Designing for Laser Cutting with Fusion 360 - Introductory Course

Learn how to model and design laser cutting using Fusion 360 3D modeling software.

This is the first of a 4-part series. This is the introduction. It teaches you the basics of designing for laser cutting. Each of the three sections that follow focuses on a different aspect of laser cutting design.

Summary of the information you will learn in this section:

• Fusion 360 3D modeling (skills also available for other CAD-CAM programs)

• Create your own unique laser cut designs in a 3d environment

• Convert a 3d model to a laser cut file

What you'll learn in the three other parts:

Part 2:

• model parametrically for increased workflow and efficiency (e.g. One click material thickness update

• Create a Phone Stand for Your Phone

Part 3:

• Incorporate movement in your design

• Create Living Hinges

• Render stunning images of your designs

Part 4:

• Design for Foldable Materials (e.g. Fusion's sheet metal workspace can be used to design cardboard

• Use Illustrator or Inkscape to import DXF or SVG files and use them in your design

Full description:

This course will show you how to design and build Laser Cutting models using the free software and the powerful Autodesk Fusion 360 software. The lessons are simple and practical, and I walk you through each step of designing a product.

People usually model for laser cutting with 2D softwares such as Inkscape or Illustrator. These are fine for simple designs but they don't work well if you want to create complex designs. This is where 3D modeling comes into play. I have developed methods and techniques for laser cutting using 3D modeling.

You will be able create designs that are impossible to design with 2d softwares by the end of this series. It will also make it easy to have fun designing them. I cover the basics of 3d modeling and Fusion 360, parametric product modelling, how to incorporate movement into your design, and how to render your designs.

Each lesson builds on the knowledge from the previous lessons. By the end, you will have enough experience to create your own designs for Laser Cutting 3d.

If you are interested laser cutting, this course is for you. Laser cutting is a complex process that requires careful consideration. You will also learn how to use 3D modeling to help you realize your ideas.