Challenge 4: Fusion 3D Model & Animations

⏱️ ~3–5 hrs

From paper to parametric. Build a fully digital model and animate its mechanisms so anyone can see how your puzzle actually works.

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Why do this?

Prove feasibility — a full CAD model surfaces interferences, clearances, and assembly order before fabrication.
Tell the story — animations communicate lock/unlock sequences far better than static drawings.
Manufacture-ready — clean Fusion components translate to toolpaths, prints, and assemblies later.
Portfolio gold — a polished model + animation showcases real product-design skills.

Overview

Create a 3D Model of your puzzle box in Autodesk Fusion (Personal License) and produce Animations that demonstrate the mechanism from start to finish. Download Fusion here: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal. Align your work with the requirements.

What to Do (5 Steps)

Model in Fusion

Create all parts/components with appropriate joints and features.
Organize the Browser: name parts, use components, and group subassemblies.

Build Puzzle Mechanics

Include multiple mechanical or sequential steps that must be solved in order.
Verify clearances/tolerances so moving parts don’t collide.

Create Fusion Animations

Use the Animation workspace to show lock, unlock, and intermediate states.
Keyframe exploded views and motion to illustrate the solving sequence.

Prepare Documentation

Write a clear description of each part/component and its role.
List the exact order the puzzles are solved (sequence of operations).

Export Deliverables

Export an STL of your puzzle box or key subassemblies.
Export a video from the Animation workspace.
Save your written documentation (text or PDF).

What to Submit

A publicly shared Google folder (so anyone can view) containing:

An exported STL object file from Fusion
An exported video showcasing your Fusion animation(s)
A text document describing each part, its purpose, and the full puzzle-solving sequence

Pro Tips

Name everything. Judges should read your Browser like a table of contents.
Use joints (Revolute/Slider) to validate motion paths before animating.
Keep the animation concise (30–90s) and focus on key interactions.

Scoring (Total: 150 pts)

Design

Multiple mechanics, well-modeled parts, and structural soundness.

50 pts

Animation

Video clearly demonstrates movement and the full puzzle-solving sequence.

50 pts

Documentation

Thorough, logical explanation of parts and ordered steps.

30 pts

Presentation

Submission is complete, organized, and easy to access.

20 pts

Challenge 4: Manufacturing Mastery

Challenge 4: Fusion 3D Model & Animations

Why do this?

Overview

What to Do (5 Steps)

Model in Fusion

Build Puzzle Mechanics

Create Fusion Animations

Prepare Documentation

Export Deliverables

What to Submit

Pro Tips

Scoring (Total: 150 pts)

Create a New Submission

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ManufacturingChallenge 4: Manufacturing Mastery

Challenge 4: Manufacturing Mastery

Why do this?

Overview

What to Do (5 Steps)

Model in Fusion

Build Puzzle Mechanics

Create Fusion Animations

Prepare Documentation

Export Deliverables

What to Submit

Pro Tips

Scoring (Total: 150 pts)

Create a New Submission