Embedded Files
A circuit board doesn't have to be rectangular.
Option 1 : Draw a shape in Fusion 360
You can only have one board outline. Start by deleting any outline one you already have.
A. Open the Selection Filter window on the right.
B. Select layer 20 Board Outline.
C. Drag a box around any current board outline and press delete.
Draw a new board outline using the board shape tool, under the design menu.
You can draw your board into any shape as long as you end the shape in the same location where you started drawing the shape.
Hit return to end the drawing
You'll see the design turn black on the inside and gray outside the board outline.
Optional additional detail:
You can use the miter tool (under Rework) to create filleted or chamfered edges on the board. A radius of 100 mil is a good start, but, of course, you should experiment with the settings to find what looks good with your design.
Option 2 : Import a DXF image as your board shape
You can only have one board outline. Start by deleting any outline one you already have.
A. Open the Selection Filter window on the right.
B. Select layer 20 Board Outline.
C. Drag a box around any current board outline and press delete.
Create an outline in any software that can export dxf format. Since we use Rhino frequently at LW, this tutorial will use Rhino as an example. You can, however, also create a dxf in Fusion.
Your Rhino drawing needs to be in TOP view
Select what you want to export
File > Export Selected
Export the image as DXF from Rhino.
Often 2007 lines, CAM Metric or CAM Imperial scheme will provide the best result.
Be aware of the scale of your drawing as you will not be able to resize it in Fusion.
Note that before you import your board shape, you should make sure not to have a routed board, since the routes are based on the board outline. If you've already routed your board, use the unroute tool.
Import your DXF file
Place your drawing near or on your parts, making sure the Target Layer is "20 BoardOutline"
Move your parts onto the board so that they fit.
Reroute your board.
Note: Routing with a complex outline can take many minutes. Do not hit done until you see all 100% on all the Optimized lines.
Push the design to the 3D PCB to see how it will look.
Fusion will generate a 3D simulation of your board, helping you visualize how it will look when you solder it together. Unfortunately, only a fraction of the parts in the fusion library are associated with a corresponding 3D model. When Fusion can't find a corresponding 3D model for a part, it will substitute in a box for that part. While this is not ideal, the tool is still very helpful, and going through this process is recommended.
If you are happy with your design. You are now ready to Export your board for manufacturing.
Page updated
Report abuse