elements of the design.(You cannot isolate bodies in this way.)

1 Right-click the crank arm component and select Isolate.

All other elements of the design are hidden so that you can focus on the crank arm.

2 Right-click the crank arm component and select Unisolate to redisplay the other parts.


Create Instances of a Component

With components, you can create instances in two ways. By using Copy/Paste, you can create a copy thatautomatically updates whenever the original updates. By using Copy/Paste New, you can create a copy thatdoesn't update with the original.

1 Right-click the crank arm component in the browser and select Copy.

2 Right-click the canvas and select Paste.

Drag the replica from the original to see both.

3 Click OK to end the Copy command.

4 Select the top-right crank arm face.

5 Right-click and select Extrude from the marking menu.

6 Drag the arrow manipulator to extrude the face of the crank arm.

The face of the other crank arm updates automatically.


7 Right-click the crank arm component in the browser and select Copy again.

8 This time, right-click the folder at the top of the browser and select Paste New.

9 Drag the replica away from the original.

10 Extrude the lower-right crank arm face on the new copy.

The other instances do not update, because you created the copy with Paste New.


NOTE If you receive a warning after moving components, select Capture Position.

Tutorial: JointsIn Autodesk Fusion 360, joints define the relationships between components in an assembly.

About Joints in Fusion 360

Fusion 360 defines relationships between components by using joints and as-built joints, and joint movementprovides degrees of freedom. With other CAD tools, you use a constraint or mate to limit one or two degreesof freedom at a time, then add constraints or mates until you have enough degrees of freedom. In contrast,with Fusion 360 you begin by limiting all degrees of freedom and then select a joint motion type that specifiesdegrees of freedom. This approach allows you to obtain the required degrees of freedom all at once, in onecommand.

A joint allows a component to move translationally (back and forth) along the X, Y, or Z axis or to rotatearound one of these axes. Each joint uses the number of degrees of freedom needed for the intended motion.When you insert a joint between two components, you choose one of the following types:■ Rigid. A rigid joint fixes two components to one another. It provides no degrees of freedom.

■ Revolute. A revolute joint has a single rotational degree of freedom, much like a hinge. This joint canrotate around the standard X, Y, or Z axis, or around an edge in the model (a custom axis).

Tutorial: Joints | 75

■ Slider. A slider joint has a single translational degree of freedom. It is used for components that slidealong one another. Options are similar to revolute joint options, except that components slide along theselected axis rather than rotating around it.

■ Cylindrical. A cylindrical joint provides two degrees of freedom: one translational and one rotational.Components joined with a cylindrical joint always rotate around the same axis.

■ Pin Slot. A pin slot joint also allows two degrees of freedom, but components can rotate around differentaxes.

■ Planar. A planar joint allows three degrees of freedom. It allows two directions of translation in a planeand a single rotational direction normal to that plane. It is useful for joining two components so theycan rotate while sliding across the plane.

■ Ball. A ball joint has two degrees of rotational freedom: pitch and yaw. Pitch allows components torotate around the Z axis. Yaw rotates components around the X axis.

Create a Joint Between the Shaft and the Gear Housing

In this step, you use the Joint command to create a revolute joint between the shaft and body of a gearhousing.



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2 In the Data Panel, open 5_Assembly Joints from Projects ➤ Samples ➤ Workshops & Events ➤

Onboarding Path ➤ Mechanical Assembly ➤ 5_Assemblies and Joints.

3 In the Model workspace, choose Assemble ➤ Joint.

4 In the Joint dialog, set Motion Type to Revolute.

Fusion 360 enables the required degrees of freedom for the motion type. Fusion 360 automaticallychooses the Z axis, but you can specify another axis if necessary.

5 Select the edge of the shaft. The Joint dialog shows the shaft selected for Component 1.

By default, Fusion 360 offers only one point to connect to: in this case, the center point of the edge.


A small icon called the joint origin appears on the shaft. It is the reference point for the joint on thiscomponent.

6 Select a point on the inner rim of the opening in the gear housing. The Joint dialog shows this selectionfor Component 2.


The shaft moves to the gear housing and is joined in a revolute relationship.

7 Click OK.

8 Rotate the base of the shaft. The rotating flag shows the animation.


Join the Gear to the Shaft

Learn more about joint origins as you join the gear to the shaft.

1 Choose Assemble ➤ Joint.

2 Zoom in on the gear and hover over the top face.

Different faces of the gear offer different points to place a joint origin. These points are called implicitjoint origins. They are automatically generated and typically found on a face or edge.

■ A circle denotes a vertex.

■ A triangle denotes a midpoint.

■ A plus symbol denotes a center point.

■ A square denotes the centroid of a face.

3 Next, designate a face for the joint origin. Select the face that contains the hole of the shaft withoutreferencing any of the individual points. The face changes color.

4 Select the center point (plus symbol) to place a joint origin on the hole for the shaft.


5 Zoom in to the shaft and select the center point on the top to place a joint origin there.

6 In the Joint dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Angle to 0.0 deg.

■ Set Offset X to 0.00 mm.

■ Set Offset Y to 0.00 mm.

■ Set Offset Z to 3.00 mm.

Notice that you can offset the final position of the gear on the shaft in all three axes and revolve aroundone of the axes. Also, because Fusion 360 automatically flips the gear, you use the Flip option to putthe gear in the correct alignment.

7 In the Joint dialog, set Motion Type to Rigid to remove all six degrees of freedom.

8 Click OK.

9 Drag the gear to preview its circular motion on the shaft.


Relate the Connecting Rod and the Block Guide with an As-BuiltJoint

You used regular joints to move the shaft and gear to their correct positions. Now you can use as-built jointsbetween the connecting rod and block guide components, because they are already in their proper locations.

NOTE As-built joints are available only in parametric modeling, not in direct modeling. You typically use as-builtjoints in top-down design, where components, including imported geometry, are assembled in place.

1 Choose Assemble ➤ As-Built Joint.

2 For components, select the connecting rod and the block guide.

3 In the As-Built Joint dialog, set Motion Type to Slider.

4 Select an edge of the connecting rod to specify a direction.


5 Select the end of the connecting rod edge. Once this end reaches the block guide, the connecting rodwill slide no further.

Animation shows a preview of the sliding relationship between the two components.

Join the Crank Arm to the Connecting Rod

In joining the crank arm to the connecting rod, you learn how to place a joint origin between two faceswhen snap points aren't available.


2 Move the crank arm to view the sides of the two faces on one end.


3 Right-click and select Between Two Faces.

4 Select the upper face.

5 Select the lower face.

6 Hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (macOS) and hover over the area until you seethe center point between the two faces. Select that point for the joint origin.

7 Hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (macOS) and hover over the cylinder at the endof the connecting rod until you find the center point. Select that point for the joint origin.


The crank arm moves to the connecting rod in a rigid relationship.

8 In the Joint dialog, do the following:■ Set Motion Type to Revolute.

■ Make sure that the X, Y, and Z axes are set to 0.

Animation demonstrates the revolving movement of the crank arm on the connecting rod.

Join the Crank Arm to the Gear

Complete the linkage between the gear, crank arm, and connecting rod, and then watch the resultingmovement demonstrate the open degrees of freedom.


Alternatively, because you just used the Joint command in the previous step, you can right-click andselect Repeat Joint. In Fusion 360, the previous command is always shown at the top of the markingmenu.

2 Rotate the crank arm so that you can view the bottom face.


3 Click the edge of the hole on the bottom face of the crank arm to select the center point.

4 Click the edge of the hole on the gear shaft to select the center point.


5 In the Joint dialog, set Motion Type to Revolute.

6 Click OK to see the joint take effect.

Now that all the components have been joined, the movement of one them causes the rest to move accordingto the designated degrees of freedom. Notice that the five joints you have created are shown in the timeline.

Tutorial: Assembly MotionExplore tools for managing motion between components in a vise assembly: joint limits, motion links,contact sets, and motion studies.

Limit the Movement of the Jaw Slider Joint

Use the Edit Joint Limits command to limit the movement of the sliding jaw in a vise assembly.


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2 In the Data Panel, open 6_Assembly Motion from Projects ➤ Samples ➤ Workshops & Events ➤

Onboarding Path ➤ Mechanical Assembly ➤ 6_Assembly Motion. The design appears on theAutodesk Fusion 360 canvas.

3 In the 6_Assembly Motion browser, expand the Joints folder.

4 Under the Joints folder, right-click Slider42 and select Animate Joint to view the motion of the visejaw's slider joint.

The movement of the jaw is unrealistic because it passes through solid parts on both ends of the vise.You need to limit its movement to reflect real-world physical laws.

5 Press Esc to stop the animation.

6 Use the ViewCube to position the model so you can view it from the side.

7 Right-click Slider42 again and select Edit Joint Limits.

8 In the Edit Joint Limits dialog, specify the following values:■ Select the Maximum box and enter 1.20 in.

Tutorial: Assembly Motion | 87

Alternatively, drag the left blue flag to the left until it comes close to the fixed vice jaw. Leaveenough space for the jaw plate, which doesn't move with the jaw in the animation.

■ Select the Minimum box and enter 0.20 in.

Alternatively, drag the right flag to the right to specify the minimum sliding distance.

9 Click OK. Drag the movable jaw to the left and right. Now, instead of passing through parts on eitherend of the assembly, it stops at the limits you've set.

On the left, the jaw slides to the approximate point where the two jaw plates come into contact. (Theremay still be a small gap between the two jaw plates; later, you'll use a contact set to close this gap.) Onthe right, the jaw slides to the minimum limit.

10 Choose Position ➤ Revert to re-establish the original position of the assembly.

Link the Motion of the Handle to the Sliding Jaw

For the assembly to work properly, turning the handle must move the sliding jaw of the vise. Create thisrelationship by adding a motion link between the two components.

1 In the Model workspace, choose Assemble ➤ Motion Link.

2 In the browser, expand the Joints folder and select the two joints to be linked: Slider42 (the jaw sliderjoint) and Rev16 (the handle revolute joint).

An automatic animation shows the handle and sliding jaw moving together.

3 Click OK to save the motion link.

4 Drag the handle or sliding jaw to see that they now move together.

5 Choose Position ➤ Revert to return the assembly to its original position.

Notice that a Motion Link

element is added to the timeline and to the Joints folder in the browser.

Refine the Accuracy of the Jaw Slider Joint Limits

Because the maximum limit you previously set for the slider joint was approximate, the jaw plates mightnot close perfectly. Use a contact set to make the maximum limit precise.


1 In the browser, right-click the jaw slider joint (Slider42) and select Edit Joint Limits.

2 In the Edit Joint Limits dialog, deselect Minimum and Maximum to remove the limits you previouslyset.

3 Choose Assemble ➤ Enable Contact Sets.

A Contact Sets

element is added to the browser.

4 In the browser, right-click Contact Sets and select New Contact Set.

5 Select the two jaw plate components.

6 Click OK. The movable jaw now slides until the two jaw plates make contact; then it stops.

Fusion 360 computes the exact maximum limit from the point at which the jaw plates make contact.


Replace the Contact Set with Accurate Joint Limits

Because contact sets are computationally intensive, they can degrade the performance of your computer,especially if you employ multiple contact sets in an assembly. Use the contact set you created in the previousstep to derive the exact maximum distance for the jaw slider. Then edit the slider joint limits to specify thatdistance, and remove the contact set.

1 Be sure that the two jaw plates are in contact, so that the jaw slider is at its maximum distance.

2 In the browser or on the canvas, double-click the jaw slider joint (Slider42).

On the canvas, the maximum distance dimension of 1.219 in. appears on the slider joint.

3 In the browser, right-click the slider joint (Slider42) and select Edit Joint Limits.

4 In the Edit Joint Limits dialog, specify the following values:■ Select the Minimum box and enter -0.20 in.

■ Select the Maximum box and enter 1.219 in.

Because the maximum joint limit for the slider joint now equals the dimension established by thecontact set, you can remove the contact set.

5 In the browser, right-click Contact Sets and select Disable Contact.

The contact sets element is removed from the browser.

6 Drag the sliding jaw as far to the left as it can go.

The sliding jaw now stops at the point where the jaw plates come into contact without thecomputational load of a contact set.

7 Choose Position ➤ Revert to return the assembly to its original position.

Study the Motion of the Vise Assembly

Set up a motion study to view an animation of the sliding and revolute joints in the vise assembly.

1 In the browser, right-click the revolute joint for the protractor (Rev2) and select Unlock.

The protractor joint was previously locked to prevent movement. Any joint can be locked and unlocked.


2 Choose Assemble ➤ Motion Study. Then select the Rev2 protractor joint in the browser or on thecanvas.

3 In the Motion Study dialog, double-click the intersection point of the colored horizontal line for theRev2 joint and the light vertical line for Step 20.

4 In the text box that appears for Step 20, set Angle to 45.

5 In the Motion Study dialog, drag the playhead from 0 to 20 to see the joint open gradually to 45degrees.

6 Double-click the jaw slider joint (Slider42).

7 In the Motion Study dialog, double-click the colored horizontal line for Slider42 halfway between thelight vertical lines for Step 20 and Step 40.

8 In the text box that appears for Step 30, set Distance to .75 in.

9 In the Motion Study dialog, drag the playhead from 0 to 30 to see the revolute and slider joints moveat the same time. Continue to explore the playback and speed control settings in the Motion Studydialog.

10 Click OK. A Motion Studies folder containing your motion study is added to the browser. From there,you can open, edit, or delete the motion study.


Tutorial: DrawingsFrom a 3D model of a gearbox, create a package of drawings of the whole assembly and its individual parts.

Open the Gearbox Model and Create a Named View

Open the design file for the gearbox and create a named view of the crank arm that you'll use in a later step.


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2 In the Data Panel, open 7_Drawings from Projects ➤ Samples ➤ Workshops & Events ➤

Onboarding Path ➤ Mechanical Assembly ➤ 7_Drawings. The design appears on the AutodeskFusion 360 canvas.

3 From the navigation bar at the bottom of the Fusion 360 design window, click Look At.

4 Select a face on the crank arm.


The display changes to a side view of the assembly.

5 In the browser, expand the Named Views folder.

6 In the browser, right-click the Named Views folder and select New Named View.

7 In the browser, click the label for the new named view, and change it from Named View to Crank Arm.

8 At the top of the Fusion 360 design window, click Save.

Tutorial: Drawings | 93

Create a New Drawing from the Gearbox Model

In this step, you create a 2D drawing package from the gearbox model and specify drawing settings.

1 From the workspace drop-down menu, choose Drawing ➤ From Design.

2 In the Create Drawing dialog, specify the following values:■ Select Full Assembly.

■ Set Drawing to Create New.

■ Set Template to From Scratch.

As an alternative, you can use a saved template with a custom title block and logo.

■ Set Standard to ASME.

■ Set Units to In.

■ Set Sheet Size to D (34in x 22in).

■ Click OK.

A drawing sheet appears, with a front view of the assembly attached to the cursor.

3 In the Drawing View dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Orientation to Front.

■ Set Style to Visible Edges.

■ Set Scale to 1:1.

■ Set Tangent Edges to Off.

■ Leave Interference Edges and Thread Edges unselected.

4 Move the cursor to the left side of the drawing sheet, and click to place the base view there.

5 In the Drawing View dialog, click OK. A drawing of the view appears on the drawing sheet.


To the left of the drawing sheet, the browser lists all the parts in the assembly. By toggling the light bulbnext to a part, you can show or hide it in the drawing.

Create Projected Views of the Assembly

In your drawing, create projected views from the base view.

1 In the Drawing workspace, choose Drawing Views ➤ Projected View.

2 Click the base view to select it.

3 Place a projected view above the base view.


4 Place another projected view to the right of the base view.

5 Place a third projected view diagonally up and to the right of the base view.


6 Press Enter. The three projected views now appear as drawings.

7 Click the base view to select it. A small square appears.

8 Drag the small square to move the base view down and to the left. When you move the base view, theprojected views move with it.


Create a Large Isometric View on a New Sheet

Add a drawing sheet and create a large isometric view of the whole assembly. Edit the view and then movethe new sheet to the front of the drawing package.

1 Click Add Sheet

in the lower-left corner of the window.

A new sheet appears on the canvas. Thumbnails show the collection of sheets.

2 Choose Drawing Views ➤ Base View.

3 In the Drawing View dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Orientation to NW Isometric.

■ Set Style to Visible Edges.


■ Set Tangent Edges to Off.

■ Leave Interference Edges and Thread Edges unselected.

4 Move the cursor to the center of the drawing sheet, and click to place the view.

5 In the Drawing View dialog, click OK. The drawing appears.


6 Right-click the canvas and select Edit View from the marking menu.

7 Click the view to select it.

8 In the Drawing View dialog, make the following changes:■ Set Style to Shaded.

■ Set Tangent Edges to Shortened.

9 In the lower-left corner of the window, drag the thumbnail of the new sheet to the left so that it comesfirst in the sheet order.

Create a New Sheet for Views of the Crank Arm

Use the named view of the crank arm you defined earlier to create base and projected views of that part ona new sheet.

1 Click Add Sheet

in the lower-left corner of the window.

2 Choose Drawing Views ➤ Base View.

3 In the Drawing View dialog, specify the following values:■ Set Orientation to Crank Arm (the named view you defined earlier).


4 Move the cursor to the left side of the drawing sheet, and click to place the view.


5 Click OK. The drawing appears.

6 In the browser, right-click the Crank Arm component and select Suppress All Except Selected.

All parts of the assembly except the crank arm disappear from the drawing.

7 Choose Drawing Views ➤ Projected View.

8 Create projected views of the crank arm as you previously did for the whole assembly.


Create a Section View of the Assembly

Using the drawing sheet with projected views of the assembly, create a section view.

1 Click the thumbnail of the drawing sheet with the projected views of the assembly.

The drawing sheet fills the canvas.

2 Choose Drawing Views ➤ Section View.

3 Click the top view to select it.


4 Select starting and ending points to designate a line running through the middle of the view.

5 Press Enter.

6 Move the cursor below the parent view, and click to place the section view there.

Placement of the section view determines its orientation. For example, if you place the section viewabove the parent view, it is oriented in the opposite direction.

7 Click OK. The section view appears with a label.


NOTE When creating a section view, you can selectively turn off objects to be cut in the Drawing View dialog.For example, to leave the small bushings uncut, deselect them.

Create a Detail View

Using the base view of the assembly, create a detail view. A detail view is an enlarged section of the drawing.

1 From the navigation bar, use the Pan and Zoom tools

to focus on the base parent view of the assembly.

2 Choose Drawing Views ➤ Detail View.

3 Click the parent view to select it.

4 In the Drawing View dialog, set Scale to 2:1.

5 Click a center point and drag outward to draw a circle that encompasses the area for the detail view,to the right of the assembly.


An enlarged section appears.

6 Drag the enlarged section to locate it, and click to place it.

7 Click OK. The detail view appears with a label.


8 Select the view, and use the gray square to move the view away from the circle.

9 To enlarge the circle on the parent view, drag the circle outward.

The detail view is automatically updated to include the area from the enlarged circle.


Create Center Marks and Centerlines

Use the Centerlines command to add centerlines and center marks to the crank arm drawing views.

1 Click the thumbnail for the crank arm views to display that drawing sheet on the canvas.

2 Choose Centerlines ➤ Center Mark.

3 Select the outside perimeter of the left circular end of the crank arm and the inner circles of the rightend.


Center marks appear across all the circles on the left side and the two inner circles on the right side.

4 Choose Centerlines ➤ Centerline.

5 Select the top and bottom linear edges of the end of the crank arm.

A centerline appears halfway between the two edges.

6 Lengthen the centerline by dragging the handles on each end.


Create Annotations

Add dimension annotations and a text leader to the top view of the crank arm.

1 Use the navigation controls to bring the top view of the crank arm into focus.

2 Click Annotation Settings at the bottom of the screen.

3 Using the Annotation Settings menu, specify the following values:■ Set Annotation Font to Arial.

■ Set Annotation Text Height to 0.24in.

■ Set Linear Unit Format to Decimal.

■ Set Linear Decimal Precision to 0.1.

■ Set Angular Decimal Precision to 0.1.

■ Leave Decimal Annotation Unit and Display Trailing Zeros unselected.

4 Choose Dimensions ➤ Dimension.

5 Select the objects, points, and edges for which dimensions are needed in your drawing.

The Dimension command creates the most appropriate dimension type for each of your selections.

Although the Dimensions menu contains separate commands for linear, aligned, angular, radius, anddiameter dimensions, the Dimension command is a "smart" command that chooses the appropriatedimension type. Fusion 360 also allows you to create baseline, chain, and ordinate dimensions.


6 Choose Text ➤ Leader.

7 Select the centerhole on the right end of the crank arm.

8 Drag to create the leader line, and click to specify the text location.

9 In the text box that appears, type Press Fit.

10 Click to finalize the leader.

NOTE You can also use the Symbols menu to annotate the drawing with surface texture symbols, feature controlframes, and datum identifiers.

Add a Bill of Materials (BOM)

Create a parts list on the drawing sheet and show which parts of the drawing correspond to the items in thelist.

1 Select the thumbnail of the drawing sheet with different views of the whole assembly.

2 Choose BOM ➤ Parts List.

3 Move the cursor to the upper-right corner of the drawing sheet, and click to place the automaticallygenerated parts list.

4 Choose BOM ➤ Balloon.

5 Select each of the components in the drawing to place balloon references that correspond to the BOM.

6 Choose BOM ➤ Renumber Balloons.

7 Select each balloon from left to right to renumber them in sequence.

The BOM is automatically resequenced to match the new numbers.


8 Choose BOM ➤ Align Balloons.

9 Select all the balloons, and then press Enter.

10 Select a starting point and an ending point for the alignment.

Save the Drawing and Create Output

Save your drawing and then output a PDF file. The drawing updates when you revise the assembly.

1 Click Save, choose a location, and save the drawing.

The drawing is associated with the assembly.

2 Choose Output ➤ Output PDF.

You can also choose to create DWG output from the drawing, and you can create a template forcustomizing future drawings.

3 In the Output PDF dialog, set Range to All Sheets.

4 Navigate to a location to save the PDF file.

If you open a drawing after revising the corresponding assembly, click the warning icon at the top of thescreen to update the drawing.


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