How to add User Parameters in Fusion

Master Parametric Dimensions in Fusion: Create a Dynamic Box with a Lid

The full YouTube video tutorial for this project is available at the bottom of this post.

Designing products that adapt to various sizes is essential for creating versatile, market-ready solutions. Mastering parametric dimensions in Fusion allows you to quickly test product variations while maintaining proportionality. Today, we’ll walk through the process of designing a simple box with a lid and a handle—a great example to learn parametric design.

Step 1: Set Up User Parameters

Start by creating a BoxLength user parameter. This parameter will drive the other dimensions, ensuring that changes to the box size automatically adjust the entire design.

• Go to Modify > Change Parameters and click Add User Parameter.

• Name it "BoxLength" and assign a value.

• Create additional parameters, such as BoxWidth, BoxHeight, and BoxThickness, using expressions or relationships tied to BoxLength.

Naming your parameters clearly will simplify the process of inputting values and maintaining design flexibility. As you input values, observe how other dimensions update automatically, confirming the accuracy of your formulas.

Step 2: Create the Box Base

1. Draw a Center Rectangle: Use the Center Rectangle tool to create a sketch centered on the origin. This ensures symmetry and makes modifications easier.

2. Input Expressions: Enter expressions for the rectangle’s dimensions, such as BoxLength for the length and a calculated formula for the width.

3. Extrude the Rectangle: Use the Extrude command and input the BoxHeight parameter to dynamically define the box’s height.

Step 3: Make the Box Hollow

To hollow out the box:

• Apply the Shell command to the extruded body.

• Use the BoxThickness parameter to define the wall thickness.

Unlike other dimensions, BoxThickness might not be tied directly to BoxLength, allowing for independent control.

Step 4: Design the Lid

1. Sketch the Lid: Create a new Center Rectangle sketch on the top face of the box. Aligning it with the origin simplifies this step.

2. Use Parameters: Input user parameters for the lid’s dimensions to ensure proportionality.

Step 5: Add a Handle

1. Sketch the Handle: Draw the handle directly on the lid using shapes like circles or rectangles.

2. Position Centrally: Use Fusion’s alignment tools to center the handle.

3. Define Dimensions: Input user parameters for the handle’s dimensions to maintain consistency.

4. Extrude the Handle: Use the Join operation to attach the handle to the lid.

If flexibility is needed for a multi-part design, consider using separate bodies or components instead.

Step 6: Test the Parametric Design

• Open the Parameters Table and modify the BoxLength parameter.

• Watch as the entire design updates instantly, maintaining proportionality and alignment. This feature ensures precision and streamlines adjustments.

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Watch the Full Video Tutorial

Check out the full Fusion tutorial for students below for a detailed walkthrough of this project: