How to create a Parametric Panel in Fusion

Parametric wooden panels add a unique, organic feel to spaces. Think of lobbies with those flowing wood designs. But how do you make them? This guide shows you. We'll use Fusion to turn simple lines into amazing wood panel art.

This guide breaks down the steps. You'll learn how to make the basic curved shape. Then, you'll see how to slice it into pieces. We'll also add helpful features for making and putting them together.

Section 1: Mastering the Organic Shape with Splines and Surfaces

Setting Up Your Workspace and Base Geometry

Start by creating a new design. Then, make a new component. Draw a rectangle in the center. A size like 8 by 6 inches is good for starting. This makes things easier to manage. But you can use any size you want. Now, extrude this rectangle. Go down about an inch. This forms your base shape.

Defining the Panel's Contours with Splines

Next, draw shapes on the front and back of your base. Create a sketch on the front face. Use the spline tool. Draw a basic curve shape. You can move the points later. Now, do the same on the back. Create a sketch on the back face. Add a few more points this time. Make it a bit different from the front. Pull one point over a bit. Then, finish the sketch.

Bridging Profiles with Surface Patching

Go to the "Surfacing" tab and use the "Patch" command. Select the top four edges of your shape. This creates a surface between those edges. Click "OK." You'll see a surface like fabric connecting the edges you selected.

Section 2: Sculpting and Refining the Surface with Replace Face

Now, we need to fill the empty space between the extrusion and the surface to create a solid shape. There's a cool tool called "Replace Face." It lets you swap one face for another. But, you might get an error. This happens if the face you want to replace it with isn't bigger than the face you are trying to change.

The "Untrim" Solution for Surface Extension

We can fix this with a simple trick. Use the "Untrim" command. This command extends the surface. It can extend it in all directions by a set amount. Try extending it by about a quarter of an inch. Click "OK." Now, your surface is slightly larger.

Implementing "Replace Face" for a Solid Body

Try the "Replace Face" command again. Select your original surface. Then, select the extended surface. See how it now fills the gap? You now have a solid body. You can turn off the surface body. You're left with a solid, smooth shape.

Section 3: Live Design Adjustments and Iterations

The best part about this method is live changes. Your design updates as you work. This is the magic of parametric design. You can tweak the shape easily.

Real-Time Sculpting with Sketch Manipulation

Turn on your original sketches. You can see the lines you originally used. Now, grab any of the spline points and drag them around. Watch the panel change shape in real-time. It’s like sculpting with clay.

Section 4: Splitting the Panel into Segments for Production

Now, let's split the solid shape into smaller pieces. This is important for making the panels. Think about 3D printing or CNC cutting.

Creating Precise Slice Lines with Extrude

Create a new sketch on the front face. Draw a rectangle and make it a specific width. A width of 0.1 inches works well. For the height, make sure it's taller than the panel.

Patterning for Multiple Splits

Now, use the "Pattern" command. Select "Pattern Features." Choose the extrude cut you just made and then pick an axis for the pattern to follow. Enter in the spacing distance you want between the panels.

Achieving the Desired Number of Segments

Enter the number of pieces you want. This splits your panel into many parts. Each part is now its own body.

Section 5: Organizing and Arranging for Manufacturing and Assembly

To arrange your pieces, they need to be components. Right-click the "Bodies" folder. Choose "Create Components from Bodies." This turns each body into a component. Your surface body might reappear. Turn it off again.

Leveraging the "Arrange" Tool

Use the "Arrange" tool. Draw a box around all your components. Select a plane to arrange them on. You can see how they fit on a sheet of plywood. This is useful for cutting them out on a laser or cnc.

The Tapered Notch Trick for Reassembly Order

Putting them back in the right order can be tricky. Here's a neat trick. Go back in time on your timeline to before you do the splitting. Create a tapered notch that will help align all the pieces back into their original location. Draw a small rectangle on the back. Remove the side constraints. Add angles, like 92 degrees. Set its position with dimensions. Extrude this notch with a small cut, like 0.1 inches deep.

Now, move to the end of your timeline. This notch acts as a guide. You can line them up by these notches. This makes reassembly much simpler.

Section 6: Advanced Organic Shapes with Lofting

Let's try making more complex, sweeping shapes. We can use the "Loft" tool for this. It works with 3D sketches.

Setting Up for Swept Lofts

Start like before. Use a base rectangle. Create your spline profiles on the sides this time. Now, create a 3D sketch for the path. Turn on "3D Sketch." Use the spline tool. Pick a starting point. Then, pick an ending point. This creates a path for the loft.

Crafting Complex Forms with Loft and Rails

Use the "Loft" command. Select your two profile sketches. Add the 3D sketch as a "rail." This guides the loft. It makes the shape flow along the path. You can add other edges as rails. This gives you more control over the form.

Patching, Stitching, and Combining Surfaces

Now, patch the open edges of your lofted shape. Use the "Patch" command for each opening. Then, "Stitch" the surfaces together. This creates a single body. If needed, combine it with other bodies. This process lets you create very unique panel designs.

Conclusion: Your Blueprint for Parametric Panel Creation

Making parametric wood panels in Fusion is fun. You can create complex organic shapes. Use smart tools like "Replace Face" and patterned extrudes. The tapered notch trick helps with assembly.

Try different spline shapes. Experiment with lofting paths. Play with the number of segments. You can make awesome wood panels for any project. Have fun creating!