At INNGAGE we strive to use working tools that meet the daily needs of an ever-changing market that demands faster development of new products.

As designers, Fusion 360, Autodesk’s software, is our first choice to develop CAD projects for 4 main reasons:

1. Always connected, with everyone

Being connected to the cloud allows access to all our projects, even at a distance. With Fusion 360 you just log in to access all your work files and documents from anywhere. The same happens when you need to share some document or validate with the client. Just generate a link, share it and have access to the project in real time. Another advantage is the collaborative capacity, in which several team members can work on different parts of the same file and co-work effortlessly, even at a distance. Solutions like these allow us to be prepared for any working scenario.

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2. Several modelling modes

Many of our projects require working on multiple modelling modes, sometimes simultaneously, and it is important to maintain a smooth transition during the development process. In Fusion 360 the different modelling modes are organised by tabs, which makes both organisation and transition between them easier.

1 – Modelling with Solids: This type of modelling is often the most used to illustrate an idea or kickstart a project. Initially we create a two dimensional drawing to which volume is added. From this combination of drawings and volumes we achieve the modelling we need;

2 – Surface based modelling: Surface based modelling is better to develop and explore shapes, especially when we want a more organic shape for the product. It’s very useful for packaging projects with shapes that can’t be obtain through a solid.

3 – Mesh modelling: It becomes useful in projects that require a millimetric accuracy. This type of tool makes the process easier because it allows modelling based on references, points and surfaces over the area that has been 3d scanned (the mesh).

4 – Modelling with Sheet Metal: Makes the process of modelling with edge flanges easier, ensuring that the angles and tolerances are created automatically and are feasible. If in mid process it becomes necessary to adjust the thickness of the sheets, it can be done in a few minutes. Another plus is that the final product can be created on the basis of the defined parameters.

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3. Tools that provide practicality

To speed up the development process of a project, we need software that provides this agile approach through specific tools. Fusion 360 offers in a very practical way these tools, such as:

1 – Component Colour Cycling: Randomly it associates colours to the components of the file. A tool that may seem basic, but in a project with many components it is a fundamental aid;

2 – Joints: Creates relationships between components so that they simulate real movements in the context of their use or assembly;

3 – Section Analysis: A tool that can create sections, allowing a more detailed analysis of the interior of parts or sets of components.

These tools allow you to anticipate the function and assembly of an equipment. This way, while modelling, we can identify flaws to save resources in the production process.

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4. Speed, without neglecting rigour

Like any professional tool, a software must ensure technical accuracy throughout the process while still being intuitive, simple and practical. In the initial phase of a project, it is necessary to explore in a quick and intuitive way forms and solutions for building up the idea. With Fusion 360 this is possible in minutes.

When the modelling requires several parts it is possible to keep them in a single file. This way we can easily understand the interactions between parts and how these interactions restrain them.

During the development phase, it is also important to have quick ways to confirm that everything we are developing is correct. In Fusion 360, we have rigorous methods at our disposal, such as “Draft analysis” which allows us to analyse the draft angles of walls. If we need to check collisions that are sometimes not perceptible, we use the “Interference”.

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And in the final phase of development, we can also create technical drawings in totally customised templates. All drawings are linked to the main file and are updated whenever it changes.

Fusion 360 is part of our everyday life in the studio and it is a great platform for professionals and students of design. A software that integrates the entire design and product development process in one place.

Features like versatility, practicality, speed and accuracy, mentioned throughout this article, make Fusion 360 our first choice platform.