topic Re: Export from TinkerCAD to Fusion360 in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Export from TinkerCAD to Fusion360

pittsallen — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 20:51:50 GMT

Hello Fusion360 forum,

Have worked in TinkerCAD for years but as the models became more complex TinkerCAD seemed to struggle to keep up, took an inordinately long time to render and failed returning messages like 'Node fails to load.'
So after some research (SolidWorks and Blender) a transition was made to F360. But I have years of work in TinkerCAD the results of which should be brought into F360.
I tried the Insert Mesh method which is ok for flat planes but is most difficult for even the simplest round shapes.
Tried the Send To feature in TinkerCAD sending this shape:

When the part was imported into F360 this is the result:

Have tried as exporting to Microsoft 3D Builder and back into TinkerCAD before using Send To in TinkerCAD. (By the way, exporting TinkeCAD into Microsoft 3D Builder, renaming the part, and then importing back inro TinkerCAD is a way to get of all of the history that TinkerCAD is keeping which slows down and sometimes prevents rendering.) Tried exporting as STL and OBJ files and then reimporting into TinkerCAD. Have tried other objects and when it imports into F360 it imports parts of the shape only.
So a simpler shape was tried

In TinkerCAD at Send To > Send to Fusion360 the software returns ' No compatible objects were selected for Fusion'
Is the TinkerCAD to Fusion360 Send To function defective or am I missing something?

Thanks.

Allen Pitts, Dallas TX

Re: Export from TinkerCAD to Fusion360

jhackney1972 — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 21:43:29 GMT

Could this be your issue? With this TinkerCAD design the export to Fusion 360 brings in everything except the sharp conical light. I am not versed in TinkerCAD but could the light not be a "Basic Shape"?

This is the TinkerCAD export screen:

Model as it arrived in Fusion 360 with no errors reported:

Re: Export from TinkerCAD to Fusion360

TrippyLighting — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 01:02:45 GMT

TinkerCAD in not really a CAD program in that it does not represent geometry as BRep/NURBS but as meshes.

That is then reflected in exports.

Re: Export from TinkerCAD to Fusion360

Bunga777 — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:14:04 GMT

Transfer from TinkerCAD to Fusion360 only supports basic shapes.

As in the examples given by others, it seems that the only way to export shapes that cannot be transferred is to export them in STL or OBJ format and import them in Fusion360.

Still, it would be more efficient than rebuilding from scratch, so it would be good to devise a way to import past data, etc. in OBJ format and then convert it to solids.

Re: Export from TinkerCAD to Fusion360

TheCADWhisperer — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 13:24:29 GMT

@pittsallen

Just a “heads up” - there are at least a couple of mistakes in your personal profile.

I look for attention to details like this when teaching someone to design.

I recommend that you use the geometry previously created as an opportunity to learn how to create the same geometry (and master Fusion techniques).
I recommend that you Attach your first attempt to reproduce the geometry from scratch in Fusion after EACH and EVERY sketch/feature for analysis and guidance from the experts here.

They will be happy to help you.

From my experience, I predict that after 3 or 4 simple designs you will completely abandon any notion of using your previous geometry. All of us recognize that what we did last year, last month, heck - perhaps even yesterday - was rubbish as we progress along the learning curve.

I recommend that you have someone you trust take a look at your personal profile. Sometimes we can’t see our own mistakes even when they are obvious to others. The highest paid author in the world has an editor.