Mastering Form Modeling: Creating a Twisted Vase in Autodesk Fusion (formerly Fusion 360)
Combining surface, solid, and form modeling elevates your Fusion skills. In this guide, you'll learn how to create a twisted vase using form modeling in just a few minutes. If you want to follow along with a full video tutorial, you’ll find it linked at the bottom of this post.
Getting Started with Form Modeling
First, enter the Form modeling environment and create a cylinder centered at the origin on the horizontal construction plane. Centering your design at the origin simplifies adjustments and improves workflow efficiency.
Set the diameter to 50 mm and the height to 100 mm to match this example.
Change the visual settings to "Shaded with Hidden Edges" for better clarity.
Increase height faces and enable circular symmetry to allow for easier modifications.
Shaping the Twisted Vase
With the circular symmetry setting active, modifications apply evenly across the vase. Select multiple faces while holding Ctrl on a PC. This highlights symmetric selections in yellow, making simultaneous adjustments quick and precise.
Use Edit Form to drag and modify edges outward.
Keep the Transform mode set to Multi for flexible adjustments.
Rotate height faces 30 degrees at a time to achieve a twisting effect.
Experiment with different values for custom designs.
Converting the Surface to a Solid Model
After shaping the vase, exit the Form environment. You’ll now see a surface model. To prepare it for 3D printing:
Patch the top and bottom holes using the Repeat Patch command.
Perform a section analysis to confirm the model is still hollow.
Use the Stitch command to convert the surface into a solid body.
Final Adjustments in the Solid Environment
Back in the Solid modeling workspace, refine the design for 3D printing:
Apply a Shell command to hollow out the vase with a 3mm wall thickness.
Use a Full Round Fillet to create a parametric fillet that adjusts dynamically.
Add a small chamfer at the base if desired.
Rendering and Presentation
With the model complete, enhance the visual presentation:
Apply a glossy finish to highlight the vase’s curves.
Adjust rendering scene settings to showcase the model under optimal lighting.
Use cloud rendering for high-quality output (optional Flex Tokens available).
Share Your Thoughts!
What color do you think would look best for this 3D-printed vase? Let me know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out my Fusion tutorial on modeling a hexagon pot.
📺 Full video tutorial available below!