topic Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported? in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

jsejcksn — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 09:35:55 GMT

It's pretty simple to create dimensions and constraints in sketches, but when I have imported a component body that does not contain the sketches, how do I create dimensional constraints between two edges or faces of copies of the component?

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

TrippyLighting — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 09:48:55 GMT

Please post your design and we can start explaining this based on it.

The first question I have is how you imported a body of a component without the sketches ?

To Create relationships between components you use the joints in the "Assemble" menu.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

jsejcksn — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 11:14:18 GMT

Hi @TrippyLighting—thanks for responding. I can't post the design because Fusion doesn't allow exporting of files with referenced components:

However, I have attached the component.step file. I just uploaded the component in my data panel and then inserted it into my current design. Then I created a rectangular pattern from it with 3 total, which created 2 copies of the component in my design. I want to create dimensional constraints between specific edges or faces of these components along a plane, just like in a sketch. Not a joint.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

TrippyLighting — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 13:45:04 GMT

You can export an assembly as a .f3z file from A360. You can click on the little round "i" info button of the design in the data panel and then select "open details on web" then you can share the link to the design.

When I download it it comes in as a .f3z file.

A STEP file is not going to be of much use as it is not a Fusion 360 native file format.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

burnandreturn — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 19:25:04 GMT

What would be the best file format to use to bring in a part? Say a bearing CAD file from a supplier. I have noticed when I bring in a .stp file it is difficult to modify the part and very unpredictable as to what I can and can not do feature wise.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

TrippyLighting — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 19:49:02 GMT

STEP is widely supported.

When external geometry is imported into Fusion 360 the file is in direct modeling mode by default.

You may want to go into "Create -> Find features" . Fusion can find some features, which can make modifying imported geometry much more pleasant.

In general Fusion 360'd direct modeling is pretty nice. This Autodesk University recording shows techniques to modify imported geometry per direct modeling.

Then, afterwards you can still turn on the timeline. To get back into direct modeling you can edit the base feature at the beginning of the timeline.

Now back to the original topic please 😉

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

jsejcksn — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 20:06:53 GMT

Hi @TrippyLighting.

First, I just would like to share observations regarding your last post: For me, in v2.0.2604 of Fusion 360, direct modeling is not the default mode after importing external geometry. It stays in parametric mode.

Now back to the topic: I have attached the .f3z file you requested. It contains three patterned copies of the imported component.step file that I attached previously.

I tried using Find features, but it still produced no sketches.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

TrippyLighting — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 20:16:21 GMT

If you open "Component" then you'll find that there is no timeline.

Of course the assembly you are importing that linked component into is by default in parametric mode. That can also be changed and the default can be changed in the preferences.

I am not entirely sure what "other" dimensions you want to add between the component other than the one you use when patterning the component ?

Also, in each assembly one component must be grounded.

If you don't want to be able to move the patterned instances you can apply a rigid group joint to the three components.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

jsejcksn — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 22:08:19 GMT

@TrippyLighting I explained in the initial post, but here I'll try to explain again with visual support:

Here is a sketch that has parameter-based dimensional constraints between edges along the x-axis of a plane:

What I want to do is create the same parameter-based dimensional constraints between edges (or faces) along the x-axis of a plane, but using the imported component I shared. Here are visual examples:

It would be ideal if the pattern tool supported offsets based on edges or faces, but I don't see an option for this.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

TrippyLighting — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 22:17:29 GMT

In the pattern dialogue you can change the "Distance type" from the default "Extends" to "Spacing".

That is the center-to-center distance. If you know your object size and the distance you want to keep between them, you can enter that formula not the value field.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

jsejcksn — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 08:17:14 GMT

Sure, but when I'm importing geometries, I don't always know that, and sometimes there's not an easy way to calculate it—thus my original question.

Re: How do I add dimensions between copies of components that I've imported?

jsejcksn — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 18:57:51 GMT

Still looking for help with this.