Efficient Workflow for Creating a Flanged Pipe Elbow in Fusion (Formerly Fusion 360) – Step-by-Step Tutorial

In this tutorial, we’ll walk through an efficient workflow for creating a Flanged Pipe Elbow in Fusion (formerly known as Fusion 360). We'll cover both manual and automated methods to produce the drawing, focusing on streamlining your process for faster results.

Creating the Flanged Pipe Elbow

We’ll start by creating a new component. Once activated, we’ll sketch on the horizontal construction plane, beginning with a center diameter sketch. The goal here is to focus on the workflow, rather than specific design conditions or standards.

Centralized Design

Start by centering the diameter sketch at the origin. This approach offers several benefits, making your design easier to manage and edit as we progress. For this tutorial, we’ll use a 50 mm diameter, but you can customize this measurement based on your needs.

Simplifying the Sketch

Next, we’ll add a smaller circle for the bolt holes. By keeping the sketch simple, we ensure that the design remains easy to modify. Using solid modeling commands will help you keep your design flexible for future edits. We’ll later use a Circular Pattern to distribute the bolt holes, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

Time-Saving Tip: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

A time-saving tip: use keyboard shortcuts to jump straight from the sketch environment to the Extrude command. You don’t need to close the sketch first, and you can extrude in either direction to suit your design.

Distributing Bolt Holes

To distribute the bolt holes, we’ll use the Circular Pattern tool, setting the Object Type to Faces. The predefined blue axis at the center of the design makes it easy to align the pattern. You can adjust the number of bolt holes to suit your design, and the pattern will remain evenly spaced.

Sketching the Hole

Now, we’ll start a new sketch on the solid body. The goal is to finish the design and set up a connection point for assembling the two parts. We’ll sketch a circle for the hole and offset it with another circle positioned 2.5 mm outside the first one. This ensures that if you adjust the inner circle, the outer one will update automatically.

Extrude Cut

For the extrude cut, select the bottom face of the model and apply the cut. Regularly check your model from different angles to ensure everything aligns correctly.

Moving and Copying the Body

Next, we’ll move and copy the body inside the component, keeping everything organized within the component itself. This is a critical step to avoid confusion later in the design process.

Connecting the Parts

We'll use a 3D sketch to connect the two parts. The Line tool works well here as it snaps cleanly to the existing geometry. Don’t worry if your line doesn’t hit the exact spot. You can extend the line and trim away excess material. Afterward, we’ll refine the sharp 90-degree angle to create a smoother radius.

Applying Fillets

Use the Fillet command to round the edges. A 25 mm radius is a good starting point, and you can always adjust it later using the Fusion timeline.

Saving Your Work

Remember to save your project regularly. Fusion automatically updates the version number after each save, so you won’t lose any progress.

Using the Sweep Command

When creating a sweep, make sure that Sketch 2 is visible. You’ll use the offset circle to create the sweep. This process is quick, and the Join operation helps keep the model simple. However, depending on your project, other workflows may be more suitable.

Polishing the Model

Check your model from different angles to ensure that everything is aligned. A polished brass appearance can add a realistic touch to your design, and with everything joined into a single body, applying the finish is straightforward.

Drawing Setup in Fusion

Fusion offers both automatic and manual drawing options. In this tutorial, we’ll focus on creating a manual drawing with some automated parts. Starting with a base view, you can adjust settings like orientation, style, and scale to fit your needs.

Adding Dimensions

When adding dimensions, you can choose between manual and automated options. Manual dimensions are easy to place, while automated dimensions allow you to adjust the density of dimensions displayed. Whether you’re creating a prototype or a production-ready design, these dimensioning tips will help streamline your process.

Exporting the Drawing

Before exporting your drawing, save your work. If you plan to review it immediately, select the option to automatically open the file after export for a faster workflow.

Conclusion

This tutorial covers a range of valuable tips and workflows for creating a Flanged Pipe Elbow in Fusion. You’ll find more detailed guidance in the step-by-step tutorial linked at the end of the video. If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out other videos on Fusion to enhance your 3D modeling skills!

Watch the Full Tutorial Video with Step-by-Step Instructions at the End.

Chapters:
00:08 Create New Component in Fusion

00:24 Start First Sketch in Fusion

00:47 How to Sketch Bolt Holes in Fusion

01:16 Extrude a Circular Sketch in Fusion

01:32 Circular Pattern with Circles in Fusion Tutorial

02:07 Sketching on Solid Body in Fusion

02:31 How to Offset a Circle in Fusion

02:41 Fusion Extrude Cut Operation Explained

02:59 Move and Copy Body Inside a Component

03:39 Create a 3D Sketch in Fusion

04:29 How to Fillet a Sketch in Fusion

04:51 Save Fusion Project Using Keyboard Shortcuts

05:04 Sweep a 3D Sketch in Fusion Tutorial

05:52 Add Brass Appearance in Fusion

06:05 Fillet Multiple Edges in Fusion

06:30 Create a 2D Drawing in Fusion Step-by-Step

08:15 Change Scale on Base View in Fusion Drawing

08:37 Set Shaded Appearance Style on Fusion Drawing