How to Surface Model a Shoe Horn in Fusion 360 (for 3D Printing)

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Here's how to surface model a detergent bottle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH7SlpasgZuYjKM _ P.S. If you liked this video, I'd love for you to Subscribe ► bit.ly/sub-right-now _ *TIMESTAMPS* 0:00 - Surface Model a Shoe Horn in Fusion 360 1:07 - Switching to the Patch Workspace 2:22 - Creating the spline 2:52 - Dimensioning the spline 4:07 - Creating the planes along a path 5:09 - Creating the profile 9:04 - Creating the loft 10:23 - Thickening the surface body 10:44 - Adding fillets

[@jimr3633]

Another great video. I strongly recommend viewers follow along at home. Just watching is not enough, there's a lot of good stuff in these videos you miss. A few things I've learned along the way: 1) First watch through the video at 1.5 speed so you can see the entire process end to end, then each step makes more sense when later 2) Switch back to normal speed and use space bar to pause video as you follow along 3) Alt +Tab between F360 and KZbin 4) Compare all the switches and settings in the dialog boxes so that yours match Kevin's EXACTLY or you may have problems later 5) Make sure you're in the same mode - Patch or Model can also send you down the wrong path 6) Be prepared to try three or four times to get it right just like in the video. Trust me, it gets easier!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

I love this, Jim! All great suggestions to the community!! I understand that everyone learns at a different pace and has a different learning style... and I'm always trying out new teaching techniques. I'm also always open to suggestions and constructive criticism. However, some viewers don't take the time to think critically about what may be going on. It makes it particularly challenging that Fusion 360 is updated monthly and a video can quickly be "out of date," as in, the visuals are not quite the same. I have been 3D modeling for about 11 years now and have been using F360 since the early days (6 years)... viewers should remember that it takes hours and hours of practice to be able to work through everything... and I strongly believe the small roadblocks reinforce critical concepts and are a crucial step to mastering a complex piece of software, such as F360. I think you hit the nail on the head with this comment...and as always, I appreciate your continued support! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@ripper9111]

This is a terrific video! Finally, some surface modelling in Fusion 360! I would like to see more of these types of videos with surface modelling excercises at varying levels of complexity.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, ripper9111. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed this. I'll definitely be doing more surface modeling tutorials.... and potential a mini-course that has a series of videos doing a more complex object. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@kalpitkatpara4363]

Yes. I agree with him totally! Your videos are priceless and it will be great to see with your vast amount of knowledge, how complex objects we could make easily with surface modeling environment inside fusion 360.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@kalpitkatpara4363 I'll definitely be doing some more complex surface modeling videos! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@AriD2385]

Thanks!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thank you, AriD2385! I appreciate your support!

[@kalpitkatpara4363]

Amazing video! Leaned so many things from your videos. Can't thank you enough for sharing with us your precious knowledge!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Kalpit! As always, I appreciate your support - taking the time to watch and comment. Keep at it! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@enriquecourtade]

Every video you make is full of tips and new things to learn even if you are an intermediate or advanced user of Fusion. Thanks for all your time and dedication.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Enrique! I'm glad to hear you're learning lots. I appreciate your support :)

[@nachgebaut4176]

Thanks a lot, even tho this video is 4 years old it still delivers :)

[@georgettewebb]

Great Video! Love how you demonstrate all features in Fusion 360 that we can keep coming back to as a reference for our own projects to achieve the desired outcome for our models. I look forward to seeing your mini-course that you have planned.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for your continued support, Georgette. I'm happy to see you're still enjoying my tutorials. I'm still planning the mini course details...but hoping to have everything done by mid-March. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@alfredoblumenthal8666]

Great tutorial. Slow and precise.

[@ebptube]

As allways a no fuzz concise instructional video to learn a lot from. Thank you!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Eskild! :)

[@AndreCourtemanche]

Finally, I got my first Surface Model completed - I hoping to be able to design my own organic parts using the Surface Modelling - Thanks Kevin!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Andre. It's great to hear from you! I hope you've been having lots of fun with your 3D printers (and staying safe!) I have a few surface modeling playlists that you can find here - kzbin.infoplaylists

[@AriD2385]

Very clear and easy to follow. Thanks!

[@inception-hifi]

Thank you Kevin! Lots of info in a simple manner! Cool!

[@UrosGavric]

Just created the model with ease. Also it was really a fun to do so.

[@DavidBondeDanmark]

Just what I needed. Have been fighting to loft correctly in model. This did exactly what I wanted followed by thicken. Will check your other surface and loft videos.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Glad to hear that, David! I've organized all the surface modeling tutorials in Playlists, here - kzbin.infoplaylists

[@recomoto]

you're the best! Huge regards from Turkey

[@IvanCapitani]

very well explained

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Ivan! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@lukebowen2818]

Thanks for the tutorial! Just found this channel. Going to print this right away.

[@tinkertailor5191]

This was very interesting and earned my Sub, thank you and keep up the great information for using Fusion 360.

[@billkellogg1403]

Fantastic!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Bill! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@kelvink8955]

Really good video as usual from you Kevin. I'd just say that there's a lot to follow in this one and it might be good to do a quick run through what you're doing first and then in detail. Something like "Here's a run through on how I do this, and then I'll walk through it again in detail so you know what's next in each process" Great video and I can use this for sure with things I make. Re the 3D printer I use a CR10 4S with CURA as my slicer, and I have a large self built CNC too using Mach 3.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for the feedback, Kelvin! I definitely need to start "playing" around with some new styles of talking through these lessons... especially the more "advanced" workflows. I will take all these into consideration for future lessons. RE: 3D printer... that's great! Let me know if you end up printing one of these shoe horns out. How big is the bed of the CNC you built??? (I'm jealous). Cheers, Kevin :)

[@kelvink8955]

@@ProductDesignOnline A friend / colleague made it. It's pretty large 8' wide with a 4' lift and theoretically infinite length. Also has a 4th axis facility

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@kelvink8955 That's incredible! Keep me posted on any cool things you make ;)

[@christopherzepf8841]

another informative video. will use what I learned often.

[@aSw12_ttM0]

Great! This is what I need.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Dmitry! Glad you found this useful. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@박상글-s1g]

ㅋㅋㅋ When I watched this video, I also yelled like you!!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@박상글-s1g I'm glad to hear that! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@flyinlo1474]

I am trying to learn how to make custom pistol grips in Fusion 360 to then mill on my CNC machine. I can import the exact outline sketch, just have to learn how to sculp the grips to desired shape and then add custom engraving design. 2 separate grips which are identical (mirrored). Great videos!

[@umiturgutaswwsa]

nice instruction

[@vincemiccio]

Hi Kevin - this is a great intro video - I should have watched this one before the how to surface model a spoon video! The spoon video fried my brain a couple of times, but I learned a lot about project and intersect. Anyway, I am taking classes (at least I was before the shutdown) at a community makerspace, Artisan's Asylum in Sommerville MA. They have an amazing array of 3d printers and lathes and milling machines. The CNC Bridgeport is my latest training project and will require Fusion 360 modeling and tool path creation for milling. Can't wait until they re-open.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Sounds like a great space. Looking forward to seeing what you create when things re-open! :)

[@Mahdi-bb4hg]

Thanks again Kevin for the quality content as usual. This was actually quite interesting and I think it has already answered one of my big questions that I meant to ask a few days ago. Let's say I have designed a wing which has a few ribs and a single-component skin -- made using the surface modelling techniques you have demonstrated in the previous videos. Now the surface/skin of the wing should be split into smaller components, so they can be individually made out of aluminium sheets. Am I right thinking that I should use the 'Plane Tangent to Face at Point' and then start splitting up the surface into pieces that I need, so it would respect the shape and curvature of the wing surface? The edge of these skin components should line-up with some of the wing ribs and they should slightly overlap each other, so they can be riveted together to the wing rib, so it won't be a freehand drawing or some arbitrary cuts. If you have any comments regarding any of these, I would love to hear that. Also I do realise that this is not something that most viewers would need to do very often and it may not be worth of your time to make a video about it. But I would really appreciate if you can point me to the right direction. Thanks a lot!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, Mahdi M. I think you're on the right track. You don't necessarily have to use the 'Plane Tangent to Face at Point.' You can use any of the construction planes that allow you to create the geometry you're looking for. As far as the different surfaces... I think you're correct. I would try to make them all different surfaces. Then, you will probably find it best to create a component for each surface as you thicken them with the thicken command. I would then recommend coming up with some sort of numbering system so it's easier for you to understand what panel is what. One thing that you may find helpful is to create a large surface over the wing's structure. Then, you can split the face up into sections (as you mentioned)... and then you could use the "extend" tool to extend faces where you need them to overlap. The only thing you'll have to be careful of is the surfaces running into each other. You may have to rotate or reposition the faces before you extend them. You're doing great implementing some of my tutorials into your own designs. Keep it up!!! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@Mahdi-bb4hg]

@@ProductDesignOnline Perfect! Thanks a lot Kevin for your recommandations! I've recently come to known Fusion 360 and I'm absolutely in love with it and your tutorials not only helps me do the things that I need to do, but also keeps me interested to learn and discover more of Fusion 360! Thanks again for your time and I guess I’m going to keep bugging you every now and then with my questions! Cheers, Mahdi

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@Mahdi-bb4hg You're welcome!.. and don't worry... you're not "bugging me." ;) Feel free to ask questions anytime you have them... I try to respond to all questions in a timely manner. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@Mahdi-bb4hg]

@@ProductDesignOnline Cheers, thanks a lot Kevin!

[@박상글-s1g]

I am glad that many of feedbacks below are good to your tutorial!! As I followed it, I faced some troubles. In order to make the shoe horn in my style, I sweeped the sketch "symmetric" and the surface was divided into two parts... I ended up combining two surfaces into one surface.....would you please let me know how to fix that problem?? ㅡㅜ

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, 나이젤. Just to make sure I'm understanding what you're asking...could you share the link to your file? Share your public link as a reply to this comment. Here's a video explaining how to share a public link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aInVlKWai5JrgtU Then, please write a separate comment letting me know you've replied with a link because KZbin flags most links and I don't always get notified. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@TheGuerillapatriot]

Thank you!

[@bexctdeveloper2358]

Great Video.. You content is great and I have learned a lot, Thank you! Video request : If you have time, A detailed Fusion 360 model of a Rack and Pinion would be awesome.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, BexCT Developer. Great suggestion! I've added it to the list... not sure when I'll get to it because I have a never-ending list of video ideas...but this is definitely something I'd like to do. I appreciate your support and I'm glad you learned a lot. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@belenhedderich3330]

Wow fantastic Video. Can you please make some more in surfacing?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks! I appreciate your comment and will definitely try to do some more in the future.

[@drbishy_hao]

Good one... Keep doing

[@NickCent]

I was gonna say: This is a difficult thing to 3d print. It will need a certain orientation and supports. I would try placing it standing at 45 degrees and supports from base I guess. Thank you for another great tutorial man!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Nick. Glad you enjoyed this one. Yep... I guess the orientation depends on what type of printer. I was planning on printing it out with a dual extruder (commercial printer) that I have access to, in which one of the materials will be dissolvable. Let me know if you end up printing one out! I'd love to see a picture and hear which way you ended up orienting it. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@joga2491]

Thank you for all detail. Your videos are so good. They go to the point , with a lot of detail and perfect flow. How i can share back to you what i'm doing from each class ? Jose.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Jose. If you go to my website you find a link to a Discord where you can post your projects productdesignonline.com

[@raydash2898]

Great video, you should be a professor.

[@pramitmajumder3432]

Nyc! Please, make a video on bike bottle holder! ❣️

[@thefront5871]

At 1:06, I don't have a "PATCH" option nor do I have a "MODEL" option! I am brand new to Fusion360 so when the wording changes like this, I get lost and go somewhere else to find answers!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi there. The PATCH workspace was moved to one of the "contextual tabs," which are the tabs nested in the DESIGN workspace. Select the DESIGN workspace then select the SURFACE tab. Surface modeling is the technique often used with Patch tools, which is why they renamed it :)

[@ripleyr]

@@ProductDesignOnline Thank you! That was my first question too. That's one of the big problems I've discovered with Fusion 360 tutorials. Over time, they get out of sync with the latest UI changes and for us newbies, it gets very disorienting trying to find where a command disappeared to!

[@TaigiTWeseDiplomat--Formosan]

Is that mean we should draw a point before making it into a curvature? (Since it may not form a point automatically in a different case, right?) So we can use "Tangent to face at point" later on to draw a sketch directly on the curvature surface? (It bothered me to not to have an easy way to draw a sketch on a curved surface, although I'm not oftenly use it as a newbie but I'm wondering how in different ways)

[@FreeFlyerUk]

Can we change the thickness over the length of the surface?

[@nielvandeventer923]

Hi Kevin, Firstly i want to thank you for the very informative videos they are very helpful. However i have a current problem and have been searching but don't seems to find a working solution. I have sketched a design on a flat working surface (X & Y). Now i need to bend this model slightly and then mirror it to complete the design. So my problem is to create the bend of my model/sketch. Unfortunately i did not start of with a spline since i am only editing a previous model. Please advise on a working solution?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Neil. It depends on the object. What shape are you trying to create?

[@ayganotomasyon1109]

we have a uniform thickness. But If we want thicker wall in the middle?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, teknik. Great question. You would have to create a profile in the middle and then use the loft command (instead of the sweep command) where you can choose that profile. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@mohamedatef8424]

Great Video And Great introduction .. Nice teach Really ... i Did your Step and i understand them :) keep what u are doing :) i Wish u enplane how to make gear :) in Next Video :) Or something

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, P Mido. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed this tutorial. What type of gear would you like to see? Cheers, Kevin :)

[@mohamedatef8424]

@@ProductDesignOnline Yes i Really Enjoy All Tutorial .. u Give the Idea in Easy Way so every one can understand it and Follow And making it Step By Step .. Really im Watching all Your Tutorial :) i Need How can i make Gear and connect it to motor so motor can Move Atoy :) i Need to Make For My baby Toy u Know what i Men :) !

[@MikeSiegert]

Great tutorial. It always sounds like you are speaking at x0.75 speed lol I always have to switch your tutorials to x1.25 speed to make it sound normal to me xD just thought that was funny

[@chrisyoung8062]

that's going to take some serious supports if using an FDM printer.

[@victorkalbskopf]

Im not able to select the lines when creating the loft @9:12

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Victor. Double-check that you're using the orange SURFACE LOFT tool under the Surface tab and not the SOLID LOFT tool under the Solid tab. Solid lofts require closed profiles...surface lofts do not, which means you can select lines. This tutorial obviously has the old interface, so the tabs are non-existent.

[@victorkalbskopf]

@@ProductDesignOnline thanks! That worked

[@kstickak]

For what ever reason when I select the plane along path in create sketch f360 gives an orientation view with the x axis going up and down vertical.

I hit the same problem. I was able to workaround it by turning off "Auto look at sketch" in Preferences->Design, then select the construction plane and click Look At before creating the sketch. Not great but worked.

[@emanresutla]

It just so happens I needed to make a mounting plate for something in my truck that would have a similar base as a shoe horn. So I was able to follow your tutorial to get the basic design done and printed. I printed my first test and it isn't perfect so I'd like to make some edits to the shape. I cannot figure out how to get back to the sketches on the construction planes so I can modify the dimensions. I thought that was part of the purpose of designing it the way you did with the center constraints, the fillets and adding the dimensions. I'm sure I'm missing something obvious, but can someone guide me please?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Justin, after using the loft command the sketches are automatically hidden... however, they're still available in the Fusion 360 browser on the lefthand side. Toggle open the sketches folder and click on the light bulb icon to turn them back on. To edit the sketch simply right click on the sketch and select "Edit Sketch." You'll then be able to change dimensions or completely change/alter the sketch. One thing to note, if your profile changes a lot, then you may be required to re-select the profile within the loft command. To do so, simply double click on the loft command in the timeline and then reselect the profile shapes. Let me know if this helps! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@emanresutla]

@@ProductDesignOnline That worked perfectly, thanks for the quick reply! I made the edit and will print another prototype now. Assuming I get this base figured out, I have a question about my next step. I already designed the post and ball mount that I need to add to this mounting plate. It's in another F360 model that I did with a different base. I'd like to leverage that previous work, if possible, taking the post/ball mount from the other model and attach it to this base. Can you think of any of your tutorials that would be a good reference for an effort like this?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Justin. No problem! Glad you got a new one ready to test... I don't think I have any videos on inserting designs into others, yet. However, all you need to do is make sure the bodies, sketches, and relevant features of the design (post/ball mount) are nested under a component. Then, you have two options to do this. Option 1) You can right click on a component and select "copy." In your other design file simply right click on the component and select "paste new." This will paste a new component of your design that is completely independent of the original file... meaning if you alter that post/ball mount it will not affect the original file. Option 2) The other option would be to insert your post/ball mount file where it would be linked. Have your mounting plate file open. Then, click the data panel icon in the upper-lefthand corner. Search or navigate to find the post/ball mount file. Right click on the post/ball mount file (in the data panel) and select "insert into current design." This will insert the design into your mounting plate file (as long as you had that open). The key difference here is that this way of doing it will link the component to the original file. You'll notice in the Fusion 360 browser that the component will literally have a link icon. This means, if you update the original post/ball mount, the post/ball mount component in your mounting plate file will automatically be updated. If you choose this route and decide you no longer want it to be linked, you can right click on the component and select "Break Link" which will unlink the file... however, please note that you cannot re-link the file once the link has been broken. Hopefully this is clear enough to follow along with... I'll have to make a video on this soon! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@emanresutla]

@@ProductDesignOnline Thanks again Kevin. All great info. I will give one, or both, of these ideas a try once I get my mounting plate dialed in.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@emanresutla Sounds good. Let me know how it goes!

[@rovman007]

If I select the loft function, it doesn’t recognize the small line and arc, only the centerline is recognized, what do I wrong? It also looks like fusion has changed since this program

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi Loek. Check to make sure the "Chain selection" is on in the Loft dialog box.

[@dougdochstader8521]

@@ProductDesignOnline I have the same problem. and I do have "chain Selection" clicked on. Can not select the arc or line. Just able to select the centre 'rail'

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@dougdochstader8521 make sure you're using the Orange Loft command found in the "SURFACE" tab and not the blue solid model Loft command

[@dougdochstader8521]

@@ProductDesignOnline Thank you Kevin, I did find it after rebooting and some searching. P.S. thank you very much for the great videos.....

[@rooshio1]

Using the loft command, how is that you are able to select the arc and line? Isn't it looking for a closed profile? Mine is un-selectable while replicating your exact steps.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

You will have to use the surface loft command under the SURFACE tab in the tool bar. Surface modeling does not require close-profiles like solid modeling does.

[@rooshio1]

@@ProductDesignOnline I appreciate you. Great videos. Subscribed.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@rooshio1 Thanks!! :)

[@markgross4989]

How does it hold to the surface so there is no movement once it starts printing.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

A brim (or raft) is recommended. Then, best to clean up the edge after the print is complete.

[@alejandroperez5368]

Good luck 3D printing that part...lol

[@giskardxxx]

This is how I'm printing this shoe horn imgur.com/gallery/MldWyEK in PETG, with upright a brim, wide side down. Supports at the bottom, 60 degree.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks for sharing this, Paco! Looks like it's turning out well... a minute of deburring the font and it'll be ready to use. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@kikac565]

Why I don't have PATCH and SHEET METAL in the dropdown menu? Is it because I have education license?

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Hi, Živadin. I also use the education license (for these tutorials). You should have both the Patch and Sheet Metal workspaces. Are you using the new UI preview? If so, those workspaces are all tabs within the "Design Workspace." If you're not on the UI preview and they're missing from your workspace dropdown list in the upper lefthand corner, then right click and check under the workspaces flyout menu. They should appear there like this - snag.gy/KXnIwg.jpg If they're not in the right-click menu either then it sounds like a bug. Try restarting Fusion and see if they reappear. Let me know if this fixes it! Cheers, Kevin :)

[@kikac565]

@@ProductDesignOnline Thank you for reply. Yes, I'm using new UI but still can't find Patch and Sheet Metal workspaces. Here's mine print screens imgur.com/a/gAHCJVj imgur.com/a/NWGuRBt

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@kikac565 In the new UI they are tabs located just to the right of the "solid" tab that you have selected. All you need to do is select them. The Patch Workspace was also changed to be "Surface" since it's technically surface "modeling." Here's a reference image for your convenience - snag.gy/Ayoqxv.jpg I've circled the Patch/Surface workspace tools in orange and the Sheet metal tools in red. Simply click the tabs then all the corresponding tools will take over your toolbar. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@kikac565]

@@ProductDesignOnline Oh I see. New UI. Thank you very much you are great teacher, I really love your tutorials.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

@@kikac565 Thank you! I appreciate you watching my tutorials. Cheers, Kevin :)

[@TheGuerillapatriot]

I'm building race cars and vintage Porsche & VW rally products

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Sounds amazing! Do you build model cars or RC cars/how are they used? :)

[@m4theusVermeiren]

fusion360 + bambu Labs x1

[@themc69]

Great Video! I just start watching you videos this week and plan to watch them all. I have been using fusion for over a year and have learned many great tips in just a few days. I have a CR-10 3D printer. And a Flash Forge Pro also. I use Fusion to design my wood working project that I create with an X-carve. Thank you.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Thanks, Mike! I'm happy you found my videos. I had the Flash Forge Pro for many years (but gave it away when I had to move) - great printer. I'll be doing some woodworking focused tutorials in the future. I have the shaper origin and have a friend that has the X-Carve that I occasionally use. Cheers, Kevin :) ps. don't hesitate to ask questions on any of my tutorials.