• The Workflow (sequence of steps for a process) for most 3D Mechanical CAD software is to start with 2-Dimensional (2D) Geometry, then create 3-Dimensional (3D) Geometry/Features, using the 2D geometry to do so. When creating 2D Geometry, we use a function called "Sketching", and when we turn that sketch into 3D, we do so with functions known as "Features".

• For example, if I want to draw a 3D Cube, I would first start by drawing a 2D representation of a Cube (a Square), then turn that into 3D with a function (Extrude, in this case)

• The steps to following this workflow are:

  • Draw 2D shapes/lines (ex: square, arc, polygon)

  • From those 2D shapes/lines, create 3D features (ex: Cube)

  • Repeat or Modify until you have your final part!

Sketches

• There are many Sketch tools you can utilize to draw anything from simple lines to complex geometric curves. When using sketch tools, you select the tool you wish to use, then follow the prompts that appear near your mouse cursor that instruct you on what to do.

• Oftentimes, text boxes will appear with highlighted number values in them. These are dimensions, quantities, angles, etc. to specific and apply to the geometry you are creating. You can easily enter these values in by typing into the box before the geometry is finalized.

• Article: "Sketches in Fusion 360"

Features

• The two most common methods for creating 3D objects/features from 2D geometry are:

• RECOGNIZE THE SUNK COST FALLACY

  • Just because you spent hours on a design does not mean it is worth continuing if you have painted yourself into a corner

    • Especially when you are first learning CAD, you may spend many minutes/hours/days on a design and be struggling with how to proceed/make changes

    • More often than not, if you start completely fresh with a new file and redesign what you've done, you will take significantly less time to get back to where you were, and do it more efficiently (with less features/mistakes)

  • Wiki: "Sunk Cost - Fallacy Effect"

• SAVE EARLY & OFTEN + Version Control

  • Before even creating your first Component, we recommend saving the file

    • Try to organize all your files within Fusion 360. For example, maybe create a Project/Folder for anything you model in for course, called "CAD-DFM"

  • Any time you adjust your design - especially major changes - we recommend saving a new version, and naming the versions in a way that describes exactly what was done at each change

• NAME AS YOU GO (Clearly Document Everything)

  • Name all your sketches, features, bodies, planes, etc. with names that are intuitive and make sense for anyone looking at your CAD file

    • This not only helps you when you are trying to understand or adjust your designs, but also others who may look at your designs (subcontractors, customers, etc.)

• ALWAYS START WITH A COMPONENT

  • • Video: "Bodies vs Components", by Product Design Online (15:26)

  • "Components" are how objects and design history are organized within a CAD file in Fusion 360

  • Components can be individual objects or multiple objects

  • Components can also be nested within other components, which is how you organize multi-object assemblies, subassemblies, etc. (think Systems Approach: System → Module → Component)

• MODEL AROUND THE ORIGIN

  • The origin is a common, referenceable point regardless of which plane you are sketching on

• USE THE DESIGN TIMELINE

  • • Video: "Fusion 360 Timeline Tricks You MUST Know to Master Fusion 360", by Product Design Online (7:34)

  • To change a dimension/shape you have already created, DO NOT make another sketch/feature to adjust - instead, utilize the design timeline & edit your existing features

  • You can "scroll back" the timeline to the sketch/feature you need to change, make the change, then scroll the timeline back

  • You can also "Play" the timeline to see a visualization of how a design was created in Fusion 360