Fusion 360 for 3D Printing - Designing with Components from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Design a 3d printable led tea light that turns on and off.
Feel comfortable tackling multi-part designs by effectively using components and other design tools in fusion 360.

Take a design from concept to working prototype.

Design a 3d printable led tea light that turns on and off.
Feel comfortable tackling multi-part designs by effectively using components and other design tools in fusion 360.
Take a design from concept to working prototype.

Syllabus

Introduction and a brief description of the model we will be creating. Learn the benefits of designing with components. Change settings to have z up as modeling orientation.

Besides our 3d printed parts we will only need an led and a coin cell battery for this build. Below are the links for the parts discussed in the video.

LED

adafruit.com

LED - Color Changing

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20pcs-5mm-Round-Slow-7-Color-Changing-2-5-3-4V-20mA-RGB-LED-Diffused-US-Seller-/272391915535?hash=item3f6bd2c80f:g:lXkAAOSwepZXQlB1

Coin Cell Battery - CR2032

amazon.com

A brief explanation of how the model will function in being able to turn the LED on and off.

Design more efficient and stay better organized by taking advantage of components in your multi-part designs.

Modify preferences in order to change the default orientation to z up instead of y up. Having proper orientation in your models guarantees that they print correctly when sending to a 3d printer.

In this lecture we modify our preferences to allow the sketch color to be based on whether our sketch is fully constrained or not.

Although we will not be printing the battery it is beneficial to create a model of it so that we can make sure things line up correctly in our assembly.

We begin with the top component. We will obtain our shape by creating a sketch and revolving. Revolving a sketch is a very effective and efficient way to obtain a cylindrical shape.

We create a sketch on top of our part in order to extrude the holes and groves for our led fit. An effective way of making the grooves is by using the pipe command.

Using an offset plane we draw the required sketch to allow us to extrude holes create pipes on the side of our cylinder.

We extrude a cutout at the bottom of our part. I show how to reference the sketch to determine the correct distance to make the extrusion.

We use the arc tool and the mirror tool to create a shape that will allow us to extrude a bumpout in our cylinder that will be critical in forcing our battery to make an electrical connection. We apply some fillets in the end to smooth our shape.

Since our bottom part is also cylindrical, the best way to approach the shape is to create a sketch and revolve the sketch just like the top part.

Using our existing sketch and the revolve tool, we create the bumpouts. This time instead of revolving a full 360 degrees we give the revolve a specific angle. We then mirror the revolve in order to get the same shape on the opposite side.

Using the offset command we create a sketch and extrude it a couple millimeters. This part will serve the purpose of guiding our battery to one side to make an electrical connection and will also serve as an insulator to prevent the battery from coming in contact with the led when the switch is turned to the off position.

Now on to our final component, the cover. We could have approached this design by also creating a sketch and revolving it but I chose instead to sketch a circle and extruding it.

After printing this part I noticed that the fit was a bit too tight so we go back to the sketch and amend the radius.

We need a way of securing our cover to the top component so that the cover does not spin. By extruding a little "key" into the cover we can line it up with an opposite extrusion on the top component so that both lock into place once fitted together.

We sketch on the cover and extrude little on / off indicators so that we know which direction to turn the knob.

We sketch and extrude a slot on our top component that will mate with the extrusion we made on the cover component.

We go back and add an arrow indicator on the bottom component to show the position of the knob and let the user know whether it is point to the on or off position.

After printing it appears that the overhang is a bit much and can sometimes lead to improper adhesion of the layers so we go back and add a fillet for a smoother transition.

An important concept to keep in mind when designing for 3D printing is the relation between your wall thickness and your extrusion width. In this lecture I talk about some important things to consider when designing.

I demonstrate how to assemble all the parts together to create your own led tea light.

Congratulations on completing this course. Remember to download and share your certificate and leave a rating if you haven't.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the use of components in Fusion 360, which is essential for managing complex, multi-part designs and maintaining organized workflows

Covers best practices for designing with 3D printing in mind, including tolerances for snug fits during assembly, which is crucial for functional prototypes

Teaches how to modify preferences in Fusion 360 to ensure proper orientation for 3D printing, which helps prevent printing errors and ensures model accuracy

Requires additional hardware, such as an LED and a coin cell battery, which may pose a barrier to some learners who do not have these readily available

Builds upon the 'Designing For 3D Printing with Fusion 360' course, so learners without prior experience may need to take that course first

Examines the relationship between wall thickness and extrusion width, which is an important concept to keep in mind when designing for 3D printing

Reviews summary

Fusion 360 multi-part design

According to learners, this course is a highly recommended sequel focusing on designing with components in Fusion 360 for 3D printing. Students praise the instructor's clear and engaging style and the practical, functional project of building an LED tea light, which effectively demonstrates key concepts like assembly and tolerances. The course is seen as essential for moving beyond single-part designs and is particularly valuable for those wanting to create functional prints. A notable positive aspect is the inclusion of design amendments based on actual print results, showing the iterative process. While largely positive, a few students noted that the pace could be fast at times during modeling sections, sometimes requiring rewatching.

Assumes some prior Fusion 360 comfort.

"Highly recommend after taking the prerequisite."

"If you're comfortable with basic Fusion 360, this is a good next step."

"However, I felt that some steps were not explained in enough detail, assuming prior knowledge beyond the basic prerequisite course."

Course shows design amendments based on print results.

"I really appreciated how he went back and made amendments based on actual print results, showing the iterative design process."

"...the fact that he shares his design iterations based on real-world printing feedback is a huge plus. It made the design process feel more real..."

"The 'Ammendments' sections showing design changes are particularly valuable."

"The part about amending the design based on print results is a nice touch."

Instructor is clear, knowledgeable, and easy to follow.

"The instructor is clear, knowledgeable, and has a very engaging teaching style."

"The instructor's explanations were easy to follow..."

"The instructor is patient and explains concepts clearly."

"The instructor is top-notch, explaining complex ideas simply."

Valuable insights on tolerances and assembly provided.

"...including dealing with tolerances for 3D printing."

"The step-by-step guidance on components, joints, and tolerances was invaluable."

"The tips on tolerances and assembly are spot on."

"The focus on 3D printing considerations like tolerances and overhangs was very helpful."

"The tips on tolerances were also very useful."

Hands-on project is engaging and reinforces learning.

"The project, creating the LED tea light, was brilliant because it wasn't just theoretical; it was a practical application of the skills learned..."

"Absolutely loved this course! Building the LED tea light was such a rewarding experience."

"The LED tea light project is simple enough not to be overwhelming but complex enough to teach critical concepts like assembly and tolerances."

"The use of the LED tea light as the main project is a clever way to demonstrate multi-component design and assembly."

"The project is a perfect example of designing a functional assembly for 3D printing."

Crucial skill for multi-part designs taught effectively.

"It took a potentially complex topic (designing with components in Fusion 360) and broke it down into easily digestible steps."

"The focus on components is crucial for more complex designs, and the project is a good example."

"Using components is essential for organization and flexibility, and this course teaches you how to do it effectively through a hands-on project."

"Learning about components and how to manage them was exactly what I needed."

"This course demystifies designing multi-part assemblies in Fusion 360."

Pace can feel fast during certain sections.

"My only minor critique is that sometimes the pace felt a *tiny* bit fast during certain sketching/modeling parts..."

"Some parts felt a little rushed, and I had to rewatch a few sections."

"The pace could be frustrating at times."

"Pace was occasionally fast, but overall manageable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fusion 360 for 3D Printing - Designing with Components with these activities:

Review Sketching Techniques in Fusion 360

Show steps

Reviewing sketching techniques will help you create accurate and efficient designs for 3D printing in Fusion 360.

Show steps

Review basic sketching tools and constraints.
Practice creating complex sketches with curves and arcs.
Experiment with different sketch constraints to fully define sketches.

Practice Creating Revolves and Extrusions

Show steps

Practicing revolves and extrusions will solidify your understanding of these fundamental modeling techniques in Fusion 360.

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Find online tutorials or exercises that focus on revolves and extrusions.
Complete at least three different exercises, focusing on accuracy and efficiency.

Read 'Functional Design for 3D Printing'

Show steps

Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of functional design principles for 3D printing, enhancing your ability to create practical and robust designs.

View Functional Design for 3D Printing: Designing 3d... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Functional Design for 3D Printing'.
Read the chapters related to design for assembly and material selection.
Take notes on key concepts and apply them to the LED tea light design.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Design a Custom Enclosure for Electronics

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Starting a project to design a custom enclosure will reinforce your understanding of component-based design and 3D printing considerations.

Show steps

Choose an electronics project that requires an enclosure.
Measure the dimensions of the electronic components.
Design the enclosure in Fusion 360 using components.
3D print and test the enclosure.

Document Your Design Process

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Documenting your design process will help you reflect on your learning and identify areas for improvement.

Show steps

Create a blog post or video documenting your design process for the LED tea light.
Explain the design decisions you made and the challenges you faced.
Share your documentation with the online community.

Read '3D Printing Design'

Show steps

Reading this book will broaden your understanding of 3D printing design principles and best practices.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of '3D Printing Design'.
Read the chapters related to design for 3D printing and material selection.
Take notes on key concepts and apply them to future design projects.

Create a Tolerance Study for 3D Printed Parts

Show steps

Creating a tolerance study will deepen your understanding of the relationship between design tolerances and 3D printing accuracy.

Show steps

Design a set of test parts with varying tolerances in Fusion 360.
3D print the test parts.
Measure the dimensions of the printed parts and compare them to the design dimensions.
Analyze the results and create a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Fusion 360 for 3D Printing - Designing with Components will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Prototype Developer

Prototype developers create initial versions of products to test and refine designs. This course is directly relevant, as it teaches how to take a design from concept to a working 3D printed prototype using Fusion 360. Understanding how to handle multi-part designs using components, as taught by the course, is essential for creating functional prototypes. Prototype developers may use the course's best practices for 3D printing such as tolerances needed for a snug fit when assembling two or more parts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Prototype Developer

CAD Technician

CAD Technicians create technical drawings and 3D models using CAD software based on designs and specifications provided by engineers and designers. This course, which specifically focuses on designing with components within Fusion 360, is of direct benefit. CAD technicians can benefit from the course's lessons on sketching, modeling, and best practices for 3D printing including tolerances for part assembly, as well as designing mechanical switches. A CAD Technician who makes use of 3D printing may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician

Model Maker

Model makers create physical models and prototypes for various purposes, including architectural, product, and entertainment industries. A course focusing on designing with components in Fusion 360 is directly applicable, as it teaches you how to take a design from concept to a working 3D printed prototype. Model makers can benefit from the course's emphasis on best practices for 3D printing, such as understanding tolerances for part assembly and efficient part design. A model maker should find this course helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Model Maker

Design Engineer

Design engineers create and develop designs for new products and systems. This course, which focuses on designing with components in Fusion 360 for 3D printing, is highly relevant. It teaches how to handle multi-part designs and how to take a design from concept to a working prototype, skills that are directly applicable to a design engineer's workflow. The course also covers best practices for designing for 3D printing, such as tolerances needed for part assembly. A design engineer can use this course to build a foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test mechanical devices and systems. This can include designing parts and products for 3D printing. As a mechanical engineer, understanding how to design for 3D printing is a valuable skill. A course that teaches how to design multi-part designs using components and other design tools in Fusion 360, as well as how to take a design from concept to a working prototype, is particularly useful. A mechanical engineer designing for 3D printing may find the demonstration of best practices for tolerances helpful, as this course shows.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Industrial Designer

Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to design the form, usability, and marketability of products. This course, which focuses on designing with components in Fusion 360 for 3D printing, is a key tool for creating prototypes and functional designs. The ability to handle multi-part designs and understand 3D printing constraints is essential for an industrial designer. The best practices for 3D printing covered in the course, such as tolerances for part assembly, will be particularly helpful. An outstanding industrial designer can use this course to build a foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Hobbyist

Many hobbyists enjoy designing and 3D printing their own creations. This course, which teaches how to design with components in Fusion 360 for 3D printing, is perfect for the hobbyist looking to expand their skills. It guides you through the process of taking a design from concept to a working prototype, and covers best practices for 3D printing, such as tolerances for part assembly. This course will help the hobbyist to create functional and complex 3D printed projects, such as an LED tea light.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hobbyist

Product Designer

A product designer conceptualizes and designs new products, often working with interdisciplinary teams. In this role, you might use 3D printing to create prototypes and test designs. A course that helps you learn to tackle multi-part designs using components and design tools in Fusion 360 directly applies to the work of a product designer. This course, in particular, demonstrates how to take a design from concept to a working 3D printed prototype. The course also goes through some best practices when designing for 3D printing such as tolerances needed for a snug fit when assembling two or more parts. A product designer may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Research and Development Engineer

Research and development engineers conduct research and develop new products and processes. This course can be directly supportive of these activities. This course, which teaches how to design with components in Fusion 360 for 3D printing, can enhance work related to prototyping. The course teaches you how to take a design from concept to a working 3D printed prototype, so it may be helpful. Understanding best practices for 3D printing, such as tolerances for part assembly, is a great skill for researchers. A research and development engineer may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research and Development Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing manufacturing processes. The ability to design parts optimized for 3D printing is a valuable skill in this field. This course, in particular, teaches how to design multi-part designs using components and how to take a design from concept to a working 3D printed prototype. A manufacturing engineer designing for 3D printing may find the demonstration of best practices for tolerances helpful, and may benefit from this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Architectural Designer

Architectural designers develop designs and plans for buildings and other structures. While architectural design primarily focuses on larger-scale structures, architects can use 3D printing to create models and prototypes of their designs. A course that teaches designing with components in Fusion 360 can be useful for creating detailed building models and exploring design options. The best practices for 3D printing taught in the course, can help with the creation of accurate and functional models. An architectural designer can use this course to build a foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Designer

Furniture Designer

Furniture designers design and develop furniture for homes, offices, and public spaces. This course, which teaches how to design with components in Fusion 360 for 3D printing, can be useful for creating furniture prototypes and custom elements. Understanding how to handle multi-part designs, as taught in the course, is valuable for designing complex furniture pieces. A furniture designer may benefit from learning about best practices for 3D printing, such as tolerances for part assembly. A furniture designer may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Furniture Designer

Educator

Educators working in fields like engineering, design, or technology can use 3D printing as a teaching tool. This course, which teaches how to design with components in Fusion 360, provides educators with the skills to create 3D printed models and teaching aids. By taking a design from concept to a working prototype, as taught in the course, educators can demonstrate design principles and engineering concepts to their students. The best practices for 3D printing covered in the course are also valuable for ensuring successful projects. An educator may find this course useful.

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Science Technician

Science technicians assist scientists and engineers in laboratories and research facilities. 3D printing has become a valuable tool for creating custom equipment, models, and prototypes in scientific research. A course teaching how to design with components in Fusion 360 is useful for a science technician who needs to create custom parts or apparatus. A science technician may find this course useful, as it teaches how to take a design from concept to a working 3D printed prototype and covers best practices for 3D printing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Technician

Digital Artist

Digital artists create art using digital tools and software. While not all digital artists work with 3D printing, some may use it to bring their digital creations into the physical world. A digital artist interested in creating physical objects or art pieces with 3D printing may find a course that teaches how to design with components in Fusion 360 useful, as it can help them translate their digital designs into printable models. A digital artist can use this course to build a foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fusion 360 for 3D Printing - Designing with Components.

Functional Design for 3D Printing

Save

Delves into the specific design considerations for various 3D printing technologies. It covers topics such as material selection, support structures, and optimizing designs for different printing processes. It valuable resource for understanding the limitations and capabilities of 3D printing and how to design accordingly.

Functional Design for 3D Printing: Designing 3d...

Paperback

Alter Ego

Save

Provides a broad overview of 3D printing design principles and best practices. It covers various aspects of the design process, from initial concept to final production. This book is more valuable as additional reading to gain a wider perspective on 3D printing design. It is not necessarily a reference text for the specific project in this course, but it provides valuable context.

Alter Ego: A Novel

Paperback

Fusion 360 for 3D Printing - Designing with Components

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Fusion 360 multi-part design

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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