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In general, CAD software uses the following process to create 3D solids: create a sketch then manipulate that sketch into a solid body
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This guide provides an overview of some of the more common tools for turning sketches into solid bodies
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The figure in the red box is an example of a sketch. To learn more about creating sketches, refer to Introduction to Sketches in Fusion 360
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An extrusion essentially pulls a 2D profile into a 3D body where all cross sections in the direction of the extrusion match the original profile.
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The extrusion tool icon is found in the "Create" section of the Toolbar
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Creating an extrusion requires a closed profile.
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Specify the height of the extrusion. Extrusions with negative heights can cut through other solid bodies.
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The revolve tool creates a 3D body by rotating a closed profile about an axis.
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The icon for the revolve tool is found in the "Create" section of the tool bar
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The revolve tool requires a closed profile, so first we select the closed section of the sketch.
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In this example, we selected the line in the semicircle as the axis about which to revolve.
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After selecting the profile and axis, we finish constraining the revolve by specifying the degrees of the rotation.
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The pipe tool creates a solid by sweeping a basic shape through a specified path. The pipe tool is just a special type of a sweep; in a sweep tool rather than using a basic shape, the user creates a profile in a sketch.
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Both the pipe and sweep tool are found in the drop down "Create" menu.
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Using the pipe tool requires an open path from a sketch curve
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The path tool also allows for the selection of shape used and specification of the shape's relevant dimensions.
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Fusion 360 provides several tools for modifying a solid body. Fillet and chamfer comprise two of the most commonly used tools for modifying solid bodies. They either smooth an edge into a curve or cut it into a slope respectively.
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The figure indicated with a red box consists of an extruded semicircle.
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The fillet tool is located in the Toolbar under the "Modify" section, while the chamfer tool is under the "Modify" drop down menu
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The fillet tool, applied to the outer curved edge indicated with the yellow arrow, smoothed the edge into a curve.
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The chamfer tool, applied to the top and side edges on the flat face indicated with the green arrow, cut the edge into a slope
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This guide provides an explanation of some of the most commonly used tools for making solid bodies in Fusion 360.
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This guide is by no means exhaustive, but it will give you a decent basis on which to start making your first designs
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We recommend you practice these tools by trying to recreate objects around you in Fusion 360.
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If you want some more practice, please head over to the Make a Planter in Fusion 360 guide for your first Fusion 360 project.
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