Convert to Fusion 360 format

[bobbicodes]

The current output is not optimized for human readability, nor compatible with other CAD tools. Fusion 360 offers a free licence and is widely used. We could possibly explore a way to export to a common format that could be shared across programs.

[KeithEpstein]

The simplest way that I know of to get from OpenSCAD to Fusion360 is through the STL format. But STL is only a mesh of the geometry, and removes much of the editing capability that Fusion 360 would be useful for. Here is a list of the file formats that Fusion 360 can open/import: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-import-or-open-a-file-in-Autodesk-Fusion-360.html After browsing the OpenSCAD documentation, I don't see any common formats between OpenSCAD export and Fusion 360 import besides STL.

[bobbicodes]

So in that case (and after thinking about it some more) it seems to make more sense to just port over what I've got since it's relatively simple.

I'm going to make a document describing the design from a high-level (see #2). Meanwhile, I've got Fusion360 to set up and learn!

[KeithEpstein]

Great - you'll enjoy learning Fusion 360. It's pretty straightforward and if you run into any troubles just ask and I'll try to help you through them. If you want, you can add me as a collaborator on your project in Fusion 360. Most likely you'll be doing many extrudes and revolves. Draw a 2D shape then either extrude it or revolve it into a 3D feature or cut. Just like with programming, the more you can think about what kinds of changes you'll likely make in the future, the easier it will be to make those changes. You can connect dimensions to each other with equations, so many parts of the design will change when you change one number. But the simpler you keep things, the better - don't try to get too complicated right away or you'll cause more problems than you'll solve. Clear is better than concise.