Fusion 360

How to Shrink Something in Fusion 360?

To effectively reduce the size of a model in Fusion 360, begin by navigating to the Design workspace. Follow these detailed steps to achieve precise scaling:

Step 1: Access the Scale Function

Navigate to the Solid tab within the Design workspace. Look for the Modify option in the toolbar. From the dropdown menu, select Scale. This action opens the scale dialog box where you can input your scaling preferences.

Step 2: Select Your Object

You will need to identify the specific body or bodies that you wish to shrink. Click on the desired objects in your workspace to select them. It is important to double-check to ensure that only the intended elements are highlighted for scaling.

Step 3: Choose a Fixed Anchor Point

Next, define a fixed point around which your scaling will occur. This anchor point acts as a reference for resizing. Click on an appropriate location within your design to set this anchor.

Step 4: Determine the Scale Factor

Within the scale dialog, you can choose between different Scale Types. Generally, you can input a scaling factor. For shrinking objects, input a scale factor less than 1 (for example, 0.5 will reduce the size of the object to half). Enter your desired value and observe how the dimension reflects this change.

Step 5: Apply the Scaling

After entering the desired scale factor, confirm your selection by clicking OK in the dialog. Your selected object(s) will now resize according to the specified scale factor.

Step 6: Review the Changes

To ensure the scaling meets your expectations, take a moment to inspect the altered object within the workspace. If further adjustments are necessary, you may repeat the process or adjust specific dimensions using the sketch tools for more precision.

Additional Techniques for Resizing

  • Changing Dimensions in Sketch Mode: If your model is based on a 2D sketch, you might adjust individual dimensions by editing the sketch. Select the dimension you wish to change, and move your cursor to set a new dimension. This method provides finer control over specific measurements.

  • Scaling Images and SVGs: For image or SVG files, the same scaling technique applies. Insert your image into a sketch, choose the scale option, and follow similar steps with anchor points to achieve the desired size.

FAQ

1. Can I scale my design non-uniformly in Fusion 360?
Yes, Fusion 360 allows for non-uniform scaling. You can select different scale factors for each axis in the scaling dialog box.

2. What happens if I scale a component too small?
If a component is scaled down excessively, it may become difficult to manipulate or modify. Ensure your workspace is zoomed in adequately for fine adjustments after resizing.

3. Is it possible to reverse the scaling effects?
Yes, you can revert to previous versions or use the Undo command immediately after scaling to return to the original size. It’s also wise to save iterations of your work to track changes easily.

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.