SideWinder - Parametric Spline Generator Add-In for Fusion 360

Create true 3D parametric curves by composing independent X(t), Y(t), and Z(t) functions.

Overview

AxisSpline lets you build complex 3D curves by defining each axis independently:

• X(t), Y(t): From a 2D sketch spline
• Z(t): From a secondary spline or manual values

No more dragging spline points in Z. Define your curves mathematically and let AxisSpline compose them into smooth 3D geometry.

Features

• Two Input Modes for Z:

  • Z-Spline: Use a sketch curve as a 3D path - the XY shape follows this path as a rail
  • Z-Table: Enter comma-separated values for manual control

• 3D Sweep Behavior: The Z-path defines both height (Z) and lateral offset (X), creating true parametric 3D curves

• Adjustable Sample Count: Control curve smoothness (4-500 points)

• Axis Inversion: Flip X, Y, or Z independently with checkboxes

• Construction Geometry Option: Create as construction lines for reference

• Parameter Synchronization: Both inputs share a common parameter t for precise composition

Installation

Quick Install (Not Yet Fully Validated on MacOS - Use Manual Install if unsuccessful)

Windows:

1. Download and extract the SideWinder package
2. Double-click install-windows.bat
3. Follow the on-screen instructions

macOS:

1. Download and extract the SideWinder package
2. Double-click install-macos.command
3. If prompted about security, right-click and select "Open"
4. Follow the on-screen instructions

Cross-Platform Install (Python)

If you have Python 3 installed:

python install.py

Options:

• python install.py --remove - Uninstall the add-in
• python install.py --force - Install without prompts
• python install.py --info - Show installation directory

Manual Installation (Verified on Windows 11)

Copy the AxisSpline folder to your Fusion 360 Add-Ins directory:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\Autodesk\Autodesk Fusion 360\API\AddIns\
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/Autodesk Fusion 360/API/AddIns/

Activation

1. Open Fusion 360
2. Go to Utilities > Add-Ins > Scripts and Add-Ins
3. In the Add-Ins tab, find AxisSpline
4. Click Run to start the add-in
5. Check Run on Startup to auto-load on future sessions

Usage

Basic Workflow

1. Create your XY profile: Draw a spline in a sketch (this defines X(t) and Y(t))

2. Create your Z profile (choose one):

   • Z-Spline: Draw a curve that defines the 3D path your XY shape will follow
   • Z-Table: Prepare comma-separated Z values

   IMPORTANT: When using Z-Spline mode, create your Z-path sketch on the Front plane (XZ plane). In this sketch:

   • Horizontal movement (X-axis) = lateral offset of the XY shape
   • Vertical movement (Z-axis) = height of the resulting curve

   The tool uses world coordinates, so only the Front plane orientation produces correct results.

3. Run the tool: Find "Parametric Spline Tool" in the Solid > Create panel

4. Configure:

   • Select your XY curve(s) - multiple curves will be chained
   • Choose Z definition mode
   • Select Z curve(s) or enter Z values
   • Adjust sample count as needed
   • Use Invert checkboxes to flip axes if needed

5. Click OK to create the 3D curve

Example Use Cases

• Helical Paths: Circle (XY) + diagonal line going up (Z on Front plane) = helix
• Helix with Lateral Shift: Circle (XY) + path that goes up then right (Z) = helix that rises then moves sideways
• Wave Along a Path: Straight line (XY) + sinusoidal curve (Z) = wavy 3D curve
• Complex Toolpaths: Artistic XY profile + controlled Z engagement path
• Architectural Curves: Organic XY shapes + structural Z profiles

Tips

• Curve Chaining: Select multiple curves for XY or Z paths - they're automatically ordered by endpoint proximity
• Sample Count: Start with 50. Increase for smoother curves, decrease for faster generation
• Invert Checkboxes: Use these to mirror your curve without redrawing
• Z-Path Orientation: Always use Front plane for Z-path sketches to ensure correct world coordinate mapping

Uninstallation

Windows: Double-click uninstall-windows.bat

macOS: Double-click uninstall-macos.command

Python: python install.py --remove

Manual: Delete the AxisSpline folder from your Add-Ins directory

Requirements

• Autodesk Fusion 360 (latest version recommended)
• Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.14+

Support

For issues and feature requests, please visit the GitHub repository.

License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

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Built with the Fusion 360 API