Assembly constraints

[colinNPU8N]

I am so confused right now, I have a simple static assembly, I want to constrain the distance between the two uprights at 34mm. How? It isn't a JOINT, I just want them at a fixed distance apart, quite simple really. It's odd, I have thousands of hours of CAD experience, but Fusion confuses the hell out of me.

I don't want a joint, I don't want anything to move, it will be welded with a jig so don't want locating faces etc. Just want a simple dimension between the two inner faces and then a distance between the outers of one side.

[davebYYPCU]

A sketch with two lines 34mm apart, move the uprights to align to the lines, with move tool, or align tool in the model menus.

However, looks like a done deal from here with next to no information to say otherwise.

[colinNPU8N]

Thank you. This seems quite counter intuitive, but at least it sorts my issue out for now. It will be laser cut parts, and normally would draw locating surfaces/lugs, but there are times when we can change the width +-1mm depending on the application of the part at the shop floor. (Hence the lack of it being drawn in)

[Anonymous]

Seems like every day someone makes a post saying basically "I want these parts to be positioned here, but I don't want to use joints".  Why?  What, exactly, is your objection to using joints?  They exist entirely to define and constrain the position and degrees of freedom of components, so why not use them?  It is simple, and allows precise positioning, and precise control over how and where motion, if any, is allowed.  Trying to position components without using constraints tells me you simply don't understand what joints are, and how to use them, and that knowledge is critical to getting the most out of Fusion.  If you were using another CAD system, would you be refusing to use mates?  It makes no sense....

Regards,

Ray L.

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

Hi @colinNPU8N,

You should use Joints for this.  I think one thing that trips people up at first is just the name.  "Joint" implies motion in many people's minds.  But, Fusion supports a "Rigid" Joint, which established a rigid connection between components, which in your case seems like what you want.

Here is a screencast showing a design similar to yours, and how to precisely set distances using Joints:

Jeff

[colinNPU8N]

This is exactly what I am saying, I want to constrain the parts as previously mentioned but do not understand joints, hence the OP! I said it confuses me, but the help I got from davebYYPCU got the job done and I'm happy, he didnt get funny about it, he didnt belittle my knowledge in fusion, he helped me, that simple.
Now, it would be appreciated if someone could explain the use of joints to constrain said part, that's all - as per the op.

I quote "Seems like every day someone makes a post saying basically"; maybe it shows that it isn't just me that struggles with joints in fusion when coming from other CAD software?

"Trying to position components without using constraints tells me you simply don't understand what joints are, and how to use them" - it isn't an aversion to using them as you seem to infer. I simply require the part to be positioned (and constrained) in the mentioned position. 

"and that knowledge is critical to getting the most out of Fusion" - Help rather than belittle as previous, it's key to forums.

Dave

[colinNPU8N]

@jeff_strater Thank you so much for the explanation, it has been a great help! I never had the "Alignment" in the joint menu appear due to not understanding and clicking in the correct areas of the assembly. After watching the video it's been a huge help. Thank you 🙂

[Anonymous]

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@colinNPU8N wrote:

I don't want a joint, I don't want anything to move...

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We can only respond to what you write...

Regards,

Ray L.