Align 3d scan mesh data in Fusion 360 can be confusing, but fear not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to transform your imported chaos into perfectly aligned, ready-to-use models. Whether you’re dealing with flat objects, complex meshes, or organic shapes, we’ll cover it all. So, grab your mouse, fire up Fusion 360, and let’s get started!
Importing Your Mesh
First things first, let’s bring your 3D mesh into Fusion. Click “Insert” > “Mesh” and select your file. Supported formats include STL, OBJ, 3mf, etc. Working with Obj is my recommendation.
Remember to set the correct units during import to avoid scaling issues later.
Aligning Flat Objects
For flat objects like Boxes or PCBs, achieving perfect alignment is crucial. Here’s how:
Viewpoint:
Switch to a fixed viewpoint (e.g., isometric) for better visual control.
Move & Rotate:
Use the “Move” and “Rotate” tools to position your object parallel to the desired plane (XY, XZ, or YZ).
Visible hints:
Pay close attention to the object’s edges and faces. Ensure they appear parallel to the chosen plane in your fixed viewpoint.
Utilize the Brep Conversion feature:
For models with a triangle count under 5000, Fusion offers a magic trick: Brep conversion. This converts your mesh (STL or OBJ) into a “Brep” object with multiple faces, making it much easier to handle.
Select Mesh: Choose your mesh in the browser.
Modify > Mesh to BREP: Click this option to initiate the conversion.
Choose parametric as the type.
Align 3d scan mesh data with Ease: Now, you can utilize the “Align” tool with your Brep object, just like any other solid model in Fusion!
Aligning Organic Models:
For organic shapes with Brep features
Reference Point: Identify a key feature on your model, like a hole or slot, that will serve as your alignment reference. Using the align tool you can align the object to a desired axis.
For organic shapes with Symmetry features
Centering Symmetry:
Draw a 3D line across the opposite edges of your object. This line will serve as a reference for symmetry.
Place a point at the center of this line. You can do this by selecting the midpoint or using construction tools.
This point represents the center of your object.
Align to Origin:
Use the “Move” tool to relocate this center point to the origin (0,0,0) in the global coordinate system.
By doing this, you align your model’s center with the world’s origin.
Vertical Positioning:
Position your object vertically based on visual judgment. While precision matters, you don’t need to be overly precise at this stage.
Mirror Using Vertical Plane:
Create a vertical mirror plane (e.g., XY plane) by using the option, to create a construction plane along a path.
To do so select the 3d line and the point.
Use the T-spline tools (such as “Pull”) to fit a plane to your object. make sure the object is aligned to the mirror plane. Adjust the shape to be as close as possible to the mesh.
Mirror your object across this plane. Observe the results.
If the mirrored object appears tilted or significantly deviates from the original, make counter adjustments to bring it closer to the original.
Repeat for Horizontal Axis:
Follow a similar procedure for the horizontal axis (e.g., XZ or YZ plane).
Adjust the mirrored object until it aligns well with the original.
Remember, practice and iteration are key. Fine-tune your alignment until you achieve the desired symmetry.
Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips
Alignment Method: Choose the method that best suits your model’s features and intended use. For example, aligning to a construction plane might be better for precise positioning, while aligning to the origin might be ideal for Organic shapes and defective models.
Conclusion
By mastering the art of mesh alignment, you unlock the full potential of your 3D models in Fusion 360. Remember, Organic shapes are difficult to align and can take some time to align perfectly. Experiment with different Brep features to detect the center of your object. In case of a broken part, additional steps may be required, like finding the total length, width, and height to position accordingly.
This tutorial is part of a series of tutorials on 3d scan to mesh conversion.
We do offer 3d scan to mesh conversion services at very affordable rates. Contact us to get a quote.
