How to Make a Half Circle in Fusion 360?

To create a half circle in Fusion 360, follow these step-by-step instructions that break down the process into manageable parts.

Setting Up Your Workspace

1. Open Fusion 360: Launch the application and create a new design by selecting the “File” menu and click on “New Design.”

2. Start a New Sketch: Click on the “Create Sketch” button located in the toolbar. Select the plane (XY, XZ, or YZ) where you want to draw your half circle. This will be your working surface.

Drawing the Full Circle

1. Select the Circle Tool: From the Sketch dropdown menu or the toolbar, choose the “Circle” tool. You’ll typically have options like “Center Diameter Circle” or “Center Radius Circle.” For this process, the Center Diameter Circle is preferred.

2. Draw the Circle:
   • Click on the point where you want the center of your circle to be located.
   • Drag your mouse outward to define the size of the circle and click again to place it. Alternatively, enter the desired diameter in the dialog box that appears.

Cutting the Circle in Half

1. Add a Line for Division:

   • Select the “Line” tool from the Sketch menu.
   • Draw a vertical or horizontal line through the center point of the circle. Make sure that the line extends beyond the circle’s edges, which will help when trimming.
2. Trim the Circle:
   • Find the “Trim” tool in the Sketch dropdown menu. It looks like a pair of scissors.
   • Click on the portions of the circle you wish to remove. The trim tool will eliminate any segment of the circle that intersects with your dividing line.
   • Now you have a visual representation of a half circle.

Finalizing the Sketch

1. Dimensioning (Optional): If you need specific measurements or want to ensure that your half circle is precisely aligned, use the “Dimension” tool to set distances between objects or ensure that the new line is centered correctly.

2. Finish the Sketch: Once you are satisfied with your half circle and any other details, click on “Finish Sketch” in the toolbar to save your work.

Additional Tips

• Using Constraints: Apply geometric constraints to make sure your half circle remains fixed in its location or maintains its diameter.
• Using the Fillet Tool: If you want to round off the sharp edges of your half circle, consider using the Fillet option.

FAQ Section

1. Can I adjust the size of the half circle after creating it?
Yes, you can modify the dimension of the half circle by double-clicking on the dimension you want to change or by dragging the points to resize it.

2. What if I want to create a semicircle instead of a half circle?
A semicircle is typically a specific form of a half circle, but you may want to use specialized arc or fillet tools to get a perfectly smooth appearance if needed.

3. Can I export my half circle design for use in other software?
Absolutely, once your design is complete, you can export it to various formats like .DXF, .STL, or .OBJ, depending on your needs for further processing or manufacturing.