How to Make a Hollow Cylinder in Fusion 360?

Creating a Hollow Cylinder in Fusion 360: A Step-by-Step Guide

To create a hollow cylinder in Fusion 360, follow these detailed steps that walk you through the design process from sketching to finalizing your model.

Step 1: Open a New Design

1. Launch Fusion 360 and start a new design by selecting “File” and then “New Design” from the menu. This sets up a workspace for your project.

Step 2: Create the Base Sketch

1. Click on the “Create Sketch” button located in the toolbar.
2. Choose a plane for your sketch. The top plane (XY) is usually a good choice for a cylindrical shape.
3. Select the “Center Diameter Circle” tool from the Sketch dropdown menu.
4. Click at the origin to set the center of the circle. Drag outward to create your circle and click again to set the diameter.
5. Enter the diameter for the outer wall of the cylinder in the dimension field. For example, you might use 100 mm.

Step 3: Create the Inner Circle

1. With the same sketch active, select the “Center Diameter Circle” tool again.
2. Click at the origin and drag to create a smaller circle within the first one.
3. Input the diameter for the inner wall of the hollow cylinder, ensuring it is smaller than the outer circle. For instance, 50 mm would create a hollow structure with a wall thickness of 25 mm.
4. Use dimensions to ensure the circle sizes are accurately set.

Step 4: Finish the Sketch

1. Once both circles have been created and properly sized, click on “Finish Sketch” in the toolbar to exit the sketching mode.

Step 5: Extrude the Cylinder

1. With the sketch still selected from the timeline, click the “Create” menu and choose “Extrude.”
2. In the dialog box, select the “Profile” option and click on the area between the two circles to select it.
3. Set the extrude distance based on how long you want your cylinder to be. For instance, a height of 100 mm is typical, but adjust it to your project’s needs.
4. Make sure the “Direction” is set to “One Side” and ensure the “Operation” is set to “New Body,” then click “OK” to create your hollow cylinder.

Step 6: Inspect and Modify

1. Rotate the 3D view to inspect the hollow cylinder from different angles.
2. If adjustments are required, right-click on the cylinder body in the browser tree and choose “Edit Feature” to change dimensions or modify parameters.

Step 7: Save Your Work

1. Save your project by clicking on “File” and then “Save.”
2. Choose your desired project location and input a file name for easy reference later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I ensure the hollow cylinder has a uniform wall thickness?
To maintain a consistent wall thickness, double-check the diameter of both the outer and inner circles. The difference between the two diameters will determine the thickness. For precise adjustments, use the dimensioning tool in the sketch mode.

2. Can I modify the cylinder after creation?
Yes. You can easily modify the hollow cylinder by editing the sketch or the extrude feature. Right-click on the sketch in the timeline to adjust dimensions or right-click on the body to change the extrusion distance.

3. What materials can I assign to my hollow cylinder?
In Fusion 360, you can apply various materials to your design. Select the body in the browser, then go to the “Physical Material” panel to choose from a library of materials and drag your selection onto the cylindrical body.