inserting structural shapes in Fusion 360

[Anonymous]

Is there an easy way to insert structural shapes into models similar to the was you do it using ToolBox in SW? McMaster Carr does not have wide flange beams, I beams, Channels, etc.

[scotty71]

I feel your frustration. I have resorted to simply drawing them in a profile and extruding.  

I then kept a library of the profiles of the common shapes I use and work with that.  But there is no option for inserting basic shapes for tubular steel, beams, etc:  But bolts and castors galore! 

When I've drawn it from scratch, I've been able to do it quite quickly - so it's not at all a bad option, just a lesser one.  

[I_Forge_KC]

Unfortunately there isn't a good solution. The content center in Inventor and Toolbox in SW make this much simpler...

However...

What I do is maintain a project folder called "Kitbash and Reference" where I store all kinds of stuff like this. There are tons of shape files out there and once I load it into my "library" I have them forever. The upshot of using them like I do is that because they live in a different project folder than where I work, there is no crazy cross-linking across all my files.

Take a look here... It isn't perfect, but it is a nice way to use and re-use the data. Also note, this is just a demo...

[Anonymous]

Do you have an link for me where I can download it?

I just can't find it on the internet... 😛 

[dieselguy65]

I am going thru this same thing. but finding the info on cross section drawings of some shapes if difficult to say the least.i have resorted to measuring pieces on the job site. works ok, if you have the pieces, not very well for designs with no samples on site

square and rectangle stuff is easy. the i beam, c channel and z bends havent been so fortunate

[daveBT5BH · Accepted solution]

You can find most shapes used in structural here: https://www.aisc.org/publications/detailing-resources2/detailingtool/

[Anonymous]

Many of the dimensions are there for a channel beam, but the details like fillet radius, angle of the flange, etc. are missing. Thank you for the link. It is very useful.

Lynn

[I_Forge_KC · Accepted solution]

In your search for profiles, use the term "CAD Blocks."   Blocks (if you aren't familiar) are basically pre-drawn details that can be dropped into an AutoCAD (or Inventor) document. They are 1000s of years old (in CAD terms) and are available all over the place.

For example...

https://www.cad-blocks.co.uk/downloads/building-elements

You'll have to search to find everything you need, but there are plenty of good resources out there specifically for this stuff. If you're ever concerned about accuracy, just extrude the unit length for a part and compare the weight to the standard. For example, if you have a W48 beam, that means it's 48lbs/ft... with a pretty wide margin or error.

[daveBT5BH]

There are most shapes used in structural work, but yes....the fillets and angles are lacking. It's all I have. And very useful.

[daveBT5BH]

That's great! I have been looking for these. Been drawing my own. Just for clarification: A W48 Beam would be 48" high in the "I" position. So a W48x335 would be a beam 48" high x 335lbs per foot.

[I_Forge_KC]

Yep, got fat-fingered there....

A W8x48 would be 48lbs/ft 😛

[ferguskinnell]

Thanks for the CAD blocks link!  Much appreciated!

Just a small note that a W8x something is usually not 8" tall.  Depending on the "size", a W8 might range from 7-9" in height.  

Thanks again!

Fergus