Introduction to form modelling – Part 1

Free form modelling

Fusion 360 is fast becoming the design software of choice for hobbyists and designers alike. It comes with a comprehensive set of tools and a modelling workflow which is redesigned from the ground up, while still paying homage to the trusted and dependable work features from legacy Autodesk products such as Inventor. They have also improved on newer design tools that allow for complex shapes and free form design, as opposed to rigid, linear designing methods of old.

Part of the aim is to create shapes and designs that are more organic and hence more efficient by being lightweight and stronger than linearly designed bodies. This ties in heavily with their drive towards generative design.

 

One such set of features is the form modelling workspace, which has an array of moulding tools that can seem very intimidating at first. Below is a short guide to get you familiar with the features available.

Accessing the form modelling workspace

To acces the form modelling workspace, move to the solid body tab in the design workspace. Under create, you will find Create form.

Once in the workspace, you will notice a new set of tools appear in the ribbon. They are separated into 4 categories:

  • Create
  • Modify
  • Symmetry
  • Utilities

Create a single face, or choose from a list of predefined shapes.

Box – Create a form with lenght, width and height options. Each face can have the number of subdivisions as desired.

Plane – Create a single plane with multiple subdivisions as desired.

Cylinder – Create a Cylinder with height H and closed ends of diameter D.

Sphere – Create a spherical shape with radius R and subdivisions as desired.

Quadball – A sphere as above, except the subdivisions are based on 6 squares

Pipe – Create a cylindrical shape with open ends and subdivisions along the length

 

 

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