topic Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body in Fusion Support Forum

how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

bottjer — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:03:52 GMT

I inherited an stl file, which I imported as a solid object so that I could edit it. Unfortunately I cannot figure out the simple edit that I want, which is to keep all dimensions the same except for shortening the long axis (overall length) from 12 mm to ~8.7 (the holes should be 7.5 mm apart instead of 11 mm apart, center-to-center); see attached sketch. Any suggestions on how to accomplish this? link to file is https://a360.co/4e629Dg

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

jhackney1972 — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 22:15:15 GMT

The distance between the two large holes on each end was not 11.0 mm, it was 10.9 mm. Your model is attached with a distance of 7.5 mm between these holes, all other dimension are the same.

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

jhackney1972 — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:51:23 GMT

If my Forum post solved your question, please select the "Accept Solution" icon to do three things. First it allows others to find a solution to a similar question, two, it closes the Forum post and last, it acknowledges that you accept the solution given. If you need further help, please ask. If you like to read why "Accept Solutions are important, take a look at this webpage.

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

bottjer — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:02:42 GMT

Thank you so much for altering the design. Can you indicate how you did it? I have 1 or 2 other files that need a similar alteration so I would like to know how to do this revision myself. Very grateful for your help!

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

jhackney1972 — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:47:40 GMT

The process I used is outlined in the video. Please used the attached model as I changed my mind as to the location of the two cutting planes. The original ones did not allow for the scaling of the curved edge exactly.

(view in My Videos)

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

jhackney1972 — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 19:40:40 GMT

Do you have more questions or can you "Accept Solution" on my post?

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

bottjer — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:31:58 GMT

The video was incredibly helpful; since I am a beginner with AF I learned a lot and was able to modify the next component of my assembly. But I am having trouble with the final component, link is https://a360.co/3Yp3Cib.

The first issue is that I got an error message when I imported it, although the body looks fine (matches what I have as a sample. But I am having trouble deciding where to choose lines for Plane at Angle - plus when I tried the inside bottom lines, Split Body did not show up in the Modify tab (which may indicate that in fact there is something wrong with the imported file?). I have to work on other things for the rest of today, but any suggestions you have are greatly appreciated.

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

jhackney1972 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:51:12 GMT

In the model you are having issues, it is because the Body is made up of Surfaces, it is not solid. The reason is that the conversion of the Mesh was incomplete in one area, at least at this point it all I can see, so it created a surface body. You will not be able to use the process I outlined unless it is a solid body.

Also, you failed to say which way you wanted the model lengthen or shortened.

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

bottjer — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:31:20 GMT

Sorry for the confusion; apparently I do not know how to import an stl that is a surface body, & have not been able to google this. link to my initial Import is https://a360.co/3USjV6v The procedure I have been following is below.

Insert/Insert Mesh (set Unit type, click on Center, Move to Ground, then OK)
In Mesh: go to Prepare/Generate Face Groups (change to Accurate, set Boundary Tolerance, then OK)
Modify/Convert Mesh (set to Parametric, Prismatic, then OK)

I am still getting an error mssg ("Compute Failed"). Where do you specify Solid vs Surface??

I want to change the distance between the distance between the pegs from 10.9 to 7.5, so that it matches the other components.

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

jhackney1972 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:55:45 GMT

Your model is attached. Your description of what you wanted does not take into account what you want to consider about the details on the back side of the body. I did as you asked but I had to make a decision on what to preserve and what to eliminate. I chose to keep the complex feature and remove the easily recreated ones. Compare screen captures below and you will see where you failed to describe what you really wanted.

The process I used is very close to the same that I used in the other models. Step the timeline back and you will see what I did.

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

bottjer — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:15:07 GMT

Thanks so much, I think your "after modification" drawing looks good. One question is: how did you Import as a Surface? The timeline seems to indicate that you followed the same 3 steps as me, but did not get the error. What was different? Did you only click the left-hand wall? Also, what line(s) did you pick to create your "Offset Planes"? Thanks VERY much.

Re: how to modify specific dimensions in a solid body

jhackney1972 — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:19:25 GMT

There is noting I did differently than you on the Converting an STL to Solid Body, I just got lucky. The ability to convert an STL is all in wrapped up in the "quality" of the STL. By the way, there is not Conversion Switch to get a Solid or Surface, it depends on the STL. If there is any break in the STL surface, you will get a Surface otherwise you will get a solid body.

As I mentioned in the video, you need to learn how to step along the model timeline and tell how someone executed your model. This was such a simple process so no further explanation is needed.

Please remember to select the "Accept Solution" for my conversion of this one as well.

(view in My Videos)