Modelling enclosure with components

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm trying to design a 3D printed enclosure for a few electronic components (a little handheld have console, like a Gameboy). I initially thought I might do everything as sketches but that got really messy and complicated. I then thought about making a sketch with all the parts that have to fit inside the enclosure and turn each into a body and then a component. This allows me to arrange them in 3D space fairly easily. I'm not sure how to proceed from there though.

A couple of questions:

- am on I the right track? An I doing things fundamentally wrong?

- what's the recommended way for arranging the components accurately? I can position them by eye but that's not good enough of course. Should I create a sketch and somehow snap/constrain the components to it? Should I use joints? (There are no moving parts)

- once I have everything positioned how should i go about creating the enclosure? Project the components to a new sketch and go from there?

Thank you, 

Vassilis

[etfrench]

The best way would be to find 3d models or 2d drawings of the individual components.  On the Insert menu select the 'Insert a manufacturer part'.  If you're lucky, you may find the component.  Grabcad, Thingiverse, and Youmagine are other places to find models.  You may also be able to export components from Eagle, Kicad, or other pcb program. Eagle and Kicad can also export a dxf of the layout. If you can't find a model, then create a simple one that is just the outline of the component with height and mounting holes.

For the enclosure:

Start with a sketch at the bottom of the enclosure.

Place the components above the sketch.

Project their outlines and mounting holes to the sketch.

Use the offset tool to create posts for the mounts.

Extrude the enclosure including the posts.

Here's one I printed:

If you need an acrylic window in the lid and you're using ABS, you can insert it during the printing.  When the next layer is printed, it will glue the acrylic to the ABS.

[Anonymous]

Hello etfrench, thanks for replying!

The components themselves aren't a problem, I already have them modelled.

How did you position the components in your design? Was it done by eye, or were there any constraints of any kind?

In my case for example I'd like some components (buttons) to be horizontally aligned with another (the screen) while also top flush with each other. 

[etfrench]

I usually use Direct Modeling mode instead of Timeline as it's more forgiving when moving/changing components. The biggest difference between the two modes is changing a sketch in DM doesn't change a component previously modeled.  I use dimensions in the sketches where they're needed, for instance if I want 4mm clearance between components.  If you're laying out a grid of buttons, then it's best to model one, then use a pattern to create the rest.  This keeps them on the same plane.  I use either the Align tool or Move|Point to Point to precisely position components.

[Beyondforce]

Hi @Anonymous,

Welcome to Fusion 360.

The are few basic rules you should know before starting with Fusion 360:

1. RULE #1, is extremely important. Read & understand it before you start!

2. Simplify the sketch. It's better for Fusion 360 performance to have several sketches than one gain sketch file.

3. Avoid patterning sketches (unless it's necessary). Pattern features (Filets, Holes etc...) instead (better for performance).

4. When creating an assembly, you create the parts in-place. Meaning, you create each part where it needs to be!

5. You don't need to wait with the joints till the end. Join the part along the way.

6. If you get stuck, please use screencast in your posts. It will help us to understand your problem.

God luck.

Cheers / Ben
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[TrippyLighting]

I'll be darned its that's not a Teensy in your design!

Very nicely executed BTW!

[etfrench]

There are better models for the Teensy on Grabcad now, but the one I used was adequate for designing the enclosure.  The biggest problem designing an enclosure is allowing enough room to run the wires and to be able to connect and disconnect them.  I also didn't leave quite enough room to connect an inline mini USB cable for programming the Teensy, so I had to buy a right angle one.