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How do you sweep in Autodesk?

Published in CAD Sweep 3 mins read

To perform a sweep operation in Autodesk, specifically following the steps outlined in the provided reference for Autodesk Fusion 360, you select a 2D profile and extrude it along a defined path to create a 3D body or feature.

Here are the steps to perform a single-path sweep based on the reference:

  1. Access the Sweep Command: On the toolbar, navigate to the Solid tab, then click Create, and finally select Sweep.
  2. Configure the Sweep Type: In the Sweep dialog box that appears, go to the Feature tab and ensure the Type setting is set to Single Path.
  3. Select the Profile: In the canvas (your modeling area), click to select the Profile you want to sweep. This is typically a 2D sketch.
  4. Select the Path: Next, select the Path along which the selected profile will be swept. This is also typically a sketch curve or edge.

Once the profile and path are selected, Fusion 360 will generate the 3D geometry by moving the profile along the chosen path, creating a solid body or a cut feature.

Understanding Sweep Components

To successfully use the sweep command, you need two key elements:

  • Profile: This is the shape you want to extrude. It must be a closed 2D sketch profile. Think of it as the cross-section of the final swept object.
  • Path: This is the trajectory or curve along which the profile is moved. It can be a 2D sketch curve or a 3D edge from existing geometry. The profile is typically positioned perpendicular to the start of the path.

Sweep Command Inputs

Here's a quick overview of the main inputs required for a basic single-path sweep in Fusion 360 as referenced:

Input Description Required
Type Determines the method of sweeping (e.g., Single Path). Yes
Profile The 2D sketch or face to be swept. Yes
Path The sketch curve or edge defining the sweep trajectory. Yes

Using the sweep tool is a powerful way to create complex shapes that cannot be easily made with simple extrudes or revolves, such as pipes, springs, or handles.

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