Adding plated slots to a footprint in Fusion360

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Overview

The most recent versions of Fusion360 have added support for plated slots, in this How-To guide we explain how you add them to your footprint and why you need to update your legacy libraries.

Creating a footprint with plated slots

1. Click “File” → “New electronics library” or open an existing library.
2. Click “Create new footprint” and name it, or open an existing footprint.
3. Click the “Place PTH Pad” button.
4. Select the “Slot” option.
5. Specify the length of the inner slot and the annular ring, keep in mind to follow our design rules.
6. Place the pad

Updating Legacy Footprints.

Autodesk EAGLE and earlier versions of Fusion360 did not feature an option to create plated slots, thus many designers had to resort to hacky workaround with the pads and milling layer. These workarounds have always been problematic and difficult for the designer and fabricator.
Recent changes to Fusion360 have disabled the milling layer for ODB++, breaking legacy designs imported from EAGLE or created in older versions of Fusion360, meaning that the footprints have to be updated.

1. Open the library

To open the library for the part you want to change, right-click click on it in the “Place Component” tool of the schematic editor.

When updating a footprint in a personal library, no further preparations are needed. 3rd party libraries need to be unlinked from the library.io database in order to be edited. Another option is to copy the component you would like to update into a new library.

2. Disconnect symbol and footprint

We must disconnect the symbol and footprint in the device manager of the library in order to update the footprint.

3. Delete old pads

Disable all unused layers in the footprint editor, then use the select tool to mark the old pads, right click, select “Delete Group”.

4. Add plated slots

1. Click the “Place PTH Pad” button.
2. Select the “Slot” option.
3. Specify the length of the inner slot and the annular ring, keep in mind to follow our design rules.
4. Place the pad

5. Connect symbol and footprint

In order to use the updated footprint, we need to connect the footprint and symbol again.

6. Save the library

After applying the changes, save the library with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S or via the file dialog. You’re now ready to go with your updated and future proof footprint.

Export your design

Check out our guide on how to export your design as ODB++ file from Fusion360: Export ODB++ from Fusion360