3x9 array of hex holes

[kevin2KGMQ]

Newbie alert.

I am making a small toolbox to hold an electric screwdriver and a set of 'heads/bits'. Holes need to be hex and 3mm separated between each. (X&Y). These heads/bits are 3.94mm 

I'm so new I need to know the following:

1. How to create a hex hole (7mm deep). I can do the extrude;

2. How to multiply and layout in a 3 x 9 Grid. Each being 3mm apart.

Some of the tutorials I have been watching are showing different UI's to the latest one I'm using. So I'm getting a bit lost

Regards

[etfrench]

Create sketch.

Create hexagon with the polygon tool with the center at the origin.

Draw outline of toolbox with Center Rectangle tool with the center at the origin.

Extrude the rectangle including the hexagon a negative distance.

Extrude the polygon a negative distance which is less than the previous distance.

Create a symmetrical Rectangular pattern of the extruded polygon feature.  Use the 'Spacing' option in Distance Type and set the Distance to the width of the polygon plus 3mm.

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

one more thing to add:  When patterning the feature, choose "Optimized" for the "Compute Option" setting.  The default ("Adjust") is very slow to compute, and not needed for this case

[kevin2KGMQ]

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

Well, I did say newbie alert haha.

Sorry, I'm getting confused.

I have now created a solid block and placed a hex shape and extruded it to a depth . I've managed that.

Now I'm in the Region of the software where I can't find the commands.

I need to be led by the nose to how to actually find the commands as well...

I had a problem just finding the Polygon command, sometimes it's there and others it's not.

So I totally lost about the pattern thing, NO idea what to press or what menu to follow.

Please help an old man whose marbles are slowly trickling away 🤔

I'm running the Fusion 360, an up-to-date version which is Free for non commercial use.

Regards

[davebYYPCU]

In the main window, click on Tool Ribbon, Create for a Drop Menu, 

In the Menu, halfway down, Click on Pattern for flyout Menu, 

Then select Rectangular Pattern, 

Fill in the options from top to bottom.

Features, select Timeline icon for Extrude, Symmetric, spacing and count, etc.

Might help....

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@kevin2KGMQ wrote:

I have now created a solid block and placed a hex shape and extruded it to a depth . I've managed that.

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Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply?

Can you also include a picture of a hand drawn sketch of your design intent?

[g-andresen]

Hi,

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@kevin2KGMQ  schrieb:

I have now created a solid block and placed a hex shape and extruded it to a depth . I've managed that.

Now I'm in the Region of the software where I can't find the commands.

I had a problem just finding the Polygon command, sometimes it's there and others it's not.

Polygon command is only available in active sketch mode!

 So I totally lost about the pattern thing, NO idea what to press or what menu to follow.

Finish sketch mode > CREATE > 

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Follow the Screencast

günther

[TheCADWhisperer]

@kevin2KGMQ 

Where did you go?

Did you figure this out?

[kevin2KGMQ]

Hi All,

Sorry I have had to go lay on the bed for a couple of days, couldn't make stairs to my office.

I'm back on it today (or should I say  not on my back today)

I will be back later today I hope.

[kevin2KGMQ]

OK, all is looking good,

I have created a test piece and created a 3 x 4 sweet of extruded hex's

Feeling quite chuffed haha. Thanks for all help here. I did a quick try, but seems to react differently on my drawing. Probably me!

Now to the proper drawing and see how I get on.

[kevin2KGMQ]

OK, another update.

I successfully made a 2 x 18 line of hexes with 6mm negative extrusion.

I did an .STL from it and took it over to Cura (5)  Where I sliced and diced it.

Started it printing (7hr 30M) and went away happy that I would check after a short while.

First check OK, ditto second check so left it a little longer. Came to office and found that the magnetic mat had moved and I had a fantastic base and a load of offset string. Bah &^%$ etc.

I'm going to edit the file or start a new one for practice and go again tomorrow.

Fusion 360 is a fantastic program with one exception that is. Newbies GRiN I find the help very complex and at my level of usage need some of the simpler commands for functions leading up to what I need help with and WHY .

The younger mind will take to it like the proverbial quack to splash.

Again thanks to all that responded to my request for help.  I can't really pick which answer was the one that cracked it for me, they all had bits that helped.

Regards

Kevin

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@kevin2KGMQ wrote:

Started it printing (7hr 30M)

The younger mind will take to it like the proverbial quack to splash.

---

@kevin2KGMQ 

Age 65 here.

I suspect that if your slicer doesn't have a sparse infill option you need to do that within Fusion so that you are not printing a solid mass.

Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply?

[kevin2KGMQ]

HI,

F3D file attached.

Regards

Kevin

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Prusa Slicer > PLA > Nozzle 0,4mm > Infill 20% > Print time 3h31

günther

[kevin2KGMQ]

HI,

GEEETECH A20T here same settings, but much different time.

I seem to be stuck on 20%. I wanted to drop it to 15% and see what difference it made, but it's stuck on 20 So searching for an answer at moment.

Any comment on my attempt at the tray/box I, 'designed', (I use the word loosely).😂

Regards

Kevin

[g-andresen]

Hi,

What layer height are you working with?
I used 0.2 mm. This is more than sufficient for the object. You could even go up to 0.25 mm.

günther

[etfrench]

I would have a hard time getting the tool bits out (assuming they don't stick out of the top).  What happened to the hexagons?

[kevin2KGMQ]

Hi all

again thanks for the input.

I have deliberately done some redrawing of the piece, it has been giving me practice. As well as sorting errors out.

My hexes were still hex-shaped but as they were small they looked circular. My problem was that I'd entered the wrong data in for their size.

The bits will stick out and above the top, until I print it I don't know if the bits will fall our or are accurate enough to hold in place.

Now I got a message asking to choose an answer that gave me the best answer. I'm afraid I can't choose as you all had a part in it. Along with the fact it's a learning curve for me

So I can't add and answer to that.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Your initial question referred to the arrangement of hexagonal cutouts.
For these, a decision must first be made as to whether a solution is available.
The question of how to change the object e.g by shifting surfaces for 3D printing is another matter.

günther