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04_projects:05_dome [2025/11/18 16:32] – [5.1. Using Scripts and Add-Ins] jattie04_projects:05_dome [2025/11/21 17:59] (current) – [Creating a Parametric Geodesic Dome in Fusion 360] jattie
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 ====== Creating a Parametric Geodesic Dome in Fusion 360 ====== ====== Creating a Parametric Geodesic Dome in Fusion 360 ======
  
-I tried to locate a simple and clear method to created a 3D dome morel in fusion 360 without realising how complicated the topic can seem if not understood from basic concepts. This document captures my discovery and with the constantly evolving internet where things lately seems to disappear, I document them here more so for my own reference, but with the hope that it can be useful for my fellow tinkerers too. +<WRAP center round important 60%> 
 +This page is still a mess and an untested unvalidated data dump.  
 +</WRAP> 
 + 
 + 
 +I tried to locate a simple and clear method to created a 3D dome morel in fusion 360 without realising how complicated the topic can seem if not understood from basic concepts. This document captures my discovery and with the constantly evolving internet where things lately seems to disappear, I document them here more so for my own reference, but with the hope that it can be useful for my fellow tinkerers too. ((https://www.youtube.com/@KristianLaholm)) ((https://mathcircle.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/BMC6/ps0405/geodesic.pdf))
  
  
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-A geodesic dome is typically derived from an icosahedron—a polyhedron with 20 equilateral triangular faces. The process of creating a dome involves subdividing each triangular face into smaller triangles (increasing the "frequency") and projecting the new vertices onto a circumscribed sphere. The frequency (notated as 2V, 3V, etc.) determines the number of subdivisions per edge and thus the smoothness and complexity of the dome.+A geodesic dome is typically derived from an [[wp>icosahedron]] —a [[wp>polyhedron]] with 20 equilateral triangular faces. The process of creating a dome involves subdividing each triangular face into smaller triangles (increasing the "frequency") and projecting the new vertices onto a [[wp>circumscribed]] sphere. The frequency (notated as 2V, 3V, etc.) determines the number of subdivisions per edge and thus the smoothness and complexity of the dome.
  
-- **2V Dome**: Each edge of the icosahedron is divided into two segments, resulting in a relatively simple structure. +  * **2V Dome**: Each edge of the icosahedron is divided into two segments, resulting in a relatively simple structure. 
-- **3V Dome**: Each edge is divided into three segments, producing a denser, more spherical dome. +  * **3V Dome**: Each edge is divided into three segments, producing a denser, more spherical dome. 
-- **Higher Frequencies**: 4V, 5V, and beyond yield even smoother domes but increase modeling and fabrication complexity.+  * **Higher Frequencies**: 4V, 5V, and beyond yield even smoother domes but increase modelling and fabrication complexity.
  
 The choice of frequency impacts not only the appearance but also the number of unique strut lengths and the ease of assembly. For most Fusion 360 users, 2V and 3V domes strike a practical balance between buildability and aesthetics. The choice of frequency impacts not only the appearance but also the number of unique strut lengths and the ease of assembly. For most Fusion 360 users, 2V and 3V domes strike a practical balance between buildability and aesthetics.
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 **Key Terms:** **Key Terms:**
-- **Chord Length**: The straight-line distance between two vertices on the sphere. +  * **Chord Length**: The straight-line distance between two vertices on the sphere. 
-- **Dihedral Angle**: The angle between two adjacent triangular faces, critical for connector design. +  * **Dihedral Angle**: The angle between two adjacent triangular faces, critical for connector design. 
-- **Strut Types**: Different lengths of connecting members, determined by the frequency and subdivision method.+  * **Strut Types**: Different lengths of connecting members, determined by the frequency and subdivision method.
  
 Understanding these concepts is essential for maintaining parametric control and ensuring the model's accuracy. Understanding these concepts is essential for maintaining parametric control and ensuring the model's accuracy.
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 Before modeling, it's crucial to select a workflow that matches your goals for parametric control, efficiency, and downstream use (e.g., fabrication, visualization). The table below compares the main approaches: Before modeling, it's crucial to select a workflow that matches your goals for parametric control, efficiency, and downstream use (e.g., fabrication, visualization). The table below compares the main approaches:
  
-| Method                        | Parametric Control | Efficiency | Editable Geometry | Community Support | Complexity | Best For                         | +^ Method                        ^ Parametric Control ^ Efficiency ^ Editable Geometry ^ Community Support ^ Complexity ^ Best For                         ^
-|-------------------------------|--------------------|------------|-------------------|-------------------|-----------|----------------------------------|+
 | Native Fusion 360 Tools       | High               | Moderate   | High              | Extensive         | Moderate  | Custom, fully parametric domes   | | Native Fusion 360 Tools       | High               | Moderate   | High              | Extensive         | Moderate  | Custom, fully parametric domes   |
 | Community Scripts/Add-Ins     | Variable           | High       | Variable          | Moderate          | Low-High  | Quick geometry, less parametric  | | Community Scripts/Add-Ins     | Variable           | High       | Variable          | Moderate          | Low-High  | Quick geometry, less parametric  |
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-Before modeling, determine the strut lengths and angles for your chosen dome frequency and diameter. Trusted online calculators, such as those from Zip Tie Domes, provide detailed breakdowns for 2V, 3V, and higher-frequency domes, including strut lengths, panel dimensions, and connector angles.+Before modelling, determine the strut lengths and angles for your chosen dome frequency and diameter. Trusted online calculators, such as those from Zip Tie Domes, provide detailed breakdowns for 2V, 3V, and higher-frequency domes, including strut lengths, panel dimensions, and connector angles.
  
-- **Zip Tie Domes Calculators**: [2V Calculator](https://www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/2v-geodesic-dome-calculator.htm), [3V Calculator](https://www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/3v-3-8-geodesic-dome-calculator.htm), [Calculator Index](https://www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/geodesic-dome-calculator-index.htm) +  - **Zip Tie Domes Calculators**: [[https://www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/2v-geodesic-dome-calculator.htm|2V Calculator]], [[https://www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/3v-3-8-geodesic-dome-calculator.htm|3V Calculator]], [[https://www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/geodesic-dome-calculator-index.htm|Calculator Index]] 
-- **SimplyDifferently.org**: Offers mathematical notes and calculators for various dome types. +  - **SimplyDifferently.org**: Offers mathematical notes and calculators for various dome types. 
-- **DomeCalc (Python Script)**: For advanced users, [DomeCalc](https://github.com/d3v-null/DomeCalc) computes optimal strut lengths and material usage.+  - **DomeCalc (Python Script)**: For advanced users, [[https://github.com/d3v-null/DomeCalc|DomeCalc]] computes optimal strut lengths and material usage.
  
-**Tip:** Record the strut lengths and angles for reference during modeling. For parametric workflows, plan to input these as user parameters in Fusion 360.+**Tip:** Record the strut lengths and angles for reference during modelling. For parametric workflows, plan to input these as user parameters in Fusion 360.
  
 ====  3.2. Downloadable Fusion 360 Files and Templates ==== ====  3.2. Downloadable Fusion 360 Files and Templates ====
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 Several Autodesk Community threads and YouTube tutorials share .f3d files for 2V and 3V domes. These can be used as starting points or for study: Several Autodesk Community threads and YouTube tutorials share .f3d files for 2V and 3V domes. These can be used as starting points or for study:
  
-- [Autodesk Forum: Geodesic Dome 2V/3V](https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-design-validate-document/geodesic-dome-2v-3v/td-p/8484392) (includes .f3d attachments) +  * [[https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-design-validate-document/geodesic-dome-2v-3v/td-p/8484392|Autodesk Forum: Geodesic Dome 2V/3V]] (includes .f3d attachments) 
-- [YouTube: 2V Icosahedron Dome](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0rqha3XeWY) +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0rqha3XeWY|YouTube: 2V Icosahedron Dome]] 
-- [YouTube: 3V Geosphere Workflow](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7kMyu1y6pE)+  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7kMyu1y6pE|YouTube: 3V Geosphere Workflow]]
  
 **Note:** While templates are convenient, they may not be fully parametric or editable. Always check the timeline and parameters before adapting them for your project. **Note:** While templates are convenient, they may not be fully parametric or editable. Always check the timeline and parameters before adapting them for your project.
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 **Step 10: Model Triangular Panels (Optional)** **Step 10: Model Triangular Panels (Optional)**
  
-- For a panelized dome, create a new component for each unique triangle type. +  - For a panelized dome, create a new component for each unique triangle type. 
-- Use the construction geometry to define the panel's shape, then "Extrude" to the desired thickness. +  - Use the construction geometry to define the panel's shape, then "Extrude" to the desired thickness. 
-- Use the "Thicken" tool for surface-based panels.+  - Use the "Thicken" tool for surface-based panels.
  
 **Step 11: Design Connectors or Hubs** **Step 11: Design Connectors or Hubs**
  
-- If using hubs, model them as separate components with holes or slots for struts. +  - If using hubs, model them as separate components with holes or slots for struts. 
-- Use parameters to control hub size and hole spacing. +  - Use parameters to control hub size and hole spacing. 
-- For direct strut-to-strut connections, ensure the ends are cut at the correct dihedral angles (use the "Cut" or "Combine" tools).+  - For direct strut-to-strut connections, ensure the ends are cut at the correct dihedral angles (use the "Cut" or "Combine" tools).
  
 **Step 12: Add Doors, Windows, and Reinforcements** **Step 12: Add Doors, Windows, and Reinforcements**
  
-- Identify triangles or panels to be replaced with doors or windows. +  - Identify triangles or panels to be replaced with doors or windows. 
-- Create new components for these features, referencing the existing geometry for alignment.+  - Create new components for these features, referencing the existing geometry for alignment.
  
 **Step 13: Maintain Parametric Control** **Step 13: Maintain Parametric Control**
  
-- Throughout the process, reference user parameters for all critical dimensions. +  - Throughout the process, reference user parameters for all critical dimensions. 
-- Use named parameters for strut lengths, dome diameter, panel thickness, etc. +  - Use named parameters for strut lengths, dome diameter, panel thickness, etc. 
-- Test the model by changing the dome diameter and verifying that all geometry updates correctly.+  - Test the model by changing the dome diameter and verifying that all geometry updates correctly.
  
  
04_projects/05_dome.1763483529.txt.gz · Last modified: by jattie