Custom Texture Patterns in Autodesk Fusion 

Learn how to create custom texture patterns on mesh bodies in Fusion using the new Texture Extrude feature.

Textures have a wide range of applications. They can enhance the grip of surfaces, improve aesthetics, incorporate logos, aid in manufacturing, and much more. With the Fusion July update, a new feature has been added which allows users to create custom texture patterns for mesh bodies. This blog will guide you through the workflow and explore the possibilities of this new feature. 

Step 1 – Custom texture patterns

The first step is to choose your model and the area you wish to add a texture to. If the area that you wish to texturize is not a mesh, then you will need to convert this geometry to a mesh. This can be done easily in Fusion using the Tesselate command in the Mesh tab of the Design workspace. 

Step 2 – Custom texture patterns

The next step is the enter the direct editing mode, which can be done by selecting Direct Edit from the Modify tab. This is required since the Texture Extrude command is a direct modelling function, and hence only available when direct editing a mesh. 

Step 3 – Custom texture patterns

Now to the exciting part – using the Texture Extrude command! Again, navigate to the Modify tab and select Texture Extrude. 

Step 4 – Custom texture patterns

You will then be prompted to select an image and an area to apply to the texture to. Note, any image can be selected and the feature will automatically convert it to a grayscale image. 

Step 5

Use the settings in the dialog to customize your texture extrusion by choosing the extrusion type, clearance from edges, blend distances and more in this new dialog. You can preview the outcome and easily generate the textured mesh model you desire. 

Great, that’s it! I hope this blog has been informative in demonstrating how to utilize the Texture Extrude command to add textures to mesh bodies. Users have already designed and manufactured some impressive parts using this tool. For example, see this cup lid below, designed and printed by Steve Cox, a 3D Technologies Consultant and Trainer. 

Make sure to look out for some exciting updates to this feature in the future!