Design a Fidget Cone in Fusion for 3D Printing
Autodesk Fusion, formerly known as Fusion 360, is a powerful tool for 3D modeling and animation. In this tutorial, we’ll design a fidget cone for 3D printing and finish by creating a simple animation.
At the end of this blog post, you’ll find the full YouTube video, where you can follow along with every step.
Sketching the Base
We start with a center diameter circle, sketched around the origin on the predefined horizontal construction plane. The exact dimensions aren’t critical, but I’m using an 80 mm base. You can adjust the size according to your preference.
Save time by transitioning directly from the sketch environment to the Extrude command. I’ll extrude the base to 80 mm and set the taper angle to -15 degrees, so it narrows inward.
Duplicating the Body
We need two copies of this body. Use copy-paste shortcuts in the browser, then press Enter to confirm without moving the body.
To differentiate between them visually, apply different glossy plastic appearances. Using the browser to apply colors is efficient since the bodies occupy the same position.
Body One = Blue
Body Two = Red
For now, we’ll keep Body Two hidden and continue with Body One.
Creating the Cut Profile
We start by projecting the boundaries from Body One. This ensures any future updates will automatically adjust the projection.
Offset the projected sketch by -5 mm to keep the new profile from reaching the edge. This avoids removing too much material later.
Turn this offset circle into a construction line to serve as a visual guide.
Now, we create guide lines that divide the cone into 12 equal sections, meaning 30 degrees per segment. These are set as construction lines to help align the next feature.
Adding a Fit Point Spline
Using the Fit Point Spline tool, we sketch the cut profile. We’ll place the spline roughly, then break the construction line on the left to create a closed profile.
Use the Mirror command to reflect the sketch, selecting both the line and spline while using the centerline as the mirror reference. Adjustments to the original side will now automatically update the mirrored side.
Fine-tune the spline curvature using the green handlebars, keeping the number of spline points minimal for better flexibility.
Sweeping the Cut Profile
Before proceeding, create a vertical construction line at 80 mm (same as the cone’s height). While not linked to the model, user parameters could be used to make updates more efficient.
Now, use the Sweep command:
Select the mirrored profile as the sweep shape.
Use the 80 mm line as the path.
Set the twist angle to 360 degrees.
Choose the Cut operation.
Since the profile doesn’t cut through the entire cone, the 5 mm offset ensures a proper result. Try adjusting the values to see what works best for you.
Circular Pattern for the Cut
To distribute the cut evenly:
Use the Circular Pattern tool.
Select the sweep cut as the object.
Set the quantity to six (you can experiment with different values).
Complex computations may take time, so save your project before running the pattern.
Combining the Two Bodies
Turning the visibility of Body Two back on reveals overlapping geometry. Fix this using the Combine tool:
Target Body = Body Two (main body being modified).
Tool Body = Body One (containing the cut features).
Set the operation to Cut.
Check Keep Tools to retain Body One.
After applying, overlapping areas will be removed.
Adding Clearance Between the Bodies
Currently, Body One and Body Two fit too tightly. We need a Press Pull operation to create a small gap:
Hide Body Two.
Select areas that need clearance.
Set the clearance to -0.2 mm (adjust based on your printer and material).
Apply and inspect the model.
Turn Body Two visibility back on, and you should see a small clearance for a proper fit.
Converting to Components for Animation
Convert both bodies into components:
Right-click each body in the Project Browser.
Select Create Components from Bodies.
Now, switch to the Animation workspace.
Setting Up the Animation
Set the initial camera angle.
Record the first action (10 seconds long).
Animate upward movement:
Set the timeline to the end of 10 seconds.
Move Body Two 80 mm upward.
Animate rotation:
At the end of the timeline, apply 360-degree rotation.
Match the Sweep twist angle from earlier.
Publishing the Animation
Once everything looks good, publish the animation:
Click Publish.
Choose your settings and file location.
Export the animation.
Watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube
For a complete walkthrough with visual guidance, watch the full tutorial in the video below.
[Insert YouTube Video Here]
Final Thoughts
By following these steps, you’ve designed a functional and visually appealing 3D-printable fidget cone in Autodesk Fusion. From sketching and modeling to animation, this workflow showcases key Fusion techniques you can use in other projects.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, check out our other Fusion guides. See you in the next one!
Chapters:
Chapters:
00:08 How to Create a Center Diameter Sketch in Fusion
00:32 Extrude a Circle with Taper Angle in Fusion
00:57 How to Copy a Body in Fusion for 3D Modeling
01:12 Add Glossy Plastic Appearances in Fusion
01:45 How to Project Geometry onto a Body in Fusion
02:16 Offsetting a Sketch in Fusion – Step-by-Step
02:30 Creating a Construction Line in Fusion
02:40 How to Create Guide Lines and Set Angles in Fusion
03:19 Add a Fit Point Spline in Fusion for Smooth Curves
03:43 How to Break a Line in Fusion – Essential Tips
04:07 How to Mirror a Sketch in Fusion Efficiently
04:31 Adjust Fit Point Splines in Fusion – Quick Guide
05:06 How to Add a Line in Fusion for Precise Design
06:00 How to Use Sweep with an Angle in Fusion
06:38 Create a Circular Pattern in Fusion 3D Modeling
07:35 How to Combine Bodies in Fusion for Complex Designs
08:28 Save Your Fusion Project for Better Workflow
08:40 How to Pull a Body to Create Clearance in Fusion
10:06 Create Components from the Project Browser in Fusion
10:31 How to Create an Animation in Fusion for 3D Models
10:51 Animate the Camera Angle in Fusion Tutorial
11:49 Animate the Movement Upwards in Fusion – Easy Guide
12:31 Animate the Rotation in Fusion for 3D Models
13:01 How to Publish the Animation in Fusion