How to convert files from Fusion 360
to IFC?

Fusion 360 is a 3D CAD, CAM, CAE cloud-based platform by Autodesk, which connects the development processes of a product. Solid, Surface, T-Spline and Mesh geometry are supported as well as drawing, rendering and 3D-printed output for design validation and documentation. Fusion 360 runs on Windows, Mac OS and in browsers. It is mostly used by students of manufacturing and design spheres.

It is a collaborative platform where users can access each other’s files which shortens design lifecycle. As the app can run either on PC or on the cloud, it can work both with and without internet connection. Data management is built into Fusion.

Autodesk Fusion has a single model environment in which all unique parts and assemblies can be created. It incorporates both direct and parametric control. In Fusion users can make drafts, prepare designs for 3D printing as prototypes or as final parts. Fusion 360 includes integrated Assembly modelling, Motion studies, Rendering and FEA tools to help users analyse design before making it. As document management is built into the platform, files are automatically backed up to the cloud.

IFC or Industrial Foundation Classes is a 3D file format, used in the Architecture Engineering Construction (AEC) segment. It’s supported in the major software packages like Revit and AutoCAD by Autodesk, Tekla Structures by Tekla or SmartPlant3D by Intergraph.

The main value of the IFC is accordance to the Building Information Modeling requirements. BIM is a concept of design, construction and exploitation of the buildings prescribing creation of the large volume of the digital data around architectural objects.

This data may include not only 3D geometry, but tons of information pieces like authors, milestones and deadlines, supplier information and so on. Prior to beginning of the construction, the data base is created. It will include all the information, related to the building. Once the process kicks off the project team members will populate the data base with all the aspects of the future building.