Fusion 360: August Update

As of August 8th, 2017, Fusion 360 has received (finally!) one of its most important updates yet. Not only does it include some much-needed improvements to existing design tools, but Autodesk has also introduced brand-new functionality and beta previews to shake things up. One new feature needs no introduction since it was the most highly sought community-driven feature for Fusion for several months now and has been at the top of the Idea Station.

We’re of course talking about Sheet Metal.

For those who are new to this functionality, Sheet Metal lets you design and manufacture parts by creating geometry that can be bent into a 3D part. Bend angles are dictated by a set of rules that you can edit, override, and store for future use. This functionality is critical to many of the products around us such as electronics, fixtures, and industrial machinery.

Once opened, the Sheet Metal environment looks quite similar to what you’re used to in Fusion 360. There is one tool in the ribbon that you are going to get very well acquainted with; the Flange tool (Prepare to read the word Flange numerous times).

So, the Flange tool, one tool, multiple uses.

• Using the Flange tool, creating sheet metal parts is as simple as selecting edges or faces and push/pulling them to create new geometry, similar to the usual Fusion tools.
• Using the flange tool with a closed sketch profile results in the creation of a base flange, an extrusion to the specified sheet metal thickness.
• Using the flange tool with an open sketch profile results in a contour flange.
• Unfold your Sheet Metal part so you can design features in a flattened state, refold the part when needed.
• Create a flat pattern of your Sheet Metal component to document and dimension the part in the drawing space.
• Bring your flat patterns into CAM and set up 2D cutting strategies for your waterjet, laser, or plasma cutters.

HSM CAM

Previously in Turning operations, you had very little control over the front and back confinements since they were based on a fixed origin point that had been set for the part. It was suggested that whenever you’re turning apart, you should be able to specify the stock front, stock back, model front, model back, chuck front, and the new reference origin (if needed).

You can also use any of these areas to set your part Zero. Need a specific offset? You got it. Select a reference point and use the arrow manipulator to specify a new offset. Offset values can be positive or negative from the reference point.

Simulation

Other stand-out features include:

• Autodesk has released a preview of Fusion 360 that can be accessed in your web browser, some functionality has been implemented to allow users to edit their parts directly in their browser. Currently, basic modeling functions are supported but further functionality will be added through the next update.
• Autodesk has released a preview for the PCB environment, allowing designers to work directly with electrical engineers via a bi-directional interface link with Eagle.
• Cached designs now allow users to work offline rather than in the cloud. Once the connection to the cloud is re-established, the cloud version of the design is updated.
• You can now create arc slots in the Sketch environment! There are two new tools under the Slot section of Sketch: 3-point Arc Slot and CenterPoint Arc Slot.

For more information on the updates we outlined above or to get your free version of Fusion 360 contact us now by clicking here!