is there anyway to create a library of sketches that can be selected and added to a model like a grocery list?

[agcglass]

Hello all,

i am new to fusion and to CNC. We are a commercial glass company that bought a CNC to do our own hardware preps. I have been trying to figure out how or if it is possible to create a file in Excel or possibly in fusion that is a list of part numbers for door hardware. The part numbers would have a sketch tied to them so that when selected they could be imported or turned on/off on a door blank in fusion. The other trick to this is the door heights and widths change per job but the location on the door would need to remain the same. I am at a complete loss and am beginning to think it isn't possible. 

https://a360.co/3rvOmUq

[g-andresen]

Hi,

I think you should take a look at the configurations released a few days ago.

günther

[agcglass]

Where would I find the configurations? I did just get an update message for Fusion that i am currently doing. 

[g-andresen]

Hi,

1.

 

2. Before you start working with configurations, you should urgently familiarize yourself with the creation of fully defined sketches.
None of your sketches is even close to being defined.
Dimensions alone are not enough.
3. It is equally important to give structure to the design by defining assemblies. These assemblies then contain all the sketches required for the bodies extruded from them, with their features such as holes, cutouts, fillets, and so on.

günther

[jhackney1972]

You can also create one file containing any number of sketches located as needed in relation to the model origin and save it to a common folder.   When you need one of the sketches, you can simply Derive the model file into your current model and during the Derive process select the sketch you need for the particular job.  You have the ability to have the sketch controlled by the original model or Break Link and edit it independently in the new file is needed.

If this process interests you and you need further information, please ask.  By the way, just to be sure you know, Configurations require a Fusion 360 Subscription license and a Team storage location for your files.

[agcglass]

@g-andresen 

I really appreciate the advice. I am working on doing as you said but cannot for the life of me figure out how to fully constrain my sketch as I have watched in several videos. I have tried drawing it several times and come up with the same answer. What am I doing wrong that fusion doesn't like? 

https://a360.co/3tgtcKr

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

A sketch must be related to the model origin is some way, either by sketch constraints or by dimensions.  The video used a Coincident Constraint to attach my choice of one corner to the origin.  You can use any point of your sketch you desire.  Otherwise, you have a fully defined sketch.

By the way, did you entertain my suggestion about using a Derived sketch library?

[agcglass]

@jhackney1972 

Thank you sir for clearing that up. I thought it was fully defined because I could pick any line and move the sketch and all geometry would stay intact.

I have thought your suggestion, I am trying to figure out the best way to go about all this. I am building a library of hardware preps for our new door machine. The hardware library will contain all hinge types, exit devices, overhead stops, push/pulls, electrified hardware, ect. With that being said I have to use logic to place all the hardware in the correct positions on the slabs that are forever changing in width and height. I am not sure if it would be better to create folders labeled as hinge, exit device, push/pull,,,, and then create sub folder for all the manufactures or not. But I also run into the problem of when some hardware (exit device) is used in conjunction with a removable mullion the exit device will have to push of the stile centerline by 1" or 1/2" depending on the particular removable mullion. 

This is why i was trying to figure out how to build something in fusion like an excel sheet that I can search part numbers and have a function to turn on or off the sketch/extrude with a parameter operator. In my first post you can open the the parameter window and see the few I have built to run the door design so far. 

[jhackney1972]

There is another method that may interest you.  You can create your components and save them with "pre-built" cutting sketch incorporated in them.  For example, a butt hinge can be placed on a door using an assembly joint, then an included sketch can be used to cut the hinge pocket in the door.  This method saves the step of having to create the notching sketch every time.  There are so many ways to do what you are desiring, the one, or combination, you choose have to suit your style.