I would like to use one component to make an impression of the other, cut, but combine won't allow me to select the tool

[mascenzi80]

Very new self-taught user of F360.

I have two components that I have downloaded. The first component was a f3d file that I modified for my purposes. The second file I imported into Fusion 360 was a .igs file. 

The first component, for my purposes, is a large rectangular block. I want to take the 2nd component, the igs file, and combine it with the first component, so there is an impression of the 2nd component within the first. I'm making an impression so that I can create a holder for this part. 

Now, the part I imported, the igs file. I imported the part into the same file as the block component break the link, and attempt to combine the parts. The block being the target and the part being the tool. F360 would not allow me to select the part as the tool. 

The part is hollow, so I thought maybe I should fill it in. So I chose the surface tab, selected stitch, and combined all the bodies into a single body/component, not sure. I then used the extruder to close up the interior of the part. When I attempted to combine, I hit the same issue. I could not select the part as the tool. 

I'm assuming it has to do with the fact I'm working with an igs file. Any suggestions?

[g-andresen]

Hi,

In Fusion you always work with f3d files.
IGS files are converted to f3d during upload.
When importing a design  from the datapanel into an active (and saved) design, it is marked as a linked component (chain symbol) and cannot be edited.
Workaround : Right click > Break Link.

günther

[mascenzi80]

I was unaware that during the import an igs would be converted to f3d. Thinking about it, this makes a lot of sense.

However, I left it out but yes I in fact also break the link. I'm still unable to use the combine feature.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

1. Please share the file without linked components.

2. Which elements should be combined (Join or Cut ?)?

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

günther

[wersy]

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@mascenzi80  schrieb:

However, I left it out but yes I in fact also break the link. I'm still unable to use the combine feature.

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If it is an IGES file, and it is not stitch, it is not a solid.
Only solids can be combined.

[mascenzi80]

As soon as I get home. I will send out the file.

[mascenzi80]

are you indicating that if the original file, iges, wasn't already stitched it won't work? or are you saying that I will have to stitch it for it to work? I'm guessing your alluding to the former, as even after I have attempted to stitch the component it still doesn't allow me to use the combine tool.

[wersy]

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@mascenzi80  schrieb:
are you indicating that if the original file, iges, wasn't already stitched it won't work? or are you saying that I will have to stitch it for it to work? I'm guessing your alluding to the former, as even after I have attempted to stitch the component it still doesn't allow me to use the combine tool.

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You have to find out.
If you make a section view you will see if it is a solid.
If not, just try to stitch it.

[mascenzi80]

Ok, here is an update on the situation. I talked to a friend at work, machinal engineer, who uses autocad all day.  He pulled down the file and checked it out. He said it was in fact a solid. He saved it for me as a step file. I got home a little bit ago and imported the new component. Dragged and dropped the component on to my working sheet with the target object. Placed it within the target object and attempted to combine. It worked with no issues. Selected the target, the tool, and set it to cut and it worked. 

However, my next step was to pattern the tool in which I selected 2 axis, the number of tools at each axis and the spacing. I selected them all and moved them into position. I can no longer select them as the tool. Do I have to do it one at a time. I would have thought I could move the pattern and use combine as I did with the single tool. 

Ive attached the step file for the magazine and also included the target object and patterned component for you to look at. 

Thank you for your time and help with this. 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

You should not use the Move command to position the components in the tray, use a Joint as it is more predictable.  A Combine Cut on all the components to the tray work fine but what is the purpose of this.  You will not be able to remove the components from the cavity in real life.  Model is attached.

By the way,  I want to bring something to your attention. When responding to a post from someone, do not use the "Post Reply" icon as this will address your post to yourself. Instead use the "Reply" icon on the post you are responding to address your post to that person. Look back at the messages in this post and you will see what I mean.

[mascenzi80]

Ok, this looks good to me.

However, I now realize that I need to modify the original magazine. While the impression is now there, if I printed as is it would do me no good. So I need to Fill in the magazine so that there is no empty space. I will also need to extend the points on each side so that it acts as a point to insert into the impression. I could do this on each of the cut outs, but its better that I modify the magazine and redo the process of creating the impressions. 

With that said, I have no idea what you did to accomplish the impression that you made. Could you A) give me direction as to how to properly use the joint operation. or B) provide me a link to a relevant posting that could help me in understanding what you did. 

I looked at the timeline, but there doesn't appear to be any information I can extract from it. When I click on position 3 it doesn't show anything. 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

The best resource for an explanation of the Combine command is the Fusion 360 help.  I created the video you show what I did.