topic Re: How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling? in Fusion Support Forum

How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling?

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:53:51 GMT

I am designing a router table that has casters, which I have imported from McMaster Carr. I am using the parametric modeling table because I am still tweaking the dimensions prior to assembly. However, if I change a parameter, the position of the casters does not update with the rest of the model. For example, if I add 2 inches to the length of the leg, I want the caster to drop 2 inches. I have tried using a rigid joint to join the caster and leg, but that didn't work. Is there a way to fix an imported component relative to another component so that when the dimensions change, the postion of the improted component update properly?

Thanks for your help

Re: How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling?

jhackney1972 — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 21:24:35 GMT

There should be no issue with your design. You want to make sure your have the correct component grounded so everything can update correctly. Take a look at my Screencast where I have a simple assembly with a McMaster-Carr swivel caster in the end of the leg. I have a length parameter on the leg component. If you need additional help, give the forum a link to your assembly so we can take a look at your actual design.

Re: How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling?

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 23:08:45 GMT

Thank you for the quick reply. I had not grounded any components, but unfortunately this didn't seem to solve my problem. I tried grounding the bottom frame, then tried the top. Each different time I made rigid joints between each part from the grounded part to the caster (e.g Top -->Leg-->Bottom Frame--Caster). Every way I tried it, the casters stayed still while the rest of the table changed size. The components are nested together. I also tried joining individual instances of a caster, pulling the casters out of the nested component. I'm sure its something simple I'm missing. Thanks again.

Here is a link to my project: https://a360.co/2VJgIYG

Re: How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling?

jhackney1972 — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 23:46:59 GMT

What I found was that one of the legs was lacking the parameter that governed its length. Also the Rigid joint between the casters and the frame not to a member that was changing position. I removed all these joints and replaced one. I am not sure it the location is exactly correct but I just wanted to prove a point. Your ground component is just fine, the table top. I have attached my modification assembly with a different name to this post so you will not confuse it with yours. I only did one caster as I am not the designer and I want you to place them as you desire. Just select a joint origin point that changes with the table height. The one caster I changed updates with the table height. Why did you create a sub-assembly with just the casters, nothing wrong with it but...

Re: How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling?

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 23:56:24 GMT

So I got it to work but I'm not sure what went wrong. How I fixed it was deleting the casters, re-importing them one at a time, then creating the joint, and it worked as it should. The only difference in process I can remember is the way I copied the casters. The first time, I inserted one, then mirrored it twice to get 4 copies. The second time, I inserted 4 individual instances of the casters. I'm guessing the mirroring was the problem.

Either way, your advice led me down the right path. Thank you again.

Re: How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling?

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 23:57:53 GMT

I nested the components so I can easily hide them with one click while tinkering with the other parts.

Re: How do you position an imported component using parametric modeling?

jhackney1972 — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 01:05:52 GMT

Next time, group your components in a Selection Set instead of a sub-assembly. You can show, hide or isolate selection sets very easy. Please mark your forum post as "solved" if you have your answer. This is a good habit to get into when a forum question is finished. It helps others find your solution and it removes it from searches.