How to move an object relative to another object or by absolute position

[ptr727]

Hi, I'm new to Fusion 360, and trying my hand at designing some garage shalves.

How do I move a body or component, relative to another object, or relative to the origin?

I can only get the object to move relative to its current position, or to a different point.

The measure feature appears to just fills the distance based on a measurement.

I could not find any help or KB or vdeos that describe move in more details.

E.g.

- A way to edit the body/component properties, and directly modify the absolute x/y/z values for a point on the body, and have the rest of the body follow.

- A way to select two edges and enter the desired distance between the two edges and have one of the bodies move to satisfy that distance.

- A way to reset the origin to a relative or absolute value, or a point on the design.

Thank you

[innovatenate]

If you are using the Modify > Move command, you can use the Set Pivot command to move bodies, components and sketches.

Check out this quick screencast that shows how to do this.

http://autode.sk/1j3UNW6

If the movement is between components, you can use Assembly Joints. There's a quick primer video on assembly joints on youtube below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goEKnRpIZVk&list=PLmA_xUT-8UlJpYbha60oAQMxFlBY371oZ&index=13

This video is part of the Fusion 360 Training Video series.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmA_xUT-8UlJpYbha60oAQMxFlBY371oZ

I hope these suggestions help to answer your questions. Please let me know if you have more questions.

Thanks,

[ptr727]

Ok, I get the pivot option, thanks.

Is there a way to move to absolute coordinates?

Is there a way to move / reset the origin?

[innovatenate]

To move by absolute coordinate, you could set the pivot point to the origin.

I don't totally understand exactly what is meant by reset the origin. The bodies are defined by the origin/coordinate system. The origin/coordinate system is the Datum by which geometry is defined. You move bodies, not the origin. The origin is the anchor, or glue holding everything together! If you want to "move the origin" you would just move a body or component  the opposite direction to achieve the same results. 

Each component has its own coordinate system and origin to define the bodies or other components existing within it. Component's coordinate system can be programed to move relative to one another using assembly joints.

I hope this answers your question, let me know if it does not. I'm happy to try harder! 

Thanks!

[ptr727]

Ok, for absolute, use orign as pivot.

What I meant for moving the origin is to make a different point the 0,0,0 origin, so the objects remain as is, just the origin moved.

[innovatenate · Accepted solution]

Okay I think I understand now, thank you.

There's now way to reset another point to be the origin. The origin is the foundation that everything is built on top of so it doesn't change. However, I do have a suggestion that may help. You can use the Point to Point feature inside of the Move command to move the bodies so that they would be position relative to the origin, except to a new point. Check out the below Screencast and let me know if it helps or if you have questions.

http://autode.sk/1LUW0Kv

Thanks,