Master Fusion Techniques: Design an Intricate Bowl with Sheet Metal, Surface Modeling, and Loft Tools

You'll find the full Fusion tutorial linked at the end of this blog post

How to Create a Bowl with Figures in Fusion: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a creative and technical Fusion tutorial (formerly known as Fusion 360), you've come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore out-of-the-box workflows to design a bowl using a mix of sheet metal and surface modeling techniques. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how to use tools like Loft, Split Body, and Thicken to bring your designs to life.

1. Start with the Basics: New Component and Sketch

Before diving into the design, create a new component to keep your workflow organized. Begin by sketching the bowl’s foundation on the bottom plane. Use the Trim tool to shape a section of a circle and extend it to the right. This workaround allows for creative possibilities, especially when paired with a taper angle and an offset plane for lofting.

2. Project Geometry for Precision

Reuse your base geometry with the Project command. Linked, projected lines—easily identified by their purple color—automatically update with any changes to the original sketch. This ensures your design remains adaptable as you make adjustments.

3. Use Lofted Flange in Sheet Metal

Switch to the Sheet Metal workspace and use the Lofted Flange tool. This creates the initial tapered form of your bowl. If needed, edit the Flange feature later through the Fusion timeline to switch the Forming type to Die Form for a different aesthetic.

4. Insert Licensed SVG Files

To add figures to the design, insert a licensed SVG file. Licensing work from creators allows you to merge your Fusion skills with their artistry. Scale and position the sketch roughly; you can fine-tune it later. Simplify the sketch by trimming unnecessary parts and moving the elements into position symmetrically around a projected construction line.

5. Applying Appearances

Customize the look of your design by applying appearances. Start by coloring the entire body, then add specific colors to faces for contrast. Use RGB or Hex codes to achieve a polished and cohesive style. Fusion’s flexibility lets you experiment with different workflows until you achieve your desired result.

6. Building the Bowl’s Structure

For the bowl’s top, create a fit point spline on the central construction plane above the origin. This tool offers control and flexibility, though other tools like lines or arcs will also work depending on your design goals. Extrude the spline as a symmetric surface using the Surface modeling environment, ensuring it’s larger than the bowl.

7. Split Body for Precision Cuts

The Split Body command is ideal for dividing your design with accuracy. Use the curved surface as the splitting tool and the bowl as the body to split. Though the design may not appear different immediately, a new body will be added to the project browser. Turn off visibility for other bodies to focus on the bowl.

8. Final Touches: Thicken and Chamfer

Give your infinitively thin surfaces proper thickness with the Thicken command, matching the bowl’s overall dimensions. Close gaps in the model using the Patch tool, and apply a chamfer to the bottom edge for a clean finish. Chamfering complements the bowl’s style better than a fillet in this case, but you can easily edit this decision later via the Fusion timeline.

9. Save and Review

Regularly save your progress and check your design from multiple angles to spot errors early. Use Extrude Cut with the “Extent Type” set to “All” to ensure adaptability in future changes. This habit ensures your design remains error-free and versatile.

Why This Workflow Matters

Mixing sheet metal and surface modeling techniques in Fusion opens up a world of possibilities. It’s not just about the end product but about building a mental library of workflows you can adapt to future projects. Whether it’s designing a bowl, a lamp shade, or another creative object, the skills you develop here will enhance your Fusion expertise.

Final Thoughts on this Fusion tutorial for students

This tutorial showcases how to approach design challenges creatively in Fusion. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to merge artistry with technical precision. For more tips, resources, and inspiration, subscribe to our channel and explore related tutorials. Happy 3D modeling in Autodesk Fusion!