align components, constrained along an axis

[d_hg]

Hello -

I'm having trouble figuring out how to achieve a basic alignment of two components along single axis.

Note that the two components are both planar-joined to a panel - but on opposite sides of the panel so their planes (and sketches) are parallel.

Thank you!

[TrippyLighting]

The orthagonal view of you screencasts makes it dificult to assess what may be the cause for this problem. Could you share your design ?

My guess would be that the one part is already jio=ind to the plate with a planar joint. then you are trying to align it by selecting point on two not coplanar faces. That is not working!

[d_hg]

Thanks for the reply!

> you are trying to align it by selecting point on two not coplanar faces. That is not working!

Yes, that is exactly what I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish. I know it's impossible for the points to be coincident. However, I'd like to force them to be aligned in just one dimension - in this case the 'x' dimension. (This might be analogous to the behavior of the "horizontal" and "vertical" constraints used when sketching, except in 3D... I'm trying to align on one axis and keep the other two constrained, e.g. by joints.)

You can check out the model here: http://a360.co/1PsJP4a

I'm trying to get the panel components nicely aligned, even though some are planar joined to the front of the panel and some to the back...

[TrippyLighting · Accepted solution]

Creat another sketch on the top of the surface the part is sitting on and simply project the point of assembly to that sketch.

Then assemble the bottom ot the thingamjig to that projected point on the surface.

[d_hg]

All right - thanks for the tip. I'll give that a shot.

I was looking for something a little lighter-weight (e.g. to avoid adding new sketches to the browser), but I'm not in a position to be picky! It sounds like maybe I should be more liberal with sketch usage.

[TrippyLighting]

Yes, sketches and joint origins can be very nifty little helpers.

On the other hand I try to keep sketches as simple as possible and create geometry with features. Keeps Fusion 360 happier!