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Creating a Cut List from Fusion 360: A Modern Workflow ​

Autodesk Fusion 360 has cemented its place as an indispensable tool in modern design and manufacturing, especially for woodworking, furniture design, and cabinet making. A crucial aspect of efficient project planning in these fields is the creation of accurate cut lists. Traditionally, generating these could be a meticulous, time-consuming process. However, a streamlined and highly efficient method has emerged: exporting your Fusion 360 design to the OBJ format and then importing it directly into specialized software like Cutlist Evolution.

This guide will walk you through this modern workflow, highlighting its simplicity, accuracy, and the significant benefits it brings to your project planning.

Step 1: Designing Your Project in Fusion 360 ​

The foundation of any successful project begins with a precise design. Utilize Fusion 360's robust 3D modeling capabilities to create a detailed and accurate virtual model of your woodworking project. Whether you're crafting bespoke furniture, custom cabinetry, or intricate joinery, Fusion 360 allows for unparalleled precision.

Important Note: For compatibility with Cutlist Evolution's automated cut list generation, ensure your design is composed solely of rectangular parts. While Fusion 360 supports complex geometries, this workflow is optimized for components that can be easily defined by length, width, and thickness. Break down your design into these fundamental rectangular elements to ensure a smooth transition to your cut list.

Step 2: Exporting Your Model as an OBJ File ​

Once your detailed design is complete and all individual components are finalized, the next crucial step is to export them. Fusion 360 offers a variety of export formats, and for this specific workflow, the OBJ format is ideal. OBJ files are excellent for retaining the geometric detail of your 3D models, making them perfect for transferring precise dimensions.

To export your model:

  1. Navigate to File > Export.
  2. From the "Type" dropdown menu, select OBJ Files (*.obj).
  3. Choose a location to save your file and click Export.

Ensure that all relevant rectangular components of your design are visible and selected (if prompted) during the export process to guarantee they are included in the OBJ file.

Step 3: Importing into Cutlist Evolution ​

Cutlist Evolution is a purpose-built software designed to rapidly and accurately generate cut lists from 3D model data. After exporting your design from Fusion 360, the next seamless step is to import the generated OBJ file into Cutlist Evolution.

This powerful software excels at interpreting the complex 3D data from your model and transforming it into a clear, functional, and detailed cut list. It automatically extracts dimensions, calculates quantities, and organizes information essential for material purchasing and cutting. This significantly reduces the manual effort traditionally associated with creating cut lists, drastically improving both speed and and accuracy.

For a detailed guide on the import process, refer to the official documentation: Importing from OBJ format.

Step 4: Refining and Optimizing Your Cut List ​

Once your design is imported into Cutlist Evolution, the process isn't over—it's time for refinement and optimization. Cutlist Evolution provides intuitive tools for:

  • Specifying Material Types: Assign different material types (e.g., plywood, solid wood, MDF) to each component, allowing for accurate material take-offs.
  • Adding Grain Direction: Define grain orientation for aesthetic consistency and structural integrity.
  • Making Adjustments: Easily modify dimensions, add extra parts, or remove unnecessary ones to perfectly match your project's requirements or workshop capabilities.
  • Optimizing Layouts: Leverage Cutlist Evolution's advanced optimization algorithms to minimize material waste, saving you time and money on materials.

Key Benefits of the Fusion 360 to Cutlist Evolution Workflow ​

This integrated workflow offers compelling advantages for woodworkers and manufacturers:

  1. Unmatched Simplicity and Speed: This method drastically simplifies and accelerates the cut list generation process. Even for users less familiar with complex CAD features, the OBJ export offers a straightforward path to an accurate cut list.
  2. Superior Accuracy and Detail: The OBJ format preserves the high level of precision from your Fusion 360 model, translating directly into an exceptionally accurate and comprehensive cut list, minimizing costly errors and material waste.
  3. Seamless Digital Integration: The direct compatibility between Fusion 360 and Cutlist Evolution creates a fluid, uninterrupted workflow from initial design concept to final fabrication, bridging the gap between CAD and production.
  4. Significant Reduction in Manual Input: By automating the extraction of part dimensions and quantities, this method virtually eliminates manual data entry, drastically reducing the potential for human error and freeing up valuable time for hands-on work.
  5. Enhanced Material Optimization: With Cutlist Evolution's sophisticated optimization capabilities, you can efficiently nest parts on sheets, ensuring minimal material waste and maximizing cost savings on your projects.

The integration of Autodesk Fusion 360 with Cutlist Evolution marks a pivotal advancement in the woodworking, furniture, and cabinet-making industries. This streamlined, digital-first approach not only simplifies the traditionally tedious task of creating cut lists but also profoundly enhances accuracy, efficiency, and material utilization. Embracing such technological innovations is crucial for modern craftsmen and manufacturers aiming to optimize their workflows, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge in today's dynamic market.

A YouTube video explaining the Fusion 360 import for Cutlist Evolution