https://github.com/zcohen-nerd/fusion_system_blocks
Fusion 360 add-in for live system-level block diagrams—draw, link, and validate architecture directly inside Fusion with CAD/ECAD integration, rule checks, and reporting.
https://github.com/zcohen-nerd/fusion_system_blocks
autodesk autodesk-fusion cad fusion fusion360 systems-engineering
Last synced: 4 months ago
JSON representation
Fusion 360 add-in for live system-level block diagrams—draw, link, and validate architecture directly inside Fusion with CAD/ECAD integration, rule checks, and reporting.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/zcohen-nerd/fusion_system_blocks
- Owner: zcohen-nerd
- License: other
- Created: 2025-09-23T11:00:35.000Z (9 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-02-13T11:23:30.000Z (4 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-02-13T19:21:25.923Z (4 months ago)
- Topics: autodesk, autodesk-fusion, cad, fusion, fusion360, systems-engineering
- Language: Python
- Homepage:
- Size: 1.69 MB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Changelog: CHANGELOG.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
Fusion System Blocks
A block-diagram editor that lives inside Autodesk Fusion.
Plan your system architecture without leaving your CAD environment.
[](LICENSE)
[](https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion)
---
## What This Tool Does
Fusion System Blocks adds a **system block diagram palette** directly inside Fusion. You draw blocks that represent the subsystems in your product — sensors, motors, PCBs, housings, software modules — and wire them together with typed connections. The diagram saves inside your Fusion document, right next to the 3D model.
**Key capabilities:**
- Drag-and-drop blocks from electrical, mechanical, and software libraries.
- Connect blocks with typed wires (power, data, mechanical, etc.).
- Link any block to an actual Fusion component so the diagram and the CAD model stay in sync.
- Run rule checks to catch orphan blocks, interface mismatches, and power budget violations.
- Export reports: BOM, connection matrix, pin map, PDF, SVG, and more.
The System Blocks palette, ready for a new diagram.
---
## Why This Exists
Most engineering teams document their system architecture in separate tools — Visio, Draw.io, PowerPoint — that immediately fall out of sync with the CAD model. Fusion System Blocks keeps the diagram **inside the assembly file** so there is one source of truth. When you rename a component in the 3D model, the linked block updates automatically. When a newcomer opens the Fusion document, they see both the physical design and the logical architecture in one place.
---
## Current Status
> **Experimental — V0.1.1**
>
> Core diagramming, CAD linking, and export features are implemented and tested (600+ automated tests). The add-in is usable for personal and academic projects. APIs and file formats may change before v1.0.
---
## Installation
### Requirements
- **Autodesk Fusion** (latest version) on Windows 10/11 or macOS.
- No other dependencies — Fusion bundles its own Python runtime.
### Step-by-Step
1. **Download** the latest release ZIP from the [Releases page](https://github.com/zcohen-nerd/Fusion_System_Blocks/releases).
2. **Unzip** it. You will get a single folder called `Fusion_System_Blocks`.
3. **Move** that folder into your Fusion Add-Ins directory:
| OS | Path |
|---|---|
| **Windows** | `%APPDATA%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\` |
| **macOS** | `~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/ApplicationPlugins/` |
4. **Open Fusion** (or restart it if it was already running).
5. Go to **Utilities → Add-Ins** (or press Shift+S).
6. Find **Fusion System Blocks** in the list, select it, and click **Run**.
> Optionally check **Run on Startup** so it loads every time you open Fusion.
That's it — a "System Blocks" button appears in the toolbar. Click it to open the diagram palette.
---
## Usage
### What Is a System Block?
A **system block** is a rectangle (or other shape) on the diagram that represents one piece of your product — a motor controller, a chassis, a sensor module, a firmware process, etc. Each block has **ports** (connection points) and can carry metadata like status, cost, and mass.
### Creating Your First Diagram
1. Click the **System Blocks** button in the Fusion toolbar to open the palette.
2. In the ribbon, choose a block type from the **Create** group (Electrical, Mechanical, or Software).
3. The block appears on the canvas. Double-click it to rename it.
4. Add a second block the same way.
5. Select the first block and press C to enter connection mode, then click the second block. A wire appears between them.
6. Press Ctrl+S to save the diagram inside the Fusion document.
An example system diagram with blocks, connections, and hierarchy.
### Typical Workflow
```
Open Fusion document
→ Open System Blocks palette
→ Add blocks for each subsystem
→ Wire them together
→ Link blocks to CAD components (optional)
→ Run Check Rules to validate
→ Export a report (PDF, BOM, etc.)
→ Save — diagram persists inside the .f3d file
```
---
## License
Source code is available under the [Fusion System Blocks Community License](LICENSE) for personal, academic, and non-commercial use. Commercial use requires a paid license — open an issue to discuss.