How to Design a Best-Selling 3D Printed Vase in Fusion
The full video is available at the bottom of this blog post.
Twisted 3D-printed vases are not just visually stunning—they’re bestsellers in both online and physical shops. With the right tools and workflow in Fusion, you can create your own unique vase design that stands out from the crowd. This tutorial walks you through the process step by step, from sketching to applying color palettes, ensuring your design is both functional and market-ready. Let’s dive in!
Getting Started: The Basics of the Vase Design
Before jumping into the details, make sure your project setup is complete. In this tutorial, we’ll work with a pre-created component and a guiding rectangle sketch. Position the rectangle sketch just beside the origin for easy alignment with the center axis later.
Width vs. Height: The rectangle’s width can be arbitrary—just ensure it’s wider than the vase. The height, however, should match the vase’s intended height.
Defining the Shape: Use the Fit Point Spline tool to shape the vase. Keep it simple; three sketch points are enough to create an elegant profile. Adjust the shape by moving control points and manipulating the green bars for curvature.
Pro Tip: You can always revisit and refine your sketch after seeing the 3D shape.
Adding the Twisted Pattern
This is where your vase gets its unique look. By combining solid and surface modeling, you can create a beautiful twisted pattern that wraps around the vase seamlessly.
Offset Sketch Line: This defines the depth of your curved pattern. Adjust the offset distance based on your design preference.
Revolve Tool: Use the inner sketch as the profile and the Z-axis or rectangle’s edge as the axis. Stick to default settings for now.
Loft Tool: Create the curved surface connecting lines at the top and bottom of the vase. This is where surface modeling shines—the default settings usually work perfectly.
Thicken Tool: Once the surface is complete, use the Thicken tool to give it dimension. Set it as a new body for better control during future edits.
Refining the Design
Remove Excess Geometry: Use the profile from your offset sketch and the Revolve tool in Intersect mode. This ensures the twisted pattern fits perfectly along the vase’s curvature.
Edge Details: Use tools like Chamfer and Fillet to refine the edges. Experiment with distances and angles until you achieve the desired look. Don’t forget to try the Full Round Fillet for smooth, professional finishes.
Applying Colors and Finishes
Color plays a massive role in making your vase visually appealing. Here’s how to apply colors effectively:
Find Inspiration: Search “popular color palettes” online to discover cohesive combinations. You’ll find options with both RGB and Hex codes.
Apply Base Color: Start with a neutral base like a white matte finish. Right-click the color code, paste the RGB values, or use advanced settings to enter a Hex code.
Add Accent Colors: Duplicate and tweak the base color for the outer pattern and the inside surface of the vase top. Applying color to specific faces instead of the whole body allows for precision and variety.
Final Touch: Circular Pattern Tool
The circular pattern tool is excellent for evenly distributing designs around the vase. Select the Z-axis to ensure alignment with the center. Experiment with different quantities for the best result. And don’t forget, you can always edit this feature later through the Fusion timeline.
Why This Vase Works
A well-designed 3D-printed vase combines functionality with aesthetics. The twisted pattern, clean edges, and thoughtful color palette make it a standout piece that appeals to customers and fits seamlessly into various decor styles. Plus, the flexible workflow in Fusion ensures you can iterate quickly and refine your design based on feedback.