Parametric Modeling

Wanting to focus on the fundamentals of parametric design, I worked on designing a simple coffee table, and then was able to manipulate the parameters to make 3 different models.

First off, here is the Youtube tutorial that I used:

Here are the Sketchfab models to play around with for my 3 versions as well:

Original model of coffee table, with hole drilled for legs, and dovetails to join.

Coffee table version 2, now with more storage space!

Desk version, increased the length of legs and reduced the height of the table surfaces.

I started with a Youtube tutorial ran by a wood-worker who also uses Fusion 360 to quickly model his designs. He emphasized the importance of doing this, because the mistakes you make on Fusion will save you money if you make the mistakes before making cuts to wood or other materials.

Parameters of the original version.

This was a comprehensive 40 minute tutorial that took me about 4 hours to actually get through while following along on Fusion, with many many pauses and rewinds.

Finished version 1

Dovetails cut into bottom and top surfaces.

I was able to eventually get through it, and what gave me the most trouble was being able to create the dovetails connect to the form I was trying to connect it to. For some reason, I could not get the sketches to attach to the walls in which I was designing to dovetail. Eventually after enough trial and error I was able to get it to work.

Once I had the first version of the model complete, it was easy to create different variation because the parameters of the first table were able to be manipulated and transferred to new parameters of tables and desks.

Version 2 of the table is more of a desk, with longer legs and less height in the distance between the bottom plank and top.

Version 3 of the table has more space for storage below, and shorter legs.

This was an important lesson for me on Fusion 360, and I can see the importance and variability that comes with defining parameters for a model early on. This really allows for the most manipulation of the product after completion, and can be modified by anyone with the file to create different versions of the table.

I am looking forward to using programs like Adobe Dimensions to work out the rendering, add objects, texture, and put it in a realistic setting.