3D CAD Tutorial For Beginners | Fusion

Design a Precise Mechanical Part in Fusion| 3D Modeling Tutorial

In this step-by-step CAD tutorial, we're using Fusion—formerly known as Fusion 360—to create a detailed mechanical linkage from scratch. You'll see how Fusion’s powerful sketching tools, constraints, and construction geometry come together to build a fully parametric model ready for 3D printing or manufacturing.

Whether you're switching from SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor, this walkthrough will give you a fresh look at how Fusion streamlines the workflow from sketch to solid model. If you're coming from Inventor, especially, you'll find the transition intuitive—Fusion's timeline and constraint system make parametric design feel faster and more accessible.

You’ll learn:
How to sketch on the construction plane using center diameter circles
How to apply constraints for fully defined geometry
The use of tangent lines, mirrored sketches, and dimension-driven design
How to create clean, robust solid bodies using the Extrude and Join commands
How to reinforce your part
How to create technical drawings directly within Fusion's Drawing workspace

This tutorial is great for anyone learning 3D modeling or diving deeper into CAD workflows with Fusion. You’ll also see how to navigate the Drawing workspace, place base and projected views, and explore features like Auto Dimensioning—a huge time-saver for documentation.

Let me know in the comments how this workflow compares to what you're used to in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor!

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📌 Chapters in this Fusion project:
00:11 – Start Your First Sketch in Fusion (Fusion 360)
00:21 – Sketch a Center Diameter Circle in Fusion
00:53 – Add Dimensions to Control Sketch Geometry
01:08 – Understanding Fully Constrained Sketches (Black Geometry)
01:35 – Apply Constraints for Parametric 3D Modeling
01:45 – How to Use Tangent Constraints in Fusion Sketches
02:15 – Trim and Mirror Geometry in Fusion’s Sketch Environment
02:56 – Fully Define Your Fusion Sketch for Stability
03:17 – Extrude a 2D Sketch into a 3D Solid Model
03:32 – How to Show Hidden Sketches in Fusion
03:39 – Connect Sketch Profiles with Fusion’s Extrude Tool
04:03 – Model Structural Support Between Circular Features
04:13 – Select Construction Planes Hidden Behind Objects
04:24 – Project Edges from 3D Bodies to Sketch Planes
05:11 – Create a Symmetric Extrusion from a Centered Sketch
05:28 – Set Measurement Type in Fusion’s Extrude Command
05:48 – Join Bodies to Create a Single Solid Geometry
06:09 – Switch from Cut to Join Operation in Fusion
06:34 – Sketch Directly on a Solid Body Surface
06:44 – Draw and Dimension a Center Rectangle in Fusion
07:08 – Perform an Extrude Cut All the Way Through
07:36 – Create Technical Drawings from Your 3D Model
08:12 – Place a Base View in Fusion’s Drawing Workspace
08:27 – Adjust the Scale of Views in Technical Drawings
08:44 – Add Projected Views to Complete Your Drawing Layout
09:08 – Manually Add Dimensions to a Fusion Drawing
09:18 – Use Auto Dimension to Speed Up Drawing Creation

All videos here are created for fun, entertainment, and educational purposes. Please note:

Use at Your Own Risk: Any projects, tutorials, or instructions provided are meant to inspire and guide you. However, all work should be done at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damage or injury that might result from following our content.

This video is an independent production, not associated with or sponsored by Autodesk. All rights belong to their respective owners