Intermediate Autodesk Fusion 360
Now that you have some experience with the basics of Autodesk Fusion 360, these tutorials should help you learn some more of the advanced/extremely useful tools that can be found on Auto desk. Unlike the last tutorial there is no real order to present these functions in, so feel free to go through this tutorial in whatever order you like.
Reference Dimensions
Imagine that you are making a model which is created from just two sketches. Furthermore, imagine that in these two sketches there are two features (line, circle, etc) which share a common dimension. Since these two features are in different sketches, we cannot use constraints to set them equal to each other. Despite this, there is still a way we can have the dimension be shared between the two sketches: Reference Dimensions. Reference dimensions allow you to create dimensions which depend on other dimensions in the model. Reference dimensions are not just limited to equality, it is possible to create dimensions which are functions of other dimensions in the model. To use this feature it is important to understand that every dimension in a model has a name. These names can be found by hovering the mouse over that dimension. By default, these names are d<x>, where x is an integer that counts up from 1. The only other thing we need to know to start creating reference dimensions is that they must be denoted with a ( ) in the dimension pop-up window. For example if we wish to create a reference dimension based on d1 and d2 we might type (d1+d2) or (d1*d2) or (d1/d2+d1) etc. To see this process done, watch the video below. In this video, I use reference dimensions to ensure one feature is always centered on another feature.
Circular Pattern
Another useful tool is the Circular pattern tool. This tool is accessed through the "Create" menu found on the top toolbar. Within the "Create" menu there is the "Pattern" menu. Within this menu, there is the Circular pattern tool. To use this tool you must select what it is you wish to create a pattern from a Face, body, feature, or a component. Once this is selected you choose which faces, bodies, features, or components you wish to create a circular pattern from. Next, you select what axis you wish to rotate about. Typically I choose one of the primary x, y, z axis. Finally, you select the number of faces, bodies, features, or components you want there to be in the pattern. To see the process done, watch the video below.
Rectangular Pattern
Yet another useful tool is the Rectangular pattern tool. This tool is accessed through the "Create" menu found on the top toolbar. Within the "Create" menu there is the "Pattern" menu. Within this menu, there is a Rectangular pattern tool. To use this tool you must select what it is you wish to create a pattern from a Face, body, feature, or a component. Once this is selected you choose which faces, bodies, features, or components you wish to create a rectangular pattern from. Next, you select what axis you wish to create a pattern on. Typically I choose one of the primary x, y, z axis. After you choose your directions, you need to choose the distance between successive features in the pattern. You also need to choose the number of features in one direction of the pattern. To see the process done, watch the video below.
McMaster-Carr Catalog
If you are unfamiliar with McMaster-Carr it is a very large hardware supplier. If you have a hardware need chances are you can find it at McMaster-Carr. What is even greater about McMaster-Carr is that the majority of parts in their catalog have 3d models made. These models can be downloaded and inserted into an AutoDesk Fusion 3d model. To do this start by selecting the "INSERT" pull-down menu found in the top toolbar. Within this menu there is an option "Insert McMaster-Carr Component", select this option. This will bring up the McMaster Carr catalog. Find the part you wish to have a model of and select product details. In the screen that pops up scroll to the bottom until you see a pull-down menu with various 3d model file types. Within this menu select 3-D Step and then press the save button under the menu. This will insert the part into you Autodesk Fusion 3d model. To see the process done watch the video below.