Creating Patterns with Holes in Fusion 360

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create multiple holes for multiple faces using a simple sketch extrusion in Fusion 360.

Each step builds on the previous one to achieve the desired result.

Note: Rectangular and circular patterns can be edited after they are created.

Create Hole

Extrude a sketch to cut a hole in the shape.

Steps

1. Go to the Create tab > Click Create Sketch.
2. Click on a side of the shape.
3. Draw a profile of your hole pattern over one side.
4. Click on an edge of the ViewCube to switch to the isometric view.
5. Right-click on the profile > Click Extrude.

6. In the Extrude window, change the Operation to “Cut”.
7. Drag the arrow on the x-axis to create a hole.

Create Pattern

Use the Rectangular Pattern tool to repeat a hole feature over a surface.

Steps

1. Go to the Solid tab > CREATE drop-down menu > Pattern drop-down menu.
2. Click Rectangular Pattern.

3. In the Rectangular Pattern window, change the Object Type to “Features”.
4. Move the mouse cursor to the inside of the whole to select it.

✨ Tip: Turn the shape over if you cannot select the feature from the front. Also, don’t forget to select the first feature you created, since it is not selected by default.

5. In the Rectangular Pattern window, next to Axes > click Select.
6. Click the x-axis on the XYZ (horizontal blue line).
7. Drag the white arrows to change the spacing and the number of holes on the surface.
8. In the Rectangular Pattern window, click OK.

Circular Pattern

Use the circular pattern with an axis to duplicate and mirror the pattern features for all sides of the shape.

Steps

1. Go to the Solid tab > Construct drop-down menu.
2. Click on “Axis Perpendicular at Point”.
3. Select a side of the cube that is perpendicular to the holes.

4. Go to the Solid tab > CREATE drop-down menu > Pattern drop-down menu.
5. Click Circular Pattern.
6. In the Circular Pattern window, change the Object Type to “Features”.
7. Next to Axis, click Select > Click the blue dashed axis.

8. Next to Distribution, change Full to Partial.
9. Next to Angle, change 180 to 90 degrees.
10. Next to Quantity, change the number to “2”.
11. Click OK.

To hide the axis line, right-click on it and then click Show/Hide (shortcut: V).

You now know how to create beautiful patterns in Fusion 360. Try different values and extruded elements to change the number and shape of the pattern.