Parametric modelling multiple parts

[acondax]

I have one model that was designed with parametric features in mind. For the sake of visualization, let's say it's a special kind of screw. I want to make an assembly that contains multiple instances of this screw, but with different adjustments to some of my parameters. In some cases the length might be x or y and the diameter might be a or b, let's say. 

In all, my goal is to have 4 different screws in an assembly:

- Screw 1 with length x and diameter a

- Screw 2 with length x and diameter b

- Screw 3 with length y and diameter a

- Screw 4 with length y and diameter b

Now, what would be the best practice to achieve this?

a) Should I create 4 copies of this master screw file, make the adjustments to the parameters within each file and save them individually. Then insert them into the assembly? If so, what if I'm still iterating on the design?

b) Can I keep just one master file and insert it into my assembly file? If so, is there a way to adjust my parameters of individual files within an assembly?

It's quite possible that the solution is neither a nor b or even some combination. In terms of what best practices are and what Fusion360 can or can't do, I'm open for suggestions. I'm working on a large project that will require many of the same parts with variations in lengths, so I'd like to avoid designing each from scratch while maintaining some kind of flexibility so that I can make adjustments to the overall design easily.

Thank you for any suggestions and help. I apologize if the explanation was too long. 

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

@acondax - your explanation was very clear.  Thanks for taking the time for that explanation.  What you are describing is what we usually refer to as "configurations".  Today, unfortunately, Fusion does not support configurations.  This is on our roadmap, but it is a ways out, to be honest.  

You can achieve some of this using Derive - start with a base version of the design, Derive this into a new design, and then modify that derived design, with additional features.  For instance, for various lengths, you can make your master design the longest possible version, Derive that into multiple designs, and trim off the excess to get different lengths.  Diameter is harder, unfortunately.  You can do things like Offset Faces in the Derived design to change diameter, but that is a bit more tricky.  Derive maintains the associativity to the master design, is its main advantage.

Other than Derive, then you are limited to Save Copy As and having multiple different versions of the design.  And yes, then updates are very painful, as they have to happen N times.

Sorry not to have a better answer...

[acondax]

Thank you @jeff_strater for the clear explanation. Unfortunately my project is much more complex than a screw so I'll have to go with the copy paste method. It is still better than designing every single part from scratch. I figured I'd ask just in case there was a better solution which I was not aware of.

I appreciate your time and response. Have a great day.

[laughingcreek]

you might find post 4 and 5 of this thread of use.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-design-validate/how-can-i-reuse-a-curve-or-lines-in-multip...

you can vary the approach depending on circumstance.  the attached uses boundary fill to create configurable component.  once you have the first one set up, you can "past new" additional ones and change the parameters.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast/b35f879d-8b88-484c-a3e1-bcc68bc103d8

to be sure, these area all work-arounds.

[TerrySandin]

Has there been any movement on Configurations?

[jeff_strater]

This is currently in preview in the Insider Forum:  https://feedback.autodesk.com/project/article/item.html?cap=326ccb1f9653409c8884c57523f9e054&artid={... 

You can apply to the Insider program here:  Fusion 360 Insider Program 

[TerrySandin]

Hi Jeff, thank you for the quick response! I have created a pretty good work around for configurations utilizing the derived part. All the "configurations" contain the McMaster numbered  fasteners and are easy to insert and position rapidly.

Years ago I had helped with the early on 123D app and intrinsic Inventor plug-ins. I am not a coder by any means, just a whackadoodle maker that was in the right place. I can crash any software, and was pretty good at showing PLM's how I did it!

I tried the link you suggested, it returned "The page you are attempting to access is unavailable.".

Thank you again for your quick response.

Terry