【Fusion 360 Tutorial】Exporting STL Files: Simple Steps, Multiple Options!
Fusion 360 is an easy-to-use digital modeling and design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software, an excellent choice for complex 2D and 3D design and manufacturing or rapid prototyping. It also offers students a three-year free license. Fusion 360 is suitable for both professional modeling and personal interests. One important feature is the ability to export 3D models as STL files for slicing before 3D printing. Below are several methods for exporting 3D models as STL files in Fusion 360, which you can choose from based on whether you need to export assemblies or bodies, or multiple components, to streamline your workflow.
(1) Exporting the entire design
To export the entire design (including all bodies and assemblies), the most direct way is to click the menu on the left, right-click the topmost object name, and then select "Save As STL" from the dropdown list. A small panel will appear, where you can choose whether to send the file directly to 3D printing slicer software, such as Cura, Meshmixer, or PreForm.
(Save the entire design as an STL file. Image source: Ryan Slomkowski)
(2) Exporting a single component or body
To export a single component or body, right-click on its name and then select "Save As STL" from the dropdown menu. This will open the same panel as in "Method 1" above, but it allows you to directly export a single component. Alternatively, you can use the "3D Print" function under the "Make" option in the top toolbar to select the object you wish to export.
(Path to save component or body as STL. Image source: Ryan Slomkowski)
(3) Exporting multiple bodies as separate STL files
To export multiple bodies as separate STL files, you can achieve this by creating a group. First, select "New Group" under the "Create" tool in the toolbar. A small panel will appear. Then, select one or more bodies, making sure to switch the option to "From Bodies" and select only one body, then click "Ok".
(Path to save multiple bodies as an STL file. Image source: Ryan Slomkowski)
After creating the group, it will appear at the bottom right. Then, add each additional body to this group. Finally, right-click on the group, select "Save As STL," and choose "One File" under "Structure" in the panel.
(4) Other 3D software conversion
The different methods above offer faster conversion efficiency for complex objects. If you have any recommended methods or notice any omissions after software updates, please feel free to message us on our fan page to share the latest content with everyone. If you need conversion methods for other software, we have also compiled and continuously update them in the "How to Export STL/OBJ Files from Various 3D Software" tutorial. Feel free to keep an eye on our tutorials and latest news.Follow our fan page to stay updated: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
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