How to make a hole through a solid 3D block in Autodesk Fusion?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in Autodesk Fusion, the most common way to make a hole through a solid 3D block is to sketch a circle on a face, then use Extrude with the Operation set to Cut and the Extent set to Through All. This is fast, precise, and standard in professional workflows. Limitation: it requires a valid closed sketch profile.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your sketch is not on the correct face or plane, the cut may go in the wrong direction or miss the solid entirely. A very common failure is selecting a circle that is only construction geometry or part of an open profile, which prevents the cut from generating.

How to Make a Hole Through a Solid 3D Block in Autodesk Fusion

  • Command: Extrude

  • Shortcut: E

  • Quick Steps:

    1. In the Solid tab, create a sketch on the block face where you want the hole, then draw a circle from the Sketch > Create panel.
    2. Finish the sketch, press E for Extrude, and select the circular profile.
    3. In the Extrude dialog, set Operation = Cut and Extent Type = Through All, then confirm the direction and click OK.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Extent Type = Through All

  • Expert Setting: This option forces the cut to pass completely through the solid, even if the block thickness changes later. It is usually more reliable than a fixed Distance value for parametric models.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The circle does not form a closed profile, so Fusion cannot create a cut region.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The body or component may be inactive, suppressed, or you may be editing the wrong component context, so the cut does not affect the intended solid.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The Extrude operation is left on Join or New Body instead of Cut, or the direction is reversed away from the block.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Edit the sketch, make sure the circle is normal sketch geometry, then rerun Extrude with Operation = Cut and Through All enabled.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Extrude Cut for most straight through-holes in prismatic solids; switch to the Hole command only when you need standard drill features, counterbores, countersinks, or threaded hole definitions.

FAQ

Can I use the Hole command instead of Extrude?
Yes, and it is better for standard drilled holes with defined hole types.

How do I make the hole go through both sides automatically?
Use Through All as the extent type.

Why can’t I select the circle for the cut?
The sketch profile is likely open, set as construction, or not fully enclosed.

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