Could really use some pointers in aligning bodies

[keesvanbemmel]

Hi all,

After watching a lot of tutorials by @lars_christensen, reading forum posts and other Google results. I still need some pointers in achieving what I want te right way. Let's start with stating I'm a total beginner with Fusion but would like to learn.

I'm trying to print/build an awesome Daft Punk helmet (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:338831) which consists of a lot of parts. I mirrored a few, because the STLs only are for the left side.

Now I got to thinking: my 3d printer (Snapmaker 2.0 a350) is not the smallest, so why not try to combine some SLTs into one and print that. Enter my quest 🙂

Basically I want to combine all STLs in a Fusion project and print larger parts than the small ones I have now. I'm looking into aligning objects, but can't really seem to do this without spending hours for 1 alignment. I KNOW you guys know how to do this easier.

I imported three meshes (attached to this post) and trying to line them up correctly. When I convert the meshes to BRep they consist of a lot of points, making it hard to align by curved lines or even by the holes on the bottom part of the parts (these holes are there to be able to ziptie the parts together).

To give you an idea of these three parts:

 They are the parts that make up the top and back of the helmet.

Any aligning tips are greatly appreciated!

For some reason, I can't attach the STL files due to: 

The attachment's thomas_helmet-dome-back-top-v1.5_mirrored_right.stl content type (application/octet-stream) does not match its file extension and has been removed.

This is a link to the three files: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16UtQ4SSYarnzu4PfsjhgRNUKCeBE3_5h?usp=sharing

Thanks!

Kees.

[jodom4]

Hey keesvanbemmel,

This forum is for discussions about Fusion 360's collaboration tools. I'm moving this post to the Design Document Validate forum where you'll be more likely to get some help.

-Jonathan

[davebYYPCU]

Centre of a boss with centre if it’s mate.

Might help...

[keesvanbemmel]

I don't think I understand 😔

The circles that are there for ziptie-ing the parts together are circles made up of lines, I don't know how to pinpoint the exact middle of that.

Besides I don't think those ziptie holes are actually lining up...

[davebYYPCU]

Huh? 

Sorry I thought you had added them for alignment.

then it’s top corners of the pie shapes, and concentric for the arcs.

Not quicker to use STL!!!

Might help...

[laughingcreek]

Just going to say it.  fusion is crap at doing anything with mesh files.  there are some things you can (sorta) do, and occasionally you get lucky and things work out well.  but mostly it's a frustrating experience.

Also, if your new to fusion, then messing with mesh files is the worst possible place to try and start learning.  there are so many factors and work arounds that require a good working knowledge to get through.

mesh mixer is probably a better application for this. (and also a program you should get to know if you have a home printer)

unless you want to model it from scratch, just using the meshes as a reference.(the only guarantied workflow)  

[davebYYPCU]

Yep one sketch, 2 revolves, let’s print.

[laughingcreek]

can you post your fusion model (file-export as .f3d) where you' ve already imported the stl's?

[keesvanbemmel]

sure, I'll do that tomorrow morning!

[keesvanbemmel]

Here's the f3d file of the imported meshes @laughingcreek 

[keesvanbemmel]

Any thoughts on that file @laughingcreek 

[laughingcreek]

took a look at the file you posted.  I positioned the parts by eye just to see what's going on.   when this was cut up into pieces for printing, the edges where beveled/undercut.  probably to facilitate making a tight visual outside joint.  that's going to add to your woes of wanting to directly add this all together and cut up into larger pieces.  makes re-combining a little more difficult also.

the go to solution for dealing with stl's in a meaning full way is to use them as a visual reference and recreate in fusion.  that gives you the most flexibility in part creation editing.  looking at the pics of the helmet, and the stl files you provided, this wouldn't be particularly  difficult.

(if you could get step files from the creator, that would be amazing.)

attached is the file with the meshes moved into position so you can see what I mean, and a pic-

[keesvanbemmel]

That is great help @laughingcreek thank you so much!

I'll try to recreate it by hand. 

Would it be too much to ask you if you could make a short screen recording on how you positioned this by hand? I'd love to learn how you did this...

Regards,

Kees.