Create a Knurled Bolt in Fusion Using Emboss and Drawings
If you want to level up your Fusion skills with a project that combines creative modeling, precision, and documentation—this knurled bolt tutorial is for you.
We’ll design a custom knurled bolt using an efficient and unique workflow in Fusion (formerly Fusion 360). You’ll learn how to apply an embossed diamond pattern, model threads, and generate a drawing ready for export. This approach is great for 3D printing or professional engineering use.
And yes—keyboard shortcuts appear in the bottom left corner throughout the full video tutorial (embedded below).
Step 1: Create a New Component and Start Sketching
Begin with the golden rule of Fusion—create a new component.
Start your sketch on a construction plane and center it above the origin. This ensures symmetry and simplifies future operations. For the base of the bolt, draw a center-diameter circle—I’m using 50 mm, but feel free to choose your own size.
Quick tip: you can extrude without finishing the sketch. I’ll extrude the base to 15 mm and move on.
Step 2: Add Chamfers Early
Apply chamfers now, before adding the knurled pattern. This small step keeps the geometry light and avoids overloading your computer when the pattern is created later.
Step 3: Sketch Text for the Knurl Pattern
Here’s where this Fusion workflow gets interesting.
Create a new sketch and press and hold the left mouse button to select geometry deeper in the model—in this case, the original construction plane behind the solid body.
Add a text element with the letter “X.” Set the alignment to Center and Middle, and choose a thinner font for a clean pattern (I avoid Arial here). Make sure the text window is larger than the model and centered across its face.
Step 4: Emboss with Deboss Effect
Use the Emboss tool and select Deboss. Your sketch text becomes the profile, and the solid face is your target. I’m using a depth of 1 mm, but you can experiment with different values.
The result? A clean X-shape indented into the bolt’s surface—perfect for creating a knurled texture.
Step 5: Circular Pattern the Knurled Feature
Time to multiply that X using Circular Pattern.
Set the object type to Features, then carefully select the Z-axis by pressing and holding the left mouse button near the origin. I set the pattern quantity to 50, which looks great on this model.
⚠️ Pro tip: Save your project before running the pattern command—Fusion can get sluggish with complex geometry.
Step 6: Add a Threaded Section
Sketch a new circle on top of the bolt and extrude it upward to 75 mm. Keep it as a Join operation to maintain a single body.
Use the Thread tool to define the threaded section. Choose the appropriate thread size, direction, and representation. For 3D printing, use Modeled Thread instead of the cosmetic option.
Want only part of the body threaded? Uncheck Full Length—I’m applying the thread to 60 mm of the 75 mm shaft.
Step 7: Create a Technical Drawing in Fusion
With the model done, we’ll move to Fusion’s drawing workspace.
In the workspace picker, select Drawing > From Design. You can use a template or start from scratch. Choose units, sheet size, and orientation that fit your project.
Once the drawing loads, place a Base View, then adjust its orientation, scale, and style.
Next, use the Projected View tool to automatically generate side and top views. These inherit the style settings from the parent view.
Step 8: Add Dimensions with Auto-Dimensioning
Use the Auto Dimension tool to save time. Options include:
Baseline
Chain
Ordinate
Symmetric
Symmetric with Baseline
The system avoids touching any dimensions you’ve placed manually, giving you total control.
Fine-tune the intensity and appearance to make your drawing presentation-ready.
Step 9: Export Your Drawing
Once complete, head to the top-right corner and choose Export as PDF (or DWG, DXF, or CSV if needed). Pro tip: Check Open PDF before exporting to review your drawing without digging into folders.
Final Thoughts
This knurled bolt project demonstrates how you can:
Emboss patterns using text
Create efficient feature patterns
Add realistic 3D-printable threads
Export professional-quality drawings from Fusion
Whether you're prototyping or prepping for production, this workflow is fast, flexible, and fun to build on.
Watch the Full Knurled Bolt Tutorial Video
🎥 Want to follow along in real time? Watch the full video tutorial right here:
Chapters:
00:08 How to add a new activated component
00:20 Add a sketch
00:37 Extrude
00:47 Chamfers
01:05 Creating a Knurled Pattern in Fusion
03:35 Creating a threaded bolt in Fusion
04:05 How to add a modeled thread in Fusion
04:50 How to create a drawing in Fusion