To 3D print a design created in Fusion 360, you typically need to export it into a file format compatible with 3D printing software (slicer software).
Exporting Your Fusion 360 Model for 3D Printing
The process involves using the built-in 3D Print function within Fusion 360, which can export your model directly to a common 3D printing file format like STL.
Based on the reference provided, here are the steps to export your Fusion 360 design:
Step-by-Step Export Guide
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Access the 3D Print Command:
- Navigate to the Design workspace.
- In the toolbar, locate and click on Utilities.
- From the Utilities menu, select Make.
- Finally, choose 3D Print.
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Choose Preparation Type:
- In the 3D Print dialog box that appears, set the Preparation Type to Export. This tells Fusion 360 you want to save the model to a file.
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Select the Object to Export:
- Ensure Object is active in the dialog.
- Click on the specific component or body you wish to export. You can do this directly in the canvas view or by selecting it from the Browser tree on the left side.
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Select a File Format:
- Choose the desired file Format for your 3D print. Common formats include STL (.stl), which is widely supported by most slicer software and 3D printers. Other options might be available depending on your Fusion 360 version and preferences.
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Set Unit Type (Optional):
- You can optionally select a Unit Type for the exported file. This ensures the dimensions of your model are correctly interpreted by the slicing software.
Once these steps are complete, you will typically click "OK" or "Save" in the dialog, and Fusion 360 will prompt you to specify where to save the exported file on your computer.
What Happens Next?
After exporting the file (usually an STL), you will use a separate slicer software (like Cura, Simplify3D, PrusaSlicer, etc.). This software takes the exported 3D model, allows you to set print settings (layer height, infill, supports, speed, etc.), and converts it into G-code. The G-code file is what your 3D printer reads to build the object layer by layer.
Export Formats & Uses
While the reference mentions selecting a format, the most common for desktop FDM/SLA printing is STL.
| Format | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|
| STL | Standard for FDM/SLA 3D Printing |
| 3MF | Newer format, can store more data |
| OBJ | Often used for colored models/textures |
In summary, "3D printing a Fusion file" primarily means exporting it to a compatible format using the dedicated 3D Print > Export function and then processing that file with separate slicing software.
