topic Re: How to convert volumetric lattice to solid body in Fusion Support Forum

How to convert volumetric lattice to solid body

mohammad_arfin — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 05:02:03 GMT

Hello, I am very new to Fusion360 so I have a query regarding creating solid body from volumetric lattice. I infilled gyroid lattice in a cylindrical body. But when I try to export the body as solid body it doesn't get exported as the lattice infilled body rather only the unfilled solid cylinder without the created lattice is exported. How can I solve this. Thanks in advance.

Re: How to convert volumetric lattice to solid body

jeff_strater — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:49:19 GMT

There is no direct way to do this. Volumetric geometry is not the same as solid geometry. The lattice is applied to the solid afterward, kind of like a material is applied. Why do you want this as a solid body? If you are going to 3D print it, you can do that directly. If a mesh will work, you can convert a body with a volumetric lattice applied to a mesh. The resulting mesh will be heavy, though, with lots of faces, but might work for your purposes.

Re: How to convert volumetric lattice to solid body

mohammad_arfin — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 05:38:08 GMT

Thanks for your reply. Why I want this as a solid body is because I want to simulate the geometry using a software called "CENOS" for induction heating simulations. Unfortunately, the software accepts the solid bodies with *step file extensions only. Therefore, I have been trying to convert the volume lattice into a solid geometry using various sources. I used ntopology as well, there also, I could infill the gyroid lattice in a body but could export it only as mesh or other incompatible file extensions. I tried converting the lattice structure into a mesh and then again, the mesh into a solid body but that makes the solid structure extremely complex which is not accepted by the induction heating software. I have been struggling with this for quite some time now. I would really appreciate @jeff_strater if you could suggest me something to solve this issue.

Re: How to convert volumetric lattice to solid body

jeff_strater — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 17:32:10 GMT

Sorry, but I don't think that there is a way to make this work. If you have already tried exporting as a mesh and converting that mesh to a solid, and the analysis app you are using won't accept that, then I do not know of any other solution at the moment.

Re: How to convert volumetric lattice to solid body

mihai_matei86GUP — Mon, 04 May 2026 15:58:15 GMT

A clanker told me to do this, it worked:

This is a well-known Fusion 360 gotcha. The issue is that the Volumetric Lattice is just a visual appearance by default — it doesn't become real geometry until you explicitly convert it. "Save as Mesh" skips that step, which is why you still get the smooth body.

Here's the correct workflow:

Step 1: Convert the Volumetric Lattice to a real mesh body

In the browser tree, right-click on the solid body that has the lattice structure (it will have a small blue marker next to its icon) and select "Create Mesh" from the context menu. Then specify the desired precision/fineness for the conversion. CAD Forum

This is different from "Save as Mesh" — it actually bakes the lattice pattern into geometry inside your Fusion project.

Step 2: Export the resulting mesh body

Once the mesh body exists in your browser, right-click it → Save as Mesh → choose STL.

A few things to keep in mind:

This mesh body will be a large amount of data, especially with a dense hex pattern, so expect a bigger file and slower processing. Autodesk Community
The "Create Mesh" option lives in the Volume Fields toolset — if you don't see it in the right-click menu, make sure you're right-clicking the correct body (the one with the lattice, not a regular solid).
The full path via the menu is: select the Volumetric Model → right-click → Convert Volumetric Model to Mesh, then set the conversion parameters. Autodesk

Also worth noting: this feature requires the Product Design Extension in Fusion. If you're on a free/personal license and the option is greyed out or missing, that could be a licensing limitation.

You said: I cannot find the create mesh button, I have fusion360 on windows.

I cannot find the create mesh button, I have fusion360 on windows. is it something called texture map controlls? give me more clear instructions!!

17:52

Claude responded: The key issue is that you need to select the correct object in the browser tree — not the body, but the Volumetric Lattice item specifically.

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The key issue is that you need to select the correct object in the browser tree — not the body, but the Volumetric Lattice item specifically. Here's the full step-by-step:

Step 1 — Find the right item in the browser tree

On the left side of Fusion 360, you have the browser panel (the tree with folders/icons). Look for your body. It should have a small blue diamond/marker on its icon — that indicates it has a volumetric lattice applied. Expand the body if needed by clicking the arrow next to it.

Step 2 — Select the Volumetric Lattice, not the body

The Volumetric Lattice object needs to be selected specifically — not the parent body. In the browser tree, click directly on the Volumetric Lattice item listed under your body. Autodesk

Step 3 — Right-click and convert

With the Volumetric Lattice item selected, right-click it → you should see "Convert Volumetric Model to Mesh". This will create a new exportable Mesh Body containing the lattice geometry. Autodesk

Step 4 — Set the resolution

A dialog will appear asking for precision/fineness. Higher = more accurate hex pattern but heavier file. Medium is usually fine for 3D printing.

Step 5 — Export the new mesh body

After conversion, a new Mesh Body will appear in your browser tree (separate from the original solid). Right-click that mesh body → Save as Mesh → STL.

If you don't see "Convert Volumetric Model to Mesh" anywhere:

This is likely a licensing issue. The Create Mesh / Convert Volumetric Model to Mesh tool is part of the **"Volume Fields" toolset, which requires the Product Design Extension (a paid add-on). If you're on a free Personal license, this option may be locked. Autodesk Community

To check: go to Solid tab → top toolbar → look for "Volume Fields" as a section. If it's missing entirely, you likely don't have the extension.

No extension? Alternative approach:

If the lattice was made with a pattern/body cut approach (not the Volumetric Lattice tool), it should export fine as-is with a normal Save as Mesh. What tool did you originally use to create the hex pattern?

Cheerio 😘