Fusion 360

How to Add New Material in Fusion 360?

Understanding Fusion 360 Materials

Fusion 360 is a powerful tool for CAD design and simulation, and a key aspect of using it effectively lies in the manipulation of materials. Adding new materials effectively can enhance the realism of your designs and assist in simulations. Below are the detailed steps to help you add new materials to your projects.

Steps to Add New Material in Fusion 360

Step 1: Access the Material Library

Begin by opening your project in Fusion 360. Navigate to the top toolbar, locate the ‘Modify’ menu, and click on it. From the dropdown, select ‘Physical Materials’. This will launch the material library where you can see existing materials.

Step 2: Create a New Material

Once the material library is open, you will see a variety of materials that you can choose from. To add a new material, locate the ‘Create New Material’ button, usually represented by a ‘+’ icon. Click on it to open a new material properties window where you can define your material.

Step 3: Define Material Properties

In the new material properties window, you can edit the name of your material, set its physical properties (such as density, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, etc.), and adjust the visual appearance settings. Take note to enter realistic values, as these will be critical for simulations.

Step 4: Save Your New Material

After setting up your material properties, it is important to save your newly created material. Click on the ‘Save’ button to ensure that your material is added to the library. You can then add it to your favorites for easy access in the future.

Step 5: Applying the New Material

To apply the new material to a body or component, simply select the component in your canvas or browser tree. Right-click on the component and choose ‘Assign Material’. From the material library, find your newly created material and apply it by clicking ‘OK’.

Step 6: Verify Material Application

To ensure your new material has been successfully applied, observe the component in the canvas. You can also check the material assignment by right-clicking the component again and selecting ‘Properties’. Here, you will see the correct material displayed in the properties dialog.

Understanding Locked Materials in Fusion 360

When working in a collaborative environment, you may come across materials that are locked. A locked material library prevents modifications or deletions to its contents, ensuring that standard materials remain unchanged for the entire project team. If you’re working on a project where consistency is key, be aware of these locked libraries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I edit materials once they are added?

Yes, you can edit materials after they have been added. Simply access the material library, select your material, and modify the properties as needed.

2. How can I delete a material I no longer need?

To delete a material, go to the material library, find the material in question, and right-click on it. Select ‘Delete’ from the context menu. Be cautious, as deleting materials cannot be undone.

3. Can I use external material libraries in Fusion 360?

Currently, Fusion 360 allows you to create custom material libraries, but importing external libraries directly may not be supported. However, you can manually recreate materials based on their properties from other sources.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.