How would you do it? Align imported McMaster-Carr Parts?

[austinmscott]

I have a simple project that I want to mockup using mostly McMaster Carr parts. Instead of asking a question about how I'm doing it wrong, I'm going to ask how you might tackle this problem.

1. Create new project/file
2. Import any two McMaster carr parts
3. Try to align them to the origin/stack them

I've read so many forum posts about aligning stuff and I think maybe I need a joint to make this work, but it isn't clear to me. I just want to slam some unistrut down on the plane and then stack some other parts on top of it using align.

Maybe it has something to do with the complexity of the components on mcmaster carr having tons of bodies. I just want to move the entire group/component.

[davebYYPCU]

Import the first item, usually the default position and orientation will suit where it lands.  If not realign with the handles.  

Joint it to the File origin, or Pin or Ground it.  In any case the first item should act as anchor for the design.

Import second item, position and orientate as required, then Joint it to the 1st component or file origin.

Might help….

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Upload a sample file with a self-created and imported part and tell us how the parts should be joined together.

File> export > save as f3d on local drive > attach to post

günther