Grounding or joints which is the better method

[terry_fusion]

I've been watching a lot of fusion videos on YouTube.

Learning about other work flows in fusion, and one question I have is the benefit or lack there of between grounding components vs  joints.

My understanding and process when designing is to ground my components upon creation.

And only use joints for those component that need some sort of mobility or active state.

But I've seen some only grounding the base component and then everything else using joints.

For example when I design a large exterior sign,  I simply ground the components because in the end all I'm after are the flat patterned sheet metal parts for me to cnc. 

Please correct me if I'm wrong here, but for what I need from my designs doesn't really require joints?

If so what's the benefit?

[g-andresen · Accepted solution]

Hi,

just take a look at this Tutorial 

günther

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

In my opinion if you do not need positioning between your components and you have no need for an motion, grounding is just fine.

[terry_fusion]

John, thanks.

That goes along with how I felt I was designing my assemblies.

I very seldom need any type of motion in my designs as most of them are literally cemented in the ground IRL.

[terry_fusion]

Thank you that was very informative and I'll make sure to save that video as a reference for when I need those types of relationships.

Appreciate it.

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

I agree with most of this with one important caveat:  Ground does not come along with Insert.  So, if you have a sub-assembly in a different design, and ground stuff there, when you insert, the ground is dropped.  The usual approach I would take is to ground one component in a sub-assembly design, and then use Rigid Group or other joints to fully constrain the sub-assembly, either with or without motion.  The ground is only necessary to "test out" that the sub-assembly is fully jointed (by dragging).  On insert, the ground is dropped, but the rest of the sub-assembly should then move as a single unit.  Add the joint or joint needed to connect to other components, and you are all set.

Some people prefer using an "As-Built Joint to the root origin" as an alternative to Ground in a sub-assembly, since that will come across with Insert.  It's too much trouble for me, but is an option

[terry_fusion]

Also very good and well presented information. 

Thanks !

I'll bookmark this as well.