Manual Nesting of Components

[paul.hermans]

I need to make about 8 identical parts. Not a problem to model the part, but a major headache to understand how to use Fusion360 to layout multiple of the same part.

1) Created component

2) Created Component Group for CAM Layout

3) Copied original component

4) Pasted copy into Component Group

5) Move to desired location

Step 5 is the problem. I can manually do all the math to figure out spacing, but that seems stupid in a CAD environment.  What I want is 1/4 inch space between the parts.....easy for the first two pieces but when I have to place the 3rd it isn't so easy.....or at least I don't know how to do it easily.  I've attached a screen shot and you will see the issue.....how do I get Fusion360 to space it out....no idea. 

The measure tool is useless as it only measures perpendicular distances when the lines overlap......seems silly too.

Assembly joints are confusing and not sure I need them, but if so please help me understand that too.

Thanks

[davebYYPCU]

In stead of pasting use pattern, 

totally dependant on shape and material boundaries, 

but it will take the guesswork out of it.

Might help...

[TheCADWhisperer]

File>Export and then Attach your *.f3d file here and end all doubt.

[paul.hermans]

Attached is the actual file if it helps.

[paul.hermans]

Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at that, but the primary issue is that it still forces me to do the math manually.  So still looking for a better answer.

[paul.hermans · Accepted solution]

For now, I ended up using a combination of the Model->Modify->Align to align faces, then the move command to "offset" by 1/4 inch.

Works reasonably quickly.  The final "issue" is making sure the pieces I've placed fit into my CNC's area of 18"x24" 

[TheCADWhisperer]

Q1.  Are you interested in learning how to do this correctly?  (You are doing wayyy too much work.)

[paul.hermans]

A1: Yes, I do want to learn, that is why I asked 🙂 

I feel like it was way to much work....but it did work.

So far most things in Fusion360 seem to be difficult.....which means I probably don't understand it very well. Components, Bodies, Assemblies etc....hard to find clear explanations about what the differences really are and why I would care. As you can see from my example, I am making simple stuff, so it really shouldn't be so hard but I find the software to be pretty un-intuitive to work with.  And learning amount to watching many conflicting videos with little explanation about why anything is done and lots of talk about how to click a few buttons.   Not helpful.

[Anonymous]

Obviously.  That's why he asked the question, and why I'm here looking for the answer to the same question.

Please.  Do tell...

[lichtzeichenanlage]

I can't help on the CAM part, but I tried to align the paddle by using the pattern feature. It worked, but it slowed down my 5+ years old notebook dramatically. This could be done better by removing fillets and pattern from the sketches and using features instead. This makes the design not only faster but also more reliable. If I know pattern the 3 paddles my computer is not even sweating 😉

Another good advise is to include the origin in your sketches and to constrain your sketches.