topic Trouble understanding versions/derive/etc for small variations in design in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Trouble understanding versions/derive/etc for small variations in design

benjamincowd — Tue, 03 May 2022 15:49:55 GMT

I am, like many here, a SW user trying to better understand Fusion.

I am trying to create some simple parts to lasercut in styrene and rivet together into 3D forms (think IKEA lamp).

I want to create multiple versions of the part by changing one angle so that I can try out different shapes.

In SW, I would just create configurations, and make a table with all the angles I want for that one dimension. I would put all the configurations I want into a drawing file, export as DXF, and Bob's my uncle.

I cannot figure out how to do this (as a parametric workflow) in Fusion. "Derive" doesn't seem to be the right thing, unless I'm missing something. I tried just making different versions and saving them with names, similar to SW Configs, but there appears to be no way to put more than one version into a drawing file. I would like to maintain a link between the configurations, so that if I want to change the other dimensions, they all update.

What is the best way to do this very simple thing? See attached pictures; they show a 70deg and 30deg version of the part, and the base sketch with the angle. Thank you for your help.

A 30-degree versionA 70-degree versionBase drawing, the angle is the only variable

Re: Trouble understanding versions/derive/etc for small variations in design

TrippyLighting — Tue, 03 May 2022 16:55:24 GMT

The Fusion 360 is actually working on the feature set for configurations. The latest feedback indicates that "something" might be available earlyish next year.

Until then, for dimensional variations (feature variations can be done) workarounds such as the one you posted are the way to go.

Re: Trouble understanding versions/derive/etc for small variations in design

benjamincowd — Tue, 03 May 2022 21:33:17 GMT

Thanks! I do hope the Fusion team implements a configuration feature soon. The best I managed to do is export DXFs from each version and bring them into Illustrator to nest and send to the laser.

I think at the very least, being able to bring different "milestone" versions into a drawing file would be very helpful.

Thanks again for the response.

Re: Trouble understanding versions/derive/etc for small variations in design

hamid.sh. — Tue, 03 May 2022 22:12:46 GMT

Since you have made several parts already, you can insert them in a new assembly, arrange them and make a drawing of this assembly. No need for merging DXF files, and drawing stays associated with original files.