Fusion 360, developed by Autodesk, is an indispensable tool in the world of design and manufacturing, particularly for woodworking and cabinet making. One of its most practical uses is in the creation of cut lists, which are essential for efficient project planning. Recently, a simplified method has emerged for generating these cut lists, involving exporting the design to the OBJ format and then importing it into a specialized tool called Cutlist Evolution. Let’s explore this streamlined process and its benefits.
The initial step remains unchanged: design your woodworking project in Fusion 360. With its advanced 3D modeling capabilities, you can create a detailed and accurate virtual model of your intended build, whether it’s furniture, cabinetry, or any other woodworking project. At this point, only rectangular parts are compatible with Cutlist Evolution, so ensure that your design is broken down into rectangular components.
Once your design is complete and you have broken it down into its individual components, the next step involves exporting these components. Fusion 360 allows users to export models in various formats, including the OBJ format. This format is particularly useful for this purpose as it retains the detailed geometry of your design.
To export your model, simply choose the OBJ format in the export options and save the file. Ensure that all relevant components are included in this export.
Cutlist Evolution is a specialized tool designed to generate cut lists efficiently. After exporting your design from Fusion 360, the next step is to import the OBJ file into Cutlist Evolution. This software is adept at processing the imported data and converting it into a functional and detailed cut list.
The beauty of Cutlist Evolution lies in its ability to interpret the 3D model data and organize it into a coherent cut list, complete with dimensions, quantities, and other relevant information. This process greatly reduces the manual effort required in creating a cut list and improves accuracy.
Read the import guide here: Importing from OBJ format.
Once imported into Cutlist Evolution, you can further refine your cut list. Cutlist Evolution allows for adjustments and customizations, enabling you to specify material types, and make necessary modifications to suit your specific needs or workshop capabilities.
Simplicity and Speed: This method simplifies the process of generating a cut list, making it faster and more accessible, especially for those who may not be as proficient with the more complex features of Fusion 360.
Accuracy and Detail: The OBJ format maintains the high level of detail from your Fusion 360 model, ensuring that the cut list is accurate and comprehensive.
Seamless Integration: The compatibility between Fusion 360 and Cutlist Evolution streamlines the workflow from design to fabrication.
Reduced Manual Input: By automating the cut list generation process, this method minimizes the potential for human error and the time spent on manual data entry.
The integration of Fusion 360 with Cutlist Evolution represents a significant advancement in the woodworking and cabinet-making industry. This streamlined approach not only simplifies the creation of cut lists but also enhances accuracy and efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, embracing these innovations is key for craftsmen and manufacturers looking to optimize their workflows and stay competitive in a dynamic industry.
A YouTube video explaining the Fusion 360 import for Cutlist Evolution