origins, moving and/or replacing; imported objects re-grouping

[mbostonsprint]

I have needs to import arrays of objects as output from other design programs. It is often the case that the origin established for these arrays is less than useful as imported. These collections come in as .stp files.

How can I:

-"explode" the object arrays and regroup them as needed?

- change the default origin orientation of an imported group?

- change the origin location or orientation on an assembly designed as a native Fusion 360 model?

[Phil.E]

Hi @mbostonsprint, thanks for posting.

I'll try to answer these point by point:

"How can I:

-"explode" the object arrays and regroup them as needed?

They should just be components floating in space. They are free to move upon import to Fusion 360. Can you describe more fully what challenges you are having in this regard?

- change the default origin orientation of an imported group?

There are two ways. Either change the origin orientation when exporting from the other software, or move the components inside your Fusion design. The reason for this is that the origin in Fusion is fixed. So if the objects need to rotate 90º, you should start the Move command, pick Components as your filter, and move the components. If you are in a design with Timeline, you will need to accept the Capture Position after moving them.

- change the origin location or orientation on an assembly designed as a native Fusion 360 model?"

Again, the origin is fixed, and the assembly is free to move relative to it. Please let me know if you need help with this.

Thanks,

[mbostonsprint]

Thanks for the response. "The origin is fixed" is what I wanted to know; that tells me that I have to do the LONG way around.;-) My questions were simply to explore whether there are faster options for moving a bunch of stuff around another bunch of stuff without needing to treat each part through individual selection, either in the design field or in the browser list.

The "explode" reference was based on some initial work with an imported group which I then imported into a larger design. I ran into a situation where I thought this would be useful, where I was trying to make a rigid group from a subset of the imported group. As I recall, I was unsuccessful figuring out how to do what I wanted to do. I left it for later, so I'm sure I've only deferred a problem to the future.

[Phil.E]

@mbostonsprint

Hang on, not so fast! 🙂 I think we can improve your experience.

When you say "LONG" way around, what challenges are you having? I say this because currently you can filter for Components and group select in canvas using the Select filters, (or just group select in the browser - no filter required). After that the Move command should quickly let you rotate these things around a known point. You can also reset the point of pivot.

As far as the "explode" question, please just let us know and we'll help out when you are ready.

Thanks,