Removing a 3D PCB from an assembly in case of chnge to another generated PCB file. See ScreenCast

[HarrySatt]

Hi there

I am transferring my PCB designs from EAGLE standalone to FUSION360. I have one design which is also used in an assembly which I want to use further. So I created the 3D PCB  from within FUSION after a transfer of all my related file and had to generate a new 3D PCB connection because the current was not accepted. so I removed the broke the link in the assembly and deleted the 3D PCB. After that I added the newly created 3D PCB. all works fine only I am not able to delete the former 3D PCB file because it thinks it is still referenced by another design but if I click on the version tab in the data panel and choose the Used In tab I read "the item is not referenced in any other design"

If the item is not referenced why is it not possible to delete the item. I do not need it anymore.

[TrippyLighting]

The item is still refereced in an earlier version. That's why you cannot delete it 😉

Unforunaely Fuiosn 360 does not provide any mechanisms to purge old versions.

[HarrySatt]

Thank you for your fast response. but I would like to see something like"Used in" and a refernece if there is a lock. This is what I would like to have so that I can get rid of an unused item. And it is unused and I can not figure out what makes it stop from getting removed.

So. I see the reason but think there is something wrong. Definitely.

Ragards, Harald

@jorge_garcia 

[TrippyLighting]

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@HarrySatt wrote:

Thank you for your fast response. but I would like to see something like"Used in" and a refernece if there is a lock. This is what I would like to have so that I can get rid of an unused item. And it is unused and I can not figure out what makes it stop from getting removed.

So. I see the reason but think there is something wrong. Definitely.

Ragards, Harald

@jorge_garcia 

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The "used in" feature only applies ot the last version unfortunately. Even if it would apply to prior versions, you's still have no way of deleting the reference.

The only workaround is to export the design as a .f3z, which only exports the current version. Re-open the .f3z and save it in the project folder under a different name.

Then you can delete the original.

But obviously that comes with a few dangers.

[HarrySatt]

@jorge_garcia 

Hi

tried this but can not find .f3z extension. Tried with .f3d but that does not make any difference. I had the problem because it was not possible to link the 3D PCB to the imported EAGLE files from the stand alone version.

So I had to break the link in the assembly and remove this unit.

than I added the newly created 3D PCB from the Electronic einviroment. works perfectly but now I am not able to remove the older, automatic created unit including versions. I do not need them anymore.

Regards, Harald

[TrippyLighting]

If there are no linked componets in your current design, then .f3d should work fine. The .f3z file format contains assemblies with linked componets. It is basically a zipped package of all the design files that go into the top assembly desgin.

[HarrySatt]

It does not. For what reason ever.

thanks for response,

regards, harald

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi @HarrySatt ,

This is one of the things that can be annoying about working with cloud data. The constant fear and paranoia that you'll link to an asset that no longer exists and then all heck breaks loose. For this reason true deletion is a delicate thing. 

What I've done and what other Fusion users do is create a project called "Trash" or something similar. Anything you don't need goes to the trash project.

I know it sounds kind of crazy but it does work.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,