Learn how to use Fusion Arrange
Fusion Arrange: Create Compact Cutting Layouts for Laser, Plasma and CNC
Manually positioning parts for a laser cutter can sometimes take longer than designing them. Fusion Arrange solves that problem by placing components inside a defined material area. It can help prepare layouts for laser cutting, CNC routing, woodworking, and other flat-stock jobs.
Fusion Arrange can preserve the original assembly, control part rotation and send the finished layout to the Manufacture workspace. This feature is available with paid Fusion subscriptions. Some controls, including material sorting and grain direction, require the Nesting Extension.
Use Fusion Arrange to Create Efficient Cutting Layouts
Arrange turns selected 3D components into a flat cutting layout. A wooden puzzle is a good example because moving every part with Align or Move would take many manual steps.
Open Arrange and select components
Open Modify > Arrange, then select the components you want to nest. A crossing window can select the full puzzle assembly, which produces a list of 31 components in the Arrange dialog.
The Objects tab shows every selected component. Remove unwanted parts by selecting them and clicking the X icon. Select only the pieces intended for cutting when possible. This reduces calculation time and prevents hardware or finished inserts from entering the layout.
Preserve the original assembly with Create Copies
The Create Copies option duplicates the selected components and arranges the duplicates beside the original assembly. If you disable it, Fusion moves the original components instead, leaving the assembly flattened in place.
Create Copies does not generate four or five production sets. It creates one duplicate arrangement of the selected parts. To make several complete designs, pattern the assembly first, then run Arrange on all the patterned components.
Choose the Right Solver in Fusion Arrange
The solver changes how Fusion places parts within the material boundary. Choose the setting based on the cutting method, not only on the smallest possible layout.
Pack irregular parts with 2D True Shape
2D True Shape nests parts according to their actual outlines. It places components close together, which can reduce waste when a laser or CNC cutter follows each profile.
This setting works well for irregular pieces and curved parts. It can produce a tighter layout than rectangular placement. Use it when material savings matter more than straight cutting paths.
Align parts for straight cuts with 2D Rectangular
2D Rectangular places components in straighter groups. It leaves more unused space in some cases, but it can make stock breakdown easier with a table saw, shears, or other tools that favor straight cuts.
In the wooden-box example, parts became easier to cut into sections. Choose this solver when simple material handling matters more than maximum nesting efficiency.
Know when 3D Arrange applies
Fusion also includes 3D Arrange, which supports multilayer or volumetric arrangements. It may suit powder-based 3D printing workflows. For laser cutting, CNC routing, and flat woodworking stock, focus on 2D True Shape and 2D Rectangular.
Control Rotation, Part Orientation, and Face Direction
Part orientation affects wood grain, printed patterns, grooves, dados, pockets, and finished surfaces. Fusion Arrange gives you both global and component-level controls.
Set rotation limits for the layout
All Rotations allows Fusion to use available orientations such as 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees. Limiting rotation to 180 degrees keeps parts aligned with a preferred direction while still allowing them to flip end for end.
This matters when cutting wood with a visible grain or sheet material with a directional finish.
Define direction and face orientation
Select a component and use its direction control to choose an edge that should point along the X direction. This helps align angled parts with the grain or with other parts in the design.
You can also set parts to face upward or downward. Use this for dados, grooves, pockets, engraved faces, and asymmetric surfaces. Check every part with a finished or recessed face before approving the layout.
The Allow Part in Part option lets Fusion place one component inside another opening. For example, a small part could fit inside the opening of a large letter O.
Define Material Envelopes in Fusion Arrange
The envelope sets the usable cutting area. It prevents Fusion from placing components beyond the stock you plan to use.
Arrange parts on a plane, sketch, or face
The Envelopes tab lets you choose a plane, sketch, or face. A plane works well for a rectangular sheet, while a face can define an existing surface. A sketch can describe irregular stock, such as an L-shaped scrap board.
For scrap wood, sketch the true usable outline first. Fusion can then place the selected parts inside that sketched boundary instead of assuming a full rectangle.
Set the envelope length and width to test stock sizes. In the example, a 12-by-12-inch sheet fit all 31 puzzle pieces. A 12-by-6-inch sheet left five pieces out, while 12 by 8 inches was enough.
Set spacing, edge clearance, and completeness
Frame Width controls the gap between parts and the stock edge. A 0.5-inch frame width protects parts from damaged board edges. Object Spacing controls the distance between individual components, such as the 0.125-inch spacing used for one layout or the larger 0.5-inch gap chosen for CNC cutting.
Set spacing based on kerf, tool size, hold-down needs, and how easily you can remove each part. The Allow Partial Arrange option places only the parts that fit. Disable it when every selected component must be included, or missing parts can go unnoticed.
When partial arranging was disabled for a larger box assembly, Fusion reported that 46 parts could not fit on a 12-by-12-inch sheet.
The Nesting Extension adds controls for material thickness, grain direction, quantities, and filler parts. Arrange by Material can place eighth-inch, quarter-inch, and half-inch stock on separate sheets.
Create Multiple Copies and Refine the Arrangement
Arrange works best after the model has the correct production quantity. It also lets you remove unsuitable parts and make manual changes after nesting.
Pattern the assembly before arranging
To arrange two complete designs, create a pattern of the full assembly first. Selecting both sets produced 62 components in the example. A 12-by-12-inch envelope could not hold both copies, while a 16-by-16-inch envelope did.
Turn off Auto Preview while changing several dimensions. Enter the full length and width, then click Preview once to avoid repeated lengthy calculations.
Remove non-cutting parts and adjust positions
In the Toolbox example, it included hinges, corner pieces, hasps, felt inserts, and other hardware. In the Objects tab, select these components and click the X icon to remove them from the calculation. Component names and highlighted geometry help identify each item.
Turn off Auto Preview while removing many parts, then enable it for the final layout. After approving the arrangement, expand the Arrangements folder and move or rotate individual components by hand. This helps when a tight position makes cutting, clamping, or part removal difficult.
Move the Arrangement Into Fusion Manufacture
The finished arrangement can become the model for cutting operations. This keeps the manufacturing setup focused on the flat layout rather than the original assembled design.
Select the arrangement as the setup model
Switch to the Manufacture workspace and create a setup. In the setup's Model tab, select the arrangement inside the Arrangements folder as the "Part". The setup preview should now show the flat nested parts.
Create cutting toolpaths from profiles
Change the operation type from milling to cutting when appropriate. In the Fabrication tab, choose the cutting workflow and select the laser cutter or another suitable tool.
Select the profiles you want to cut, then generate the toolpaths. Run the Preview to verify the toolpaths were generated correctly.
Conclusion
Fusion Arrange can turn a complex assembly into a practical cut layout without hours of manual positioning. Use 2D True Shape for compact nesting, or choose 2D Rectangular when straight cuts and easy stock breakdown matter more.
Preserve the original model with Create Copies, define the real material boundary, control rotation and face direction, and disable Allow Partial Arrange when every part must fit. Pattern complete assemblies before arranging when you need multiple finished sets.
Once the layout is ready, select it in the Manufacture workspace and create cutting toolpaths from the arranged profiles. Review the result before sending it to the machine, then make any final manual adjustments needed for safe, efficient fabrication.
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